A government watchdog report finds widespread fraud — in some cases involving severe neglect and death — in a program designed to provide in-home care for people with disabilities. (Charles Cherney/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

A coalition of disability advocacy organizations are calling for the next round of federal coronavirus spending to include an estimated $50 billion on community-based services, including supporting people with developmental disabilities who wish to move from a facility to community-based living. They also call for direct support professionals to be declared essential personnel, which would give them access to personal protective equipment, and given hazard pay.