People with disabilities in Southern Illinois are facing a budget cut that could make it harder for them to find quality care while maintaining their independence in their homes, that’s according to WSIL TV:
State budget cuts may soon be taking a toll on a program that many disabled people rely on.
Officials at the Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living (SICIL) say they recently learned about the cuts, but are hoping they can change lawmakers’ minds.
The proposed decrease in funding would eliminate the center’s Personal Assistant Screening, Training and Referral Program.
That program provides people who need help with a list of assistants who have passed a background check.
Gary Phelps from SICIL says this is important to those who need the help, “To be assured that the individual that’s coming into their home is going to care for them, not steal from them, treat them in a humane and healthy and safe way… It’s priceless.”
A disabled couple living in Carbondale fears the elimination of the program would ultimately mean they would be unable to find a competent personal assistant, and forced to live in a nursing home.
The cuts are scheduled to take effect October first.
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Nicholas Volling says:
I pray to God that Pat Quinn appeals his decision to discontinue the home services program. It will affect so many people that I know, and many people that I do not know. This whole thing makes me sick to my stomach. The home services program i such a wonderful thing, and I just really hope that Pat Quinn makes the right decision.