The critical shortage of day programs for people with developmental disabilities is one of the key challenges for state government raised through GBH's “ Have Your Say: Gov. Too few people are applying for these low-paying jobs, they say, leaving people like Duggan without programs that serve as a crucial link to the outside world. 'Fighting for my life': Disability advocates call for higher wage for PCAsĪdvocates say up to 3,000 Massachusetts residents are waiting for a placement in these much-needed day programs, which are facing the same staffing shortages seen in other social service fields. Unpaid caregivers urge Healey to get more support to families I just want to get back to ,” Duggan said. He misses his friends and said he's bored by the daily routine at his Haverhill group home.
In day programs like the one Duggan used to attend, participants learn communication and daily living skills, and take part in activities like exercise and arts and crafts. Because of Duggan's disability and large stature, he often needs at least two people to help move him and attend to his daily needs. The program reopened after it went on hiatus during the COVID-19 outbreak, but Duggan hasn't been able to go back, because the program doesn't have the staff needed to support him.ĭuggan was in a serious car accident in 2001 which paralyzed his left side. That Fenway painting is one of several he created before the pandemic when he was in a day program in Newburyport for people with developmental disabilities. He took some artistic license, depicting the Green Monster, its iconic left field wall, in bold red. At a group home for people with brain injuries in Haverhill, Donnie Duggan nodded with pride towards a painting he made of Boston's Fenway Park.
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