April 9, 2025  – In a big step forward for Pennsylvanians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Pennsylvania has reduced the state’s emergency waiting list for home- and community-based services (HCBS) by nearly 20%. The progress comes during the first year of a multi-year growth strategy aimed at expanding access to essential supports for adults aged 21 and older with intellectual disabilities or autism.

As of December 31, 2024, the number of adults on the emergency waiting list dropped to 3,703, down from 4,592 in February 2024. These individuals are considered to have immediate or near-term needs for services. Alongside the reduction, more than 3,000 new participants have been enrolled in home- and community-based services. For the first time in the state’s history, over 40,000 people are now receiving IDD services through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course. People with intellectual disabilities and autism are no exception, but to do that, they need access to the right services at the right time so they can live healthy, independent lives,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “With historic investments in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget and a robust multi-year growth strategy, Pennsylvania has moved the needle in the right direction, making critical investments and fighting for a better future for the ID/A community. We still have work to do, and that is why continued funding for ID/A services and its workforce are critical to the future health of this community.” 

The 2024–25 bipartisan state budget allocated $354.8 million in combined state and federal funding to support this effort. Of that amount, $280 million was designated to increase wages for direct support professionals (DSPs), who play a key role in care delivery. An additional $74.8 million was committed to reducing the emergency waiting list. Since July 2024, 1,300 individuals have newly begun receiving services under this initiative.

The Arc of Indiana County, part of the broader Arc network, has been a key local advocate. “Our mission is to ensure that every individual has access to the resources and support needed to thrive,” said Michelle L. Jordan, Executive Director of The Arc of Indiana County. “Through our advocacy and community engagement with our local, state, and federal partners, we are dedicated to influencing policies that enhance and empower the lives of people with disabilities and focusing community attention on current legislative priorities like decreasing the waiting list, increasing DSP wage rates, and supporting our Department of Education and Medicaid.”

Historically, Pennsylvania’s IDD services were limited by a slot-based model, often leading to long delays in access even for individuals with urgent needs. The state is now shifting to a budget-based capacity model, which allows counties greater flexibility to respond to local demand. This model aims to improve efficiency and responsiveness, positioning the state as a national leader in reducing waiting lists for IDD services.

The administration remains committed to building on this progress. Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget proposal includes further support for the IDD community, reflecting a long-term vision to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to live an inclusive and independent life.