Those who help disabled need higher-wage bill

I've worked in a day program for adults with developmental disabilities for almost nine years. I engage them in activities designed to help them reach their goals. I also assist them with their daily living skills like changing their diapers, using the bathroom, brushing their teeth, and feeding themselves.

I help them improve in their behavioral and social skills. I believe they deserve the right to be a part of our society and desperately need their services.

The day program and other services for people with disabilities are in trouble. State payments to agencies have been low for years, with no increase in more than eight years. Agencies are having trouble hiring at the low wages they can afford to pay, so there is high staff turnover.

Staff covering extra shifts and being short staffed are more stressed out and tired. People with disabilities who want services can't get them because we don't have the staff.

It means a lot to staff and those they serve to have dedicated, long-serving staff. State lawmakers in Springfield passed a bill that would help. House Bill 5931 raises wages for workers like me who support individuals with disabilities.

I hope Gov. Rauner will show some human nature and sign that bill.

Sharon Kapp

Schaumburg