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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
Budget Cuts could affect Disabled
Officials at the Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living (SICIL) say they recently learned about the cuts, but are hoping they can change lawmakers' minds.
The proposed decrease in funding would eliminate the center's Personal Assistant Screening, Training and Referral Program.
That program provides people who need help with a list of assistants who have passed a background check.
Gary Phelps from SICIL says this is important to those who need the help, "To be assured that the individual that's coming into their home is going to care for them, not steal from them, treat them in a humane and healthy and safe way... It's priceless."
A disabled couple living in Carbondale fears the elimination of the program would ultimately mean they would be unable to find a competent personal assistant, and forced to live in a nursing home.
The cuts are scheduled to take effect October first.
By Liz Taylor
etaylor@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451756
