DDD/ DESRally

Okay so everyone knows we're in a recession and everything's getting cuts, but they are making MAJOR cuts in AZ' s DDD. Basically they cut all funds for early intervention (a program that teaches kids 0-3 that are disabled or at risk to get a disability so they can live a more "normal" life), They cut the states health care to disabled people who aren't 50% or more below the poverty level, and they cut the rates to all therapists in AZ by 10% and to music Therapists by 55%( so that was 4 years of college to make the same about as a fast food worker, nice). Most of the programs cut are the ones that actually save the State money in the long run ( like early intervention) So I don't really understand why they're doing this. We went to protest the cuts on Thursday before they came into effect this month, but alas they still went through. So we're pretty bummed out . We will write more letters and make more phone calls in a hope the state legislature will over turn the ruling or at least put some of the stimulus money into these programs again, because they are very vital programs. There were some really seriously disabled people there and obviously could never live, and function on their own, and it just broke my heart to see so many innocent victims affected by this finical mess. Here's some pictures from the day's events:

Victims of the cuts holding a sign

Alex wondering why I'm taking a picture of him




Vincent checking out the scene

more disabled people who were at the protest

people from the rally tryed to go inside to protest. These are some of their signs

Front of the state capital

The punk rock music therapist. Who sang bob marley songs.

( That's a mowhawk under the tent.)

The kids sitting on a bell outside the capital at the rally,

and some lady try ing to take a picture of the capital roof.

Roof of the capital building