Governor Josh Shapiro signed three executive orders this week intended to expand the rights and protections of Pennsylvanians with disabilities and autism.
Effective immediately, the orders “will reaffirm the Commonwealth’s disability nondiscrimination policy, establish new data privacy protections, reauthorizes the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council, and create a new Governor’s advisory commission focused solely on people with disabilities,” according to a press release.
“Far too often, decisions have been made about people with disabilities, but not with them,” said Governor Shapiro. “These new executive orders that I signed today will not only improve services for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, they’ll also give this community a real seat at the table — helping my Administration bring about real change and deliver on policies that Pennsylvanians with disabilities actually need. Here, we treat people with respect and dignity, and we believe in listening to Pennsylvanians with disabilities and giving them a seat at the table as policy advisors.”
First Lady Lori Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh of Springfield Township also attended the signing.
“Since the time I served as a County Commissioner, I have heard from parents of an adult with disabilities or autism trying to plan for their child’s future, looking for help to get their child the services and supports they need,” said Dr. Arkoosh. “To make change you need two things: resources and will. These calls and the tireless work of self-advocates and families fuel our commitment to Pennsylvanians with disabilities and the tangible progress we’ve made in the last three years. Today’s actions build on this commitment by ensuring that people with disabilities are heard, represented, and protected by our state government.”
The first Executive Order signed by Governor Shapiro rescinds and replaces EO 2002 5, and will protect the rights, dignity, and privacy of people with disabilities by reaffirming the Commonwealth’s longstanding nondiscrimination commitment and emphasizing the need that these protections require renewed attention and action, not just compliance.
The second Executive Order rescinds EO 2006-09 and EO 2016-03 and establishes the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities which will consist of up to 30 volunteer members, appointed by the Governor, including individuals with disabilities, family members, or those with relevant expertise.
The third Executive Order rescinds EO 1997-2 and reestablishes the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council so that it can continue to fulfill Pennsylvania’s obligations under the federal Developmental Disabilities Act.
More details here.
Photos: Commonwealth Media Services