The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, or NDCPD, is laying off 32% of its staff—23 employees—due to federal funding cuts, leaving employees heartbroken. Executive Director Lori Games reports that several federal agencies have put an “indefinite pause” on reviewing grant applications, leaving the center unable to work on projects. Among those affected are Kyle Erickson, a research associate with cerebral palsy who worked there for three years, and Carrie Evans, who received just one week’s notice. “Having a disability means trying to get along in a world that wasn’t made for you. And, services like NDCPD or centers around the country, they’re lifelines. They make it a little bit easier,” said Erickson. The center has operated for 35 years on Minot State’s campus and receives approximately $13 million in federal grants annually; it provides services for people with disabilities throughout their whole life, including the ASTEP program that helps people with Down Syndrome attend college. While five grants are already “on the chopping block” and eight more are being questioned, the center remains open with reduced staff. North Dakota Democratic-NPL leaders criticized the Trump administration for the cuts, with Senator John Hoeven’s office stating they are “inquiring with the Senate Appropriations Committee” for more information about the affected programs.
Comments