Parents, Advocates, Case Managers Protest Service Cuts for 3,000 Clients of DDS
Fall-out from the Budget Crisis, Impasse
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Department of Developmental Services Eliminating Case Management, other Supports
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Children under 18 with Autism Suffer Cuts
Click Here For Images Of This Event
June 10, 2009—It was standing room only today at a packed press conference at the Legislative Office Building as parents, DDS Case Managers and supportive legislators spoke out against cuts in critical services for clients of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). More than 70 Case Managers and 30+ parents and clients packed the room to protest the loss of services.
On May 12, 2009, Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Peter O’Meara sent letters to 2,700 of the Department’s non-Medicaid clients, announcing that
they would no longer be assigned a Case Manager. Subsequently, another 300 families of clients receiving services in private provider Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) were informed that they, too, would lose their DDS Case Manager.
This announcement comes as many skilled, experienced Case Managers intend to accept the Retirement Incentive Plan (RIP) while DDS plans
not to fill most of the current and resulting vacancies. As a result, more than 3,000 current DDS clients will lose their key contact, advocate and resource.
Most of the clients affected are under eighteen years of age, are on the autism spectrum, and are enrolled in the public school system. Case Management is an essential support for these clients; indeed for everyone who receives services from the Department.
Parents of clients who will be losing services
addressed the critical role Case Managers play in allowing their children to remain and function in the community and will called upon Governor Rell and the state legislature to support a budget that will reverse the abrupt and devastating service cuts.
Quotes from speakers:
Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-New Britain):
“In the battle over the budget, we are losing sight of important and fundamental services to residents of our state who most need our support.
The heart and soul of these services are the Case Managers. Case Management services for people with developmental disabilities are the key to ensuring that every child can live the fullest and best life inside the community, not separated from it.
To quote from Governor Rell’s initial Budget address in February: “The heart of what we do, not just as a government, but as friends and neighbors, is the basic part and the best part of our humanity.” I’m calling on Governor Rell and all the leaders of our state to demonstrate the best part of our humanity by restoring these services to those who need them, our friends and neighbors.”
Patti Silva, mother of Bella, 10
“When we received our letter informing us that Bella would no longer receive case management services, we were shocked. This means that DDS is severing a lifeline that we rely upon to help procure and maintain services and programs that will allow Bella to achieve her goals.
I could not find anywhere in State statutes where it mentioned that eligibility for services are based on age or ability to return federal dollars through waivers...it did say services should be complete, comprehensive and integrated. This exclusionary approach is a giant step backward in the progress of disability rights for our children.”
Suzanne Brown, mother of Amanda, 20
“Amanda is a beautiful 20 year old young lady with cerebral palsy who requires 100% full care, 24/7. In addition to her severe physical limitations, Amanda’s communication skills limit her to a vocabulary which includes: “Yes”, “No”, “Mom”, and “Home.”
As of July 1st Amanda will no longer have access to her case worker. The reason appears to be that since I provide health insurance for Amanda instead of Medicaid I apparently no longer need guidance and support from the State of CT. We are currently ineligible for Medicaid.
My case workers, for 20 yrs now, have been to me and many other families a much needed crutch- supplying resources, services and support, not only for the client, but the families as well. I speak from my experiences, but know well the burdens carried by others in this state are not much different than mine. Our lives are difficult with case management; without it –unsustainable!”
Sandy Astarita, mother of Michael, 38
“Michael needs an advocate, someone system savvy to act in his behalf, and that is exactly what Cheryl Kim, his case manager has done.
As parents like myself age—and we all do—who will our sons and daughters turn to? What does the future hold for our children without their case managers? How can an automated voice mail system that most of us are unable to navigate help our children obtain the services they so much need?
I am appealing to Governor Rell as one parent to another, we are told that this about budget, but Governor Rell, this is really about family—our families-- and potentially your family—since no one is exempt from a disabled family member. Would you allow your family member to be discarded—just like yesterday’s newspaper?
Today it’s my son and my family that is affected. Tomorrow—it could be your family.”
Cheryl Kim, Case Manager, South Region
“As I think of the 3,000 individuals Commissioner O'Meara has proposed dropping from case management services, I reflect upon one of the families that will be affected. This family lived in modest conditions when I first met them six years ago. Since that time, mother has earned a college degree, father has worked hard to start his own business, and they have purchased a home which is handicap-accessible for their loved one. Now that they have improved their standard of living, their loved one no longer qualifies for Medicaid. BUT their loved one still is disabled and needs the same help. Governor Rell, and CT legislators, I implore you to stand up against Commissioner O'Meara's policy which discriminates against tax-paying citizens of this state.
ALL children and adults with developmental disabilities should have equal access to social work and case management services. Not just the ones who can recoup federal moneys through their insurance. Such a policy dehumanizes, discourages, and ultimately demoralizes people.”
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