Sunday, November 16, 2008
Integrated Services Legislation
In NYS the Independent Living Center I work for promoted legislation to create integrated services at any and every service and venue for persons with disabilities. The point is there can be no bias toward the "typical" mode of operating by any provider, institution, or government service. This passed both the the Senate and Assembly in NY (A7277). The Governor vetoed the bill ostensibly because he stated it would be costly for taxpayers. This was despite our examples of how it would actually save taxpayers millions by providing the option for community based services vs nursing home placement, competitive employment vs. sheltered workshops, etc. There are of course many foes such as unions, nursing home associations, etc. We have met with legal sources and politicians who favor our cause and vow to continue this important, ground breaking effort in the New Year. This is much broader than the currently pending national legislation known as the Community Choice Act. Watch for future developements, read the bill, and support change of this sort throughout your own States, our country, and other countries across the globe...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Yes, the taxpayer savings would be tremendous and sadly that is all most people want to hear, but the independence that could be achieved for individuals with disabilities is the real benefit. The purpose of bill A7277 is to promote integrated, community-based services. Every person should have the right to CHOOSE his or her own living and working situation, regardless of labels that are placed on him or her. Disability rights, equal opportunity, and services for people with disabilities have come a long way since Willowbrook but we sure do have a long way to go. It is the responsibility of ALL to make sure people are treated equal, fair and just. Really I can’t imagine anyone disagreeing with that.
To read more on this bill visit: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A07277
Members of the National Brain Injury Foundation (NBIF) attended a "Bill Passing Rally" to assist in the efforts of trying to get this bill passed. They were great with making phone calls and sending emails to Governor Paterson. We thank them for their dedication and participation. http://nbif.blogspot.com
Hi, I was one of the people from the NBIF that supported this cool bill. This site is good.
Hi Krista,
I really like your website
http://www.tbihome.org. It has alot of great links and resources for individual and families dealing with brain injuries. Thanks for sharing your story.
Post a Comment