Shapiro Administration's Strategic Investments in ID/A Community Lead to Highest Number of Pennsylvanians Ever Served in Home, Community-Based Services and Make Assistive[...]

The Shapiro Administration's multi-year growth strategy has resulted in more than 42,000 Pennsylvanians with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) - the highest number ever - receiving services in their home or community.

Governor Shapiro's continued investments have led to a 31 percent reduction in the ID/A adult emergency waiting list for services.

McMurray, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh today toured Arc Human Services' Smart Home Lab to see the innovative supports and new technology supported by the Shapiro Administration's investments in services for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) that are helping adults with ID/A learn, explore, and understand by using assistive technology to support personal choice, agency, and more independent living on their own terms.

Because of investments made under Governor Josh Shapiro, more than 42,000 Pennsylvanians with ID/A now receive services in their home and community - the highest number in the history of Pennsylvania's home and community-based services programs. For providers like Arc Human Services, these investments allow them to serve more Pennsylvanians with ID/A and expand the kind of support available, allowing them to use innovations like what is featured at the Smart Home Lab to support their personal wellbeing and ability to live independently.

"PA DHS works every day to create more inclusive, accessible, and opportunity-driven communities for Pennsylvanians to live an Everyday Life in their own home and in the community of their choosing. Arc Human Services' Smart Home Lab is one innovative way the investments the Shapiro Administration is making can help make community living possible," said Secretary Arkoosh. "Pennsylvania has made incredible strides over the last three years in improving the lives of those with ID/A, as demonstrated by these innovations in service provision and independence, and we intend to keep this momentum going to serve even more Pennsylvanians."

This historic progress is made possible by targeted investments made by Governor Josh Shapiro, including an historic investment secured in the 2024-25 budget that increased the rates paid to the direct support professional (DSP) workforce who serve the ID/A community and make it possible for Pennsylvanians with ID/A to live in the communities of their choosing. Additionally, under Governor Shapiro, county-based ID/A programs are now able to allocate services based on their overall budget instead of person-based slots. This new flexibility and continued funding to sustain these new investments is driving innovation and helping get more people the services they need, when they are needed.

Arc Human Services' Smart Home also shares the goal of helping Pennsylvanians with ID/A live with independence in their communities. The Smart Home is a "Living Learning Lab" inside a typical ranch-style house where individuals can receive personalized assessments and coaching from trained assistive technology professionals to learn about mainstream and specialized technologies - everything from smart appliances and bio sensors to medication dispensers and apps that assist with tasks of daily living. Through these trainings and first-hand exposure, Pennsylvanians with ID/A, their DSPs, and their families can learn how to use these tools and incorporate them into their daily lives. The Smart Home focuses on creating opportunities for people to live their lives their way, supported by technology that fits their individual needs. It is a place where they can learn at their own pace, free from pressure, judgment, or stigma.

"Thanks to the efforts of Governor Shapiro, more people with intellectual disabilities are able to live, work, worship and engage fully in their communities with greater independence," said Edward Picchiarini, Chief Executive Officer of Arc Human Services.

After setting a goal of ending the adult emergency waiting list for services, Governor Shapiro's continued investments in the 2025-26 state budget have led to a 31 percent reduction in the ID/A adult emergency waiting list for services. In fact, three counties -- Forest, Lawrence, and Warren - have eliminated their emergency waiting lists altogether.

To continue this progress, Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 proposed budget invests $30 million in state funding and $36.2 million in federal funding to expand home and community-based program capacity for adults with ID/A. The additional funds will help enroll up to 1,625 new individuals in home and community-based Medicaid waiver services.

Expanding Opportunity for all Pennsylvanians with Disabilities

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has met directly with families, advocates, and service providers across Pennsylvania to understand the challenges facing the ID/A community. Through historic investments, innovative partnerships, and close collaboration with the disability community, Pennsylvania is moving in the right direction.

The Governor's commitment extends beyond ID/A services to broader initiatives to ensure Pennsylvanians with disabilities are represented, supported, and protected in the Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro recently signed three executive orders further solidifying his commitment to this community. The Executive Orders include:

• Protecting the Rights, Dignity, and Privacy of People with Disabilities: reaffirms the Commonwealth's longstanding nondiscrimination commitment and ensures data collection by Commonwealth agencies is limited to the minimum data necessary and proper processes are followed. This order will ensure data collection by Commonwealth agencies is limited to the minimum data necessary and proper processes are followed by Commonwealth agencies, including collection in health care, research, and compliance in the law.

• Creating the Governor's Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities: commissioners will recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members across Pennsylvania.

• Updating the Developmental Disabilities Council: the Council will continue to advise the Governor on all matters affecting individuals with developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania, and advocate for improved independence, productivity, and community inclusion. The Council will continue to develop and implement a statewide plan and advocate for systemic change across the Commonwealth.

Learn more about Governor Shapiro's Executive Orders on disabilities and autism.

Learn more about Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 Budget proposal.