The Autism Society of Maryland is deeply concerned about the Maryland state budget proposal announced by Governor Wes Moore earlier this week. This statement includes $200 million in cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration that the Autism community, especially adults with Autism, rely on. These cuts will undermine efforts to whittle down long waiting lists for services for people with Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, further adding to the strain on them and their caregivers. It also risks stalling efforts to address the crisis in hiring and retaining direct support professionals that individuals with Autism need to live independent and dignified lives. The measure of any society is how well it treats the most vulnerable in our midst. For too long, Maryland has fallen short in meeting the needs of the intellectual and development disability community. Now is not the time to go back. We call on the legislature to reverse these cuts and stay the course to sustaining services.
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