The Department of Human Services (DHS) today hosted a virtual press briefing to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities during the public-health emergency and share information about the department’s efforts to support this vulnerable population throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
“The Wolf Administration and the Department of Human Services are working proactively on behalf of people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities to ensure that their rights to life, health and safety are protected as fiercely as everyone else’s,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “We will not tolerate discrimination in allocation of lifesaving resources based on any factor including, but not limited to age, disability and socioeconomic status to Pennsylvanians seeking medical care in our commonwealth.”
On March 30, Governor Wolf released a statement asserting the administration’s commitment to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians receive fair and equitable access to lifesaving health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Within days of COVID’s initial detection in Pennsylvania, the department issued operational recommendations for providers of intellectual disability and autism services and for long-term service and support (LTSS) providers in Pennsylvania in response to the emergency. DHS also implemented proactive strategies at Pennsylvania’s four state centers for individuals with intellectual disabilities to protect residents and staff.
OLTL supports individuals with physical disabilities and older adults who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid with their long-term care needs. This includes more than 450,000 Pennsylvanians who receive long-term services and supports through the Community HealthChoices program and more than 65,000 Pennsylvanians who live in more than 1,200 personal care homes and assisted living residences regulated and licensed by OLTL.
ODP supports more than 56,000 individuals with an intellectual disability, developmental disability, or autism through home- and community-based services and the state-center system. ODP is responsible for regulating more than 7,500 licensed settings across the commonwealth.
The toll-free, round-the-clock support line is operational and can be reached at 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
Another department resource available throughout the crisis is Adult Protective Services, which protects adults who are 18 to 59 and have a disability. Reports can be made 24/7 to 1-800-490-8505, and these calls are continuing to be answered and investigated.
ChildLine is available 24/7 to anyone wishing to report child abuse and general child well-being concerns at 1-800-932-0313 and at www.KeepKidsSafe.pa.gov.
