Amendment #429 to H5500

Workforce Training Funds for Complex, Challenging Behaviors

Ms. Barber of Somerville moves to amend the bill in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following:- “provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, a division of The Arc, for a 6-month expansion of a successful pilot series to provide additional workforce training funds for department of developmental services and MassHealth day programs to train staff serving adults with autism and complex behavioral needs; provided further that the training would include but not be limited to applied behavior analysis and augmentative and alternative communication devices; provided further, that no later than May 1, 2027, The Arc of Massachusetts shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities detailing: (aa) the number of staff who received training under the pilot program and the number of hours trained; (bb) any certifications given; (cc) aggregated benefits to individuals served by staff who participated in the pilot program” and in said item by striking out the figures “$154,492,413” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$154,592,413”.