On July 12, 2024, PA Governor Josh Shapiro announced the state budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, making a decisive action to support Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism. The new budget includes a $354.8 million investment in home and community-based services, featuring a seven percent rate increase. This funding allocates $280 million to fairly compensate direct support professionals and $74.8 million to clear the emergency wait list, ensuring more individuals receive the care they need.



This budget marks a significant milestone in RHD’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in Pennsylvania. We urge you to join us in advocating for these vital services and supporting our mission to enhance the quality of life for these individuals.

Empowering Independence: Christopher Reyes’ Journey with RHD Shining Through

Christopher Reyes has a passion for all things SEPTA. In Philadelphia, where he resides in a newly renovated home supported by RHD Shining Through, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transport Authority provides public transportation in the city and surrounding suburbs. Christopher enjoys riding SEPTA trolleys and buses, watching SEPTA-related videos, and above all, talking about SEPTA. He is living his best life, thanks to the RHD Shining Through staff. He has mastered essential household tasks, from making coffee and dinner to doing laundry and sweeping.

Check out CCW’s Art Hub This Summer

This summer, RHD’s Center for Creative Works (CCW) has launched the Art Hub, a vibrant pop-up shop, gallery, and studio space in West Philadelphia. Located at 3425 Walnut Street on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, the CCW Art Hub is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 AM to 5 PM and select Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM. Meet talented CCW artists working on special projects, explore unique art exhibitions, and shop a variety of creative products -- including t-shirts, greeting cards, tote bags, prints, ceramics, and more. Don't miss out—the CCW Art Hub is open through September 2024. Come by and support local art!

Are you an RHD program with a cool and exciting new event or development? Would you like to see it written about in RHD’s Connections, in addition to the RHD blog and social media? Let the Marketing and Communications team know! We’d love to spread the word about all the amazing work you do! Email michael.pelusi@rhd.org with your news tip! Or fill out our news tip form here. 

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