July is an important month for the disability community as we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990—the landmark civil rights law that transformed opportunities for millions of Americans with disabilities.
Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA opened doors by prohibiting discrimination and expanding access to employment, education, transportation, public spaces, and community life. More than three decades later, its promise continues to inspire us—but our work is far from over.
At KenCCID, we know that accessibility and equal rights are only part of the equation. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/A) also need access to quality services, dedicated support professionals, and strong community programs that empower them to live independent, meaningful lives.
Advocacy Continues Beyond the ADA
This July, as we celebrate the progress made through the ADA, we also recognize the importance of protecting the services that make independence possible.
Throughout Advocacy Month, KenCCID’s individuals and staff have been raising their voices by writing heartfelt letters, recording personal videos, and sharing stories that answer one important question:
“What would happen if these services weren’t here anymore?”
For many of the individuals we support, these services provide far more than assistance—they provide opportunities to build friendships, develop life skills, participate in their communities, secure employment, and experience greater independence.
The ADA created the right to participate in our communities. ID/A services help make that participation a reality.
Advocacy Is for Everyone
As the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources (PAR) advocacy guide reminds us:
“Advocacy is for everyone, especially families.”
Real change happens when individuals, families, providers, friends, and community members come together to share their experiences with elected officials.
Every story has the power to educate policymakers and strengthen support for people with disabilities.
Share Your Story
The PAR Advocacy Toolkit encourages advocates to reflect on questions such as:
- What is going well in the individual’s life?
- What challenges do they face?
- How has staff turnover affected them?
- What keeps you up at night?
- What would happen if these services weren’t available?
- Why are dependable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) so important?
These are the same conversations our individuals and staff are having this month as they advocate for the future of disability services across Pennsylvania.
Why This Matters
Pennsylvania’s ID/A system is facing significant workforce challenges.
According to the PAR Advocacy Toolkit:
- One in four Direct Support Professional (DSP) positions is currently vacant.
- Without enough DSPs, providers have had to reduce services and even close programs, limiting opportunities for the individuals who rely on them every day.
Direct Support Professionals do more than provide care—they build relationships, teach skills, encourage independence, and help individuals achieve their personal goals. Supporting the DSP workforce means investing in the people they serve.
The Ask
KenCCID encourages our families, supporters, and community members to advocate for continued investment in Pennsylvania’s ID/A system by supporting the Governor’s proposed investments:
- $217 million in state funding for new fee schedule rates.
- Funding to support an additional 1,500 individuals through expanded waiver capacity.
These investments will strengthen services, improve workforce stability, and help ensure that more individuals receive the supports they need to thrive.
How You Can Help
Advocacy doesn’t require a special title—it simply requires a willingness to speak up. You can:
- Write a letter to your Pennsylvania legislators or the Governor.
- Schedule a meeting to share your story.
- Record a short video explaining why disability services matter.
- Use the PAR Action Center and advocacy resources to contact elected officials.
Every letter, every conversation, and every shared experience helps shape a stronger future.
Honoring the ADA by Continuing the Work
The Americans with Disabilities Act changed our nation’s laws. Now it’s up to all of us to ensure its promise continues through strong community services, dedicated support professionals, and opportunities for every individual to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
This July, as we celebrate the anniversary of the ADA, join KenCCID in advocating for the future of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Together, we can protect the services that empower lives—and ensure that every voice is heard. 💙