Autism supporters protest proposed cuts

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - On Wednesday, hundreds of people swarmed Smith Hill in Providence to protest proposed cuts to health services, services that are vital to the development of people with autism and other disabilities.

Governor Don Carcieri is proposing the cuts to help balance the states multi-million dollar budget deficit.

People who suffer from those disabilities, along with family and friends gathered at the State House to have their voices heard.

They are concerned about cuts to daily care and residential services that have been provided by the Groden Network of Programs in Providence for more than 30 years.

The agency is a model for the nation and is being stretched to its breaking point.

There has been a freeze on funding for the past 9 years, despite the continued increased costs for staffing, health care and operations.

Any additional cuts cannot be absorbed without major consequences to services, a reduction of direct service professionals and ultimately the closing of a group homes.

Supporters of the program say if the proposed cuts do happen, the quality and care of individuals with disabilities will be jeopardized.

"Services have already been cut several times and I'm afraid that if there are more cuts made, services may be curtailed," says Pam Goes, a
concerned parent.

There are more than 35 hundred Rhode Islanders who rely on services from developmental disability organizations, an additional 400 are on a waiting list to receive services.