« How would you score the cost of public education? :: Long-term services needs of people with intellectual disabilities »FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Bill Background Adults with Disabilities
Senator Odgen's Rider 48: Appropriates $200 million in state dollars to reshape the service delivery system for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides a significant number of HCS and CLASS program "slots" to address the disproportionate wait time for these programs. The initiative restores the safety-net for this population by returning funds to MHMR Centers. This initiative also caps the State Schools census at 3,000 individuals and directs the state agency to move 500 people out of institutions over two years. The initiative also removes the HCS case management function from providers and places this responsibility with MRAs.
Follow up:
Senator Nelson's SB643: This bill addresses the U.S. Department of Justice concerns regarding the health and safety of Texans residing in State Schools. This is a very important bill-we need to make sure that IF people are in State Schools, that they are also safe and free from abuse, neglect and/or exploitation.
Senator Zaffirini's SB2407: This bill implements the policy change directed by Senator Ogden's Rider 48. The bill also addresses the profound criticism of the state's facility admissions processes, community options and discharge processes noted by the U.S. Department of Justice, by making significant improvements to the Community Living Options Information Process (CLOIP).
Senator Ellis/Representative Rose's SB1060/HB1589: These companion bills develop well rounded stakeholder workgroups and charge them to create a strategic plan to reform long-term services and supports for individuals with disabilities.
Senator Shapleigh's SB1407: This bill would create an independent un-biased evaluation authority to determine the most responsible way to begin the downsizing Texas State Schools. The bill would also create a pilot program to determine the feasibility of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) operating small group homes in the community to not only begin the process of transitioning residents to the community but also transferring employees, which could minimize jobs.
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Comment from: Betty Hersey [Visitor]
04/24/09 @ 09:04I am very much in favor of a long-term PLAN being created and supported, other than the single institutional choice available currently. Most of our children will require long-term support, in a variety and degrees, and that currently does not exist. We have, instead, cases being opened when a crisis arises and when the most severe aspects have been addressed on an emergency basis, the case is closed. This is how providers are paid - case by case for the immediate need. This sets up the next crisis.
We need a stable, supportive environment for children to function with some dignity and expectation for their adult lives. This requires planning and supportive systems that are in the community, where most of our children will reside.
We have failed to protect and encourage our children traditionally. The single-choice option is not working for most adults with disabilities - please see the wait list for services in the community rather than a wait list for state schools.
I would hate to go to my grave knowing that my daughter does not have a choice about how and where she will live and in what degree of frustration and fear that she might have to endure.
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