On December 5th, Values Into Action joined the Delaware County Advocacy and Resource Organization (DCARO) for their annual Legislative Breakfast. Community Members from Values Into Action were in attendance, and Executive Director Marian Frattarola-Saulino delivered powerful remarks alongside several of Pennsylvania’s disability, health, and legislative leaders.
It was a morning filled with honesty, hope, and a clear message: real change happens when people speak up and work together.
Innovation and Progress Across Pennsylvania
Lisa Tesler from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council shared updates about several new grant projects. These projects focus on:
- Reducing the school-to-prison pipeline
- Improving housing options
- Helping people waiting for services
Lisa celebrated the success of the housing pilot, which is giving parents of adult children with disabilities the chance to finally experience “empty nesting.” Lisa connected this success to her own family. She shared that her son is moving into his own apartment and explained the joy and pride she now feels being able to count herself among empty nesters. She also reminded us that not all progress is guaranteed. Her message was strong:
“Don’t give up. Protect what we’ve gained. Stay informed, be loud, and make good trouble.”
ODP: Change Is Happening
Lauren House from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) confirmed that the system is changing—and must continue to change. ODP is focusing on:
- Innovation instead of staying stuck
- Flexibility in how services are delivered
- Performance-Based Contracting (PBC), which is already helping improve health and safety
Lauren also shared progress on the housing pilot and efforts to end the emergency waiting list for adults.
A Critical Time for Healthcare in Delaware County
Dr. Monica Taylor talked about the serious impact of hospital closures in Delaware County, dropping from six hospitals to just two. She called for:
- Laws to prevent hospital closures driven by profit
- More support for community block grants
- Better access to local healthcare
There is some good news. Christiana Care plans to open two new neighborhood hospitals, and work is underway to restore services at Crozer and Taylor Hospital.
People Have the Power
Values Into Action’s Executive Director, Marian Frattarola-Saulino, honored the long history of advocacy that brought us to this moment. She reminded us that regulation and community supports must focus on quality of life and joy, as defined by each person.
Her message to people and families was simple: You have the power to create change.
Legislative Updates from Senator Kearney
Senator Kearney spoke about the reality that flat funding is the same as a funding cut. He also shared updates on a new effort to create a registry to better protect adults with disabilities from abuse. The resolution is currently stuck in committee, and advocacy can help move it forward.
DCARO’s Current Work
DCARO shared several important updates:
- Preschool-to-Prison Pipeline – DCARO is now looking at preschool suspensions and expulsions and found no required reporting system. They are pushing for one to keep young children safe and supported.
- Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) – Javier Salazar explained how Pennsylvania is the only state that uses people with disabilities and family members to gather feedback directly. What people say matters- and leads to action. Top themes included how people want to work, people want meaningful things to do during the day, and that their safety concerns are taken seriously and addressed quickly. IM4Q makes sure the system focuses on real outcomes, not just rules.
- Certified Investigations- Michele Wilman shared a new initiative to make incident investigations fairer. DCARO believes providers should not investigate themselves because even small biases can lead to big problems. This new model aims to build trust and improve safety.
A Call from Self-Advocates
Self-advocates were invited to the podium to close the event and received recognition and applause from the attendees. Values into Action Community members, Erin Perry and Jessica Clark, shared an important reminder for all of us:
“We need to raise our voices- and so do you.”
Image Description: A group of self‑advocates at the closing of DCARO’s Legislative Breakfast, smiling and gathered together.