This is for all of my fellow Arizonians :). There are rumors that they are considering further cutting back on services and funds at the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)/ The Early Intervention Program (EI). The news of this saddens and infuriates me all at once. Many families cannot afford the therapies their children need without DDD coverage. This doesn't just effect families of children with a disability. This effects us all. Studies have shown that early intervention saves enormous amounts of money in the long run. Our children need help when they are most vulnerable and developing the fastest. Please take a minute to write a letter to our legislators, send an e-mail, or make a phone call. Let your voice be heard... our children are not numbers, they are people, and they are our future!
Here is the information I received on this matter:
Attention Parents, Consumers and Providers
As you may be aware, the Arizona Legislature is trying to establish a new budget. Unfortunately they are considering cutting the Division of Developmental Disabilities services. They are actually considering stopping all respite, habilitation and attendant care services. Senator John Nelson’s office on October 22nd informed agencies that the only way to save the program is to get as many people to email, write letters and call their Legislators to let them know that they will not get your vote if they cut the budget to the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
We all need your help! Every person makes a difference. Please email, write or call as many Legislators as possible. They are keeping count of how many responses they get. These people desperately need your help. I am asking everyone I know to please forward this request to everyone they know and ask them to keep passing it on. Each one matters.
Below are the addresses, phone numbers and emails of the state legislators in both the senate and the house. If you don’t know your district, you can call or go online to http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster to find your specific representative. You can notify anyone on the list, even if you are not in their district. They all represent Arizona.
