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WAITING LIST CRISIS
The Waiting List has reached critical levels for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family members seeking to receive the appropriate supports and services.
What is the problem?
Medicaid provides the majority of funding for programs and services for people with intellectual disabilities, including Home and Community-Based Services such as supported living, supported employment, transportation and respite care. While the federal government mandates that Medicaid services states are required to provide standards, states are not required to provide Home and Community-Based Services. Each state has the discretion to decide what services they will offer, how many people the waiver will serve and how much funding they will allot to each individual. With the economy in the state it is now, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face more of a crisis as often times the supports and services are the first to be cut from the budget.
Why is this an issue we should care about?
The Medicaid program has a long standing bias in favor of funding institutional, rather than community-based services. Institutional services are not only more costly, but they take away the right to a life that all individuals, regardless of their disability, have the right to live. With the proper supports and services, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can give back to the economy and contribute as tax-paying members of society. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can and should be contributing members to society.
What is The Arc doing to help?
The Arc is firmly committed to addressing the waiting list crisis that adversely impacts the lives of the 7.2 million Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc is dedicating its efforts to educating and informing a wide audience on the inequities of the waiting list system from state to state.
And through advocacy and action, The Arc will be a catalyst for change in pushing for a reduction on these rolls, signaling a new phase in our movement to ensure full participation for persons with disabilities across society.
What can you do to get involved?
* Help others understand this crisis by sharing your story with us on our website.
*Support The Arc’s efforts in combating the waiting list crisis and donate to our Waiting List Campaign.
*Sign up for updates about the waiting list.
*Join us on Facebook and invite your family and friends to join in our conquest.
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