FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Urging Texas Legislature to Support Community-based IDD Services

AUSTIN, TX – Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is proud to announce that Houston-based Avondale House has joined the coalition, further strengthening the statewide movement urging the Texas Legislature to support community-based services for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

For decades, direct support professionals (DSPs) who serve Texans with IDD have been chronically underfunded, with an hourly reimbursement rate set by the Texas Legislature of just $10.60. At a time when inflation is soaring and the cost of living continues to rise, the compassionate men and women who care for vulnerable Texans are struggling to make ends meet. As a result, community-based service providers are facing unsustainable staff vacancy rates and closures, undermining their ability to provide quality care for the most vulnerable Texans.

“Avondale House is proud to officially join the Time to Care Texas Coalition in our shared mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD),” Avondale House CEO Steve Vetrano said. “As the only organization in Greater Houston serving individuals with moderate to severe autism across their lifespan, we understand the critical need for competitive wages for direct support professionals (DSPs). The current state funding is insufficient, and without immediate action from our Legislature, the entire system is at risk of collapsing. Together with our coalition partners, we are committed to ensuring that Texans with IDD and those who support them receive the resources they need to thrive. It’s time for change, and we stand united in this effort.”

Since March 2024, the coalition has urged state leaders to authorize an emergency appropriations request through the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to raise the salary for DSPs from $10.60 to at least $15 an hour. While emergency funding can help address the immediate workforce crisis facing DSPs, there is more work to be done to ensure Texans with IDD are not left behind.

Coalition spokesperson Carole Smith expressed profound gratitude for Avondale House’s partnership, stating: “We’re proud to welcome Avondale House to our growing coalition and applaud their outstanding service and advocacy for the IDD community. Avondale House understands the unique challenges that many nonprofit IDD service organizations face in our state, and we are grateful for their leadership in articulating the urgent need for the Texas Legislature to enhance state support for Texans with IDD and those who serve them.”

Avondale House’s mission is to provide individuals with autism the resources, education and training to develop to their fullest potential. Avondale House is the only agency in greater Houston that serves individuals living with moderate to severe autism from the age of 5 to throughout their lifetime. To learn more, visit https://www.avondalehouse.org/

Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is a coalition dedicated to securing competitive wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide essential care to Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Through collaboration and grassroots efforts, the coalition strives to enact meaningful change at both the legislative and community levels. Learn more about how to get involved at https://timetocaretx.org/

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