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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 9, 2018 09:27 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Jay Costa |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Deaf/Blind Independent Living Programming |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation that will place in statute an expiring grant program which has provided a lifeline for many deaf and blind Pennsylvanians by providing access to support service providers who facilitate communication and provide sighted guidance. In 2014, the Department of Labor and Industry allocated a pilot grant to start a statewide support service provider program in Pennsylvania. This program has since allowed many more deafblind Pennsylvanians to access their communities and avoid costly in-home care or nursing home placement. To ensure this program continues to succeed in supporting individuals who are deafblind, the legislation will codify the grant program into statute. Support service providers are trained to assist deafblind individuals specifically by providing environmental information and acting as a guide and communication facilitator. It is imperative that deafblind Pennsylvanians continue to enjoy services that empower them to live more independent lives. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as SB1155