What is the Have A Heart Coalition?

In it's 2011 budget, the Rhode Island General Assembly cut $24 million to the programs that aid Rhode Islanders with developmental disabilities like autism and Down Syndrome. These cuts have caused drastic reductions in services for our most vulnerable citizens. The Have A Heart Coalition is a group that is dedicated to restoring this funding for Rhode Island's developmentally disabled community. The coalition consists of developmentally disabled residents, their families and caregivers, as well as political, labor, community and religious leaders.

The Facts

  1. Over 3,800 adults in Rhode Island are living with a developmental disability
  2. Most are supported through non-profit human service agencies who provide an array of services
  3. Residential arrangements include group homes, supported living arrangements and family supports
  4. Therapy supports include physical, occupational, crisis intervention, mental health and consultation
  5. Work and vocational training and supports include assessments, job coaching and training, job exploration, travel and transportation training, life skills training and management, transition to independent employment, and resources for employers
  6. People with disabilities have the highest unemployment rate of any other minority group in Rhode Island.

Why The General Assembly Must Restore The Funding

  1. These funding cuts have forced cuts in direct care staff and programs that help developmentally disabled residents lead lives of respect and dignity
  2. The service agencies that care for RI's developmentally disabled have been forced into taking drastic measures, including staff layoffs, reductions in day and other programs, slashed transportation services and closure of facilities
  3. Since 2008, funding for services has been cut each year, for a total of $37 million in cuts, or an 18% reduction
  4. 3% of the RI state budget is dedicated for services for those with developmental disabilities, yet 12% of the total RI state budget cuts have been targeted to services for those with developmental disabilities
  5. In fiscal year 2009, total RI Medicaid spending was $1.89 billion. Of that, just $230 million was allocated to services for those with developmental disabilities
  6. The average cost of support for people with developmental disabilities has decreased by 46% despite the increased cost of doing business
  7. These cuts have contributed to the decrease in opportunities for both supported or independent employment to citizens with disabilities
  8. The most vulnerable people among us–and their dedicated caregivers–deserve better