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Arc action alert: Protect the rights of people with disabilities

February 10th, 2010

The Arc of Virginia Action Alert

We are in the fight of our lives.

The introduced budget proposed unprecedented cuts to home and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities -the worst our state has ever seen. More than $270 million in home and community-based waiver services are on the chopping block.   At the same time, the budget proposes investing $106 million in new funding for large, segregated, state institutions.

To say these policies are backwards, outdated and fiscally irresponsible is truly an understatement.  They not only destroy the community-based safety net for people with developmental disabilities and their families-they revert back to a policy of institutionalization.

The fight to save our community safety net has become even more urgent- the state legislature may be proposing more cuts to community-based services in order to make up for an additional $2 billion budget shortfall if revenues are not increased!

Grassroots action in large numbers is absolutely necessary.

Time is of the essence.

Here is what YOU can do in the next 7 days to make a difference:

1. MARCH with The Arc on February 15th in Richmond. Join us in calling for the state to save the community safety net and end the segregation of people with developmental disabilities. Click here to learn more about the event, an email will also be coming later today with information re: logistics.

2. WRITE your elected officials (Delegate, Senator and Governor)-including your personal story and a picture.  Hand-deliver it in Richmond on February 15^th.  If you can’t make it that day, email or fax a copy as soon as possible.  Find your elected officials here.

3. CALL your local paper/news outlet using The Arc’s media center.  Ask them to make the civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a visible issue.  Offer to share your story and/or write a letter to the editor.

4. ASK friends and family to get involved in the movement.  Invite them to the February 15th  ”mArcH for Rights” and help them call/write their legislators. Consider asking fellow constituents to sign on in support of your letters to elected officials (include addresses).

Need help or have questions?  Call The Arc of Virginia at 804-649-8481, ext. 101.

The KEY MESSAGES WE MUST DELIVER TO ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE :

1.  OPPOSE ALL CUTS TO THE COMMUNITY SAFETY NET FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

-Protect our lives, homes, jobs and families.

-People with developmental disabilities have a RIGHT to receive services in  the community.

2.  STOP REBUILDING STATE INSTITUTIONS

-It is time to reform the system!

-People with developmental disabilities currently living in institutions can receive better services in the community for less money to the state, allowing more people to receive the services they need.

Summary of policies proposed in Kaine’s introduced budget:

More than  $270 million in cuts to home and community-based waiver services:

• Elimination of 1,000 ID Waivers and 134 DD Waivers
• Freeze on Waiver enrollment (affects ID, DD, EDCD, DS and Alzheimer’s Waivers)
• 5% cut in all Waiver reimbursement rates–affects all HCBS Waiver services (except skilled nursing in the Tech Waiver)-including residential, day support, employment, personal care, skilled nursing, companion and respite supports.
• 2/3 cut in respite services for all HCBS Waivers (reduced from 720 hour/year to 240 hour/year)
• Elimination of Medicaid podiatry and optometry services for adults
• Reduction in incontinence supplies and occupational, physical and speech therapies for adults.

$107 million in new funding for segregated, state institutions

• $23 million in capital funds to rebuild a NEW state institution in Chesapeake
• $60 million in new operating funds for state institutions

$24 million in capital funds to renovate a 100-year old state institution in Lynchburg