On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that some state workers in Indiana suggested leaving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at homeless shelters if they can’t be cared for at home due to decreased funding for support services.

The Arc of Indiana’s John Dickerson wrote on his blog about the “real problem.”

He said:

No family who cares for a loved one with a developmental disability—such as autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy—should ever be told that a homeless shelter is an option. But, punishing state employees will not address a very real problem.

The real problem is that viable options are not being made available to families due to Indiana’s revenue short fall and changes in state policy. Families in need are facing a crisis in receiving critical services.

What can you do to help?

• Learn a bit more about what we do.
• If you’re in Indiana, join The Arc and contribute to the solution.
• Or you can make a donation, and know that it will go a long way in helping create solutions to this pressing issue.