The Need for Support for People with Developmental Disabilities

Resources

The U.S. Census Bureau ranks Colorado 8th in the nation for income per capita, but 48th for fiscal effort in funding services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. TABOR laws have further reduced funding availability. Locally within the past ten years, voters have passed overrides of TABOR laws for transportation and education, but specifically have denied increases in tax dollars to support people with developmental disabilities.

Today, caseload numbers have increased beyond what is funded by the State. While TRE is able to serve and support 1,855 people, nearly 1,500 are waiting for funds to get the services they need. Due to medical advances, the average life span for a person with developmental disabilities has increased from 19 in 1936, to 66 today, adding a new layer of care specific for elderly persons with developmental disabilities. Elderly parents are caring for their aging children with developmental disabilities, creating increased needs for both generations. Additional funds from the State and other sources are required to meaningfully address these needs.

Educating our Community

Coloradans with developmental disabilities deserve access to basic societal benefits, including work suitable to their abilities and aspirations, recreation and social opportunities, and the right to choose the lifestyle that is best for them. These are often overlooked issues, and educating the community about persons with developmental disabilities is crucial. Since Colorado prides itself in equality for all persons, it needs to understand that people with developmental disabilities deserve the same benefits as other citizens, but they often are dependent on others to advocate for their needs.

Our Community Obligation

A fiscally conservative state, Colorado nonetheless must invest in the support of its citizens with developmental disabilities. The number of people un- or under-funded by the State and waiting for services from TRE has grown to approximately 1,000. Across Colorado, there are thousands more who need services but cannot access them because of lack of funding.