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Eye On Boise

Testimony: ‘Please do not cut my hours of therapy,’ ‘Don’t want to close doors’

Frank Roundy, who speaks with difficulty, brought a helper to the podium to help him get his message across to lawmakers that he doesn't want his developmental therapy services cut off just because he's past the age of 45. (Betsy Russell)
Frank Roundy, who speaks with difficulty, brought a helper to the podium to help him get his message across to lawmakers that he doesn't want his developmental therapy services cut off just because he's past the age of 45. (Betsy Russell)

Frank Roundy, who spoke with difficulty, brought a helper to the microphone who noted that Roundy is over age 45 and doesn't want to lose his services. Services he receives at a developmental disabilities center include both developmental therapy and adult day care, which allows him to be involved in such social activities as singing karaoke.

Jennifer Roberts of Nampa told the committee she is a person with disabilities. "I attend a DDA where I get developmental therapy," she said. "HB 221 states it will cut my services. I need this therapy to continue living in my current home. ... My goal is to be able to continue to live independently."

Heather Rager of Caldwell said at the age of 9 months, she fell out of her walker and landed on her head, suffering an injury that led to seizures. "Doctors have told me that it's why I have disabilities," she said. She said, "Please do not cut my hours of therapy." Echoing Roberts, she said, "My goal is to be able to continue to live independently."

Louise Pryor, owner of Advanced Services, spoke on behalf of six people from her firm. Fighting back tears, she told lawmakers, "I don't want to be forced to close the doors. I have provided services for over 25 years."



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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