Springfield mom of daughter with disabilities urges lawmakers to spare in-home care program

Julie Blackmon’s adult daughter, Grace, is profoundly disabled and bedridden. Through Missouri’s self-directed supports program, Blackmon was able to hire personal assistants for Grace who provide round-the-clock care. The governor’s proposed budget takes aim at that program

Jackie Rehwald from the Springfield Daily Citizen writes that Missouri’s proposed state budget cuts would significantly reduce funding for the self-directed supports program that helps people with developmental and physical disabilities hire and pay in-home caregivers, a change that families like Julie Blackmon’s say could jeopardize their ability to live independently.