Those with physical and intellectual disabilities do not get the services they rightly deserve due to decreased funding, continually getting cut by local, state and federal agencies.

Working in health care and public health my entire professional career, I have interfaced with many nonprofit organizations. There is one organization I have encountered throughout my career, going back to when I was temping, at 19 years old, for the Developmental Center in Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. The United Arc was integral in assisting families in New York City. From working at the Developmental Center, it inspired me to continue my college education in health care.

I wholeheartedly believe that The Arc works tirelessly for individuals and families. What is disheartening is that this organization is critically underfunded. When looking at other nonprofits in the Pioneer Valley, the Arc gets far less money per client than any other. Now, we are at risk for cuts to Medicaid.

The Arc was built as a grassroots organization around kitchen tables, as individuals with disabilities and their families organized and fought for their rights and full inclusion into the community. Today, advocates across the country continue to speak out for for this most vulnerable community and their families. These advocates share stories about what it means to live every day with a disability and what is possible with proper support and services.

Keep in mind that the people that The Arc serve will not “get better.” Most are born with their disability and will live their entire life working through the challenges it brings. Others encounter some event that leads to acquiring their disability. In either case, it is a lifetime diagnosis. This is why it is paramount to help these individuals and their families through their life journeys.

People with disabilities rely on Medicaid as well as home and community-based services (HCBS) to live independently within their communities. HCBS helps people with disabilities with everyday support, such as getting around the community, employment support, dressing, bathing, taking medications and much more.

Medicaid must fund institutions. However, home and community-based services are optional. States do not have the funding to support everyone in the community. This means that:

■Over 650,000 people are on waiting lists.

■Direct care workers are underpaid due to stagnant wages.

■Too often, unpaid family caregivers are filling in the gaps of service, losing their own incomes and career stability.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides critical support for millions of people with disabilities to help afford the basics of everyday life, like food and rent.

However, SSI has many rules that make it difficult for people to save money and get out of poverty. SSI has an asset limitation that has not been updated since 1989! Assets include cash, money in bank accounts, most retirement accounts and other financial resources. Currently, people who receive SSI can have only $2,000 in assets. Married couples can only have $3,000.

These limitations mean that families cannot save money, and this forces families into poverty. Please keep in mind, families did not ask to have a child born with a life-changing disability.

With the election of a new president, Senate and House, The Arc of the United States will continue its engagement with elected officials, advocating and educating that disability is a part of our shared human experience — one that touches every family, community and generation — regardless of political affiliation. When people who are disabled have social support and funding in place, it provides them the ability to live, learn, work and thrive in their community, where all Americans benefit.

Yet, every day, people with disabilities face challenging circumstances.

Children with disabilities are often denied educational support that ensures they will get a strong foundation for their future. The unemployment rate for adults with disabilities is two times higher than the rate of non-disabled people. Nearly 700,000 people are on a years-long waiting list for home- and community-based services, which would allow them to live independently within their community.

Caregivers are stretched to the breaking point, balancing work, financial stability and having to fight for essential services. These are not abstract policy or political issues — these are the daily realities that affect families in every community and town across America, even here in the Pioneer Valley.

The Arc has deep roots in communities nationwide; they have been serving families for 75 years. This organization has assisted thousands of families throughout this time and it is so important that we do not forget. The lowest funding rates are for people with intellectual and physical disabilities; and they just keep getting cut further because there are “more important” issues at hand such as homelessness and substance use disorder.

I recognize the importance of these two issues and many others. However, those supported by The United Arc and other such organizations are people without a voice. The incredible people employed by The Arc effort to give them that much needed voice. But who is listening?

Honestly, any help is appreciated. Grants are extremely limited for nonprofits and most grant dollars go to issues with the loudest voices. The Arc needs your help.

Please consider donating anything you can give to this amazing organization. Understanding we are all asked to consider supporting so many, but this is an organization that truly makes our community a better place for many of our neighbors or their families. Seriously, any amount is appreciated. There is no such thing as “not enough.” There are so many who need help. The Arc will use every penny to assist children, adults and families to make lives a little easier.

If you would like to learn more and investigate the United Arc further, please visit: www.theunitedarc.org/. To donate to our local organization, please contact Fred Warren, CEO, at 413-774-558 or email info@theunitedarc.org

Jennifer A. Hoffman serves on the board of directors of The United Arc.