West Chester, Pa (June 11, 2024) – In recognition of her advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the professionals who care for members of this community, State Senator Carolyn Comitta was recently honored with the Melmark Humanitarian Award.
The award spotlights individuals who, through their selfless acts of compassion, understanding, and public service, share Melmark’s mission and commitment to improving the lives of all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.
“We all know someone – a friend, neighbor, or loved one who is part of the diverse communities with autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Comitta “One of the best things is seeing our communities progress from awareness to acceptance and that’s happening because of the dedication of our advocates and professionals. I am grateful to receive this honor, but even more grateful for the individuals and caring communities that uplift and empower our neighbors within the autism and intellectual disabilities community.”
Comitta received the honor at Melmark’s Dream Maker’s Ball, the organization’s biennial fundraising event in Philadelphia. Also honored were Philadelphia-based insurance agency Simkiss & Block with the Good Neighbor Award, and Melmark’s Executive Vice President of Clinical Services, Frank L. Bird with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In her remarks, Comitta noted the importance of direct support professionals (DSPs), who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with daily tasks and empower independent living. However, low wages and high turnover have led to a labor shortage and many individuals in the ID/A community are awaiting assistance.
Comitta, along with State Senator Jimmy Dillon, introduced legislation that would tie the rate paid to direct support professionals to the national market consumer index to better compensate our care professionals and help alleviate the labor shortage.
In the legislature, Comitta continues to champion the disabilities community, fighting for investments to support home and community-based services, remove barriers to care, and end the emergency waiting list system in this year’s state budget.
Melmark is a multi-state non-profit human service provider with private special education schools, professional development, training, and research centers serving individuals with autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.