The true measure of a society is how we treat those, who through no fault of their own, cannot care for themselves. The series of articles describing the funding cuts that are putting adults with intellectual disabilities in harm’s way should be a call to action for us all.

In 1984, the Maine Early Intervention Consortium published The Tenth Child, describing that children with intellectual disabilities were “kept at home or in institutions where dependence was maintained and they lived out their life in a climate of, at best, benign neglect. Since then, society has become ware that dependency is far more expensive than independence, and that it costs far more to waste human potential, than to develop it.” Thirty-two years have passed since this report was written, and yet we are still fighting for the inalienable right for all citizens to a life of purpose. All people are equal with the same needs for justice and companionship. We all seek to be part of a community.

The articles highlighted the continuing cutbacks to agencies serving adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as new regulations that are further eroding the safety net that ensures local agencies can maintain a quality of life for their clients, not the warehousing that was the norm in the past.

I would hope that you would join me in letting our elected officials, as well as DHHS, know that you support funding 100 percent per diem rates that will pay direct support professionals a living wage. Direct support professionals do an incredibly complex job. They are really society’s teachers of human valuing. So I would ask you to thank a DSP if you know one. Every day these caregivers provide not only life maintaining care, but life enhancing care through education, warmth, humor, friendship, and compassion. Maine voters recently passed a gradual rate hike of the minimum wage to $12.

There can be no question that direct support professionals should be compensated at least as much as we pay our hardworking wait staff and clerks at convenience stores. Please support a funding rate of $29 to the agency in order to provide a living wage, benefits, and continued training. In order to support continued personal growth and independence, intellectually disabled individuals need known caregivers. The interdependence of the relationship is critical. Current staff turnover is undermining the gains made since Pineland closed.

The series of articles educated all of us as to the escalating challenges facing adults with intellectual disabilities. Their bravery and resilience in the face of this challenge is awe-inspiring. Please join me in being part of the solution.

Kathy T. Rickards lives in Brunswick