Any lawmakers still not convinced that the state is facing devastating cuts should scroll through this memo from the Department of Human Services (DHS). Sent today to provider organizations funded through the Division of Developmental Disabilities, the document includes Director Lilia Teninty's run-down of the 14 grant programs that will have to be shut down under the legislature's "50 percent budget," which necessitates a $2.24 billion cut from DHS alone.

The program titles are broad, but DHS spokesperson Marielle Sainvilus assures us they are critical to families caring for Illinois residents with developmental disabilities. Among the programs targeted are dental services, which served 4,705 patients in the 2008 fiscal year. These clinics are especially important because they are some of the only offices in the state staffed with professionals specially trained to practice on disabled patients. Three of the programs offering job training and employment for clients ready to enter the job market will also be shuttered, along with 24-hour residential care for patients with disabilities too significant for families to handle. And while autism rates are increasing, care for autistic children is also on the chopping block. (We're still waiting on figures explaining how many people these cuts will impact.)

Unfortunately, none of these projects are matched by Medicaid. Echoing the words of care provider Rebia Mixon Clay yesterday, Sainvilus says it will be nearly impossible for working families to finance these services on the private market without state-subsidized assistance. To make matters worse, DHS is even considering significant rate cuts (20 to 30 percent annually) to some remaining programs. Faced with an impossible financial task, Teninty did not have kind things to say about the General Assembly's inaction last month:

Due to the General Assembly’s failure to approve the revenue plan proposed by Governor Quinn, the State ofIllinois will no longer be able to afford even basic services for thousands of people with developmental disabilities. This will have a negative impact on the individuals, their families, their providers and direct care workers who continue to work to meet people’s needs in even the most difficult situations.

(H/T Capitol Fax)

UPDATE (3:23 PM): Janet Stover, executive director of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, passes along some statistics about the number of people served by DHS-DD. Not every service these residents utilize will be cut, but the data helps contextualize how many rely on the department daily:

-8,000 individuals with developmental disabilities are now living in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA)

-6,800 individuals with disabilities are living in private Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF-DDs).

-20,000 individuals from CILAs, ICF-DDs and state operated developmental centers are supported in adult day learning programs(this would include Developmental Training, Supported Employment, Regular Work, Vocational Training, etc.).

-3,000 adults and 1,271 children with disabilities are supported through in-home services.