By Stacy Schill / For The Herald
My two adult children are the best of friends.
One loves cooking, while the other is always ready to take his car out for a joy ride. Both have developmental disabilities, and thanks to what I believe to be the best Supported Living services in our state, they are able to live independently, safely and with dignity. These state-funded services are a lifeline for our family, and it is our state’s moral responsibility to ensure that the more than 400 families currently on the waitlist can have access to them as well.
Supported Living allows people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in their homes while receiving essential support for daily tasks such as grocery shopping, medical appointments and managing finances. The direct support professionals who assist them each day don’t just provide care, they build trust, understanding and relationships that make such a difference. I’m truly grateful for their patience and guidance in helping me and my children succeed!
When I think ahead, one of my greatest comforts is knowing that even after I’m gone, my children will be cared for by people they trust. As individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — and their parents — age, long-term care options become increasingly limited. But thanks to Supported Living, my children can continue living and working in their community with stability and independence.
Beyond its impact on families, Supported Living is a fiscally responsible model. It is 142 percent to 176 percent less expensive than state-run care settings, allowing more families to receive services for every dollar invested. Yet, while Medicaid funding rates set by the state Legislature support more than 99 percent of these services, right now funding is not keeping up with demand.
I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing these supports can be. One of my children recently gained access to Supported Living after a long period of isolation and struggle. In just a few weeks, they found stability and happiness in a shared apartment, something I once feared might never be possible. This model doesn’t just provide care; it centers dignity, stability and humanity.
And yet, despite the vital role of direct support professionals, their wages — which are directly tied to Medicaid funding rates set by the Legislature — remain among the lowest in the country compared to the minimum wage. Many leave for better-paying, less demanding jobs, creating high turnover that disrupts care. If we don’t invest in higher wages, we risk losing the workforce that makes Supported Living possible.
Our legislators have studied this issue; they know the solutions. Investing in these services should not be optional. Any cuts will push more families into crisis, while increased funding will ensure that people with disabilities receive the support they deserve. Increasing wages for direct support professionals to keep up with the costs of living in today’s world must be included in our state’s budget.
I recently met a mother who is terrified for her child’s future. Her child has significant disabilities, and she knows she won’t always be there to provide care. I understood her fear because I’ve felt it myself. But I was grateful to share hope: We live in a state that values every person, regardless of ability. Just as there were options for my family, there must be options for hers.
Especially now, in uncertain times, we must uphold our commitments and continue investing in the programs that care for our most vulnerable. Families in need can’t afford to wait any longer.
Stacy Schill is the parent of two adults receiving supported living services in Snohomish County.
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