LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!!!!!

In a previous newsletter I spoke of the importance of state legislators. That was before the current economic downturn. Now instead of a no-growth State budget, we may have to worry about cuts. What will be the State’s priorities? Where does your state legislator stand on issues (education, residences, family support, adult programming, etc.) important to families with a member with developmental disabilities? It is so important to let your voice be heard, and I urge you all to attend our general meeting.

Despite this dreary outlook, GROW continues to press an agenda that would better the welfare of persons with developmental disabilities. A few weeks ago we had our second meeting with Deputy Commissioner Steven Smits, and members of the Hudson Valley DDSO. We discussed the pluses and minuses of the Padavan Law. GROW has not taken any position on this issue. Please read our article on Padavan, and let us know where you stand. We reviewed the status of the residential opportunities that are presently in development.

We continue to press for more residential opportunities. One of our reasons for questioning the Padavan Law is the sorry state of residential development. As already reported OMRDD has allocated just 37 residential opportunities over 3 years for the entire HVDDSO (four counties)!! In addition, 37% of those 37 opportunities (approximately 14) have to be for those individuals requiring less supportive residences. It appears that most of those opportunities have already been assigned. We are not sure where these residences are located.

We feel that it is important for GROW to receive current information and to provide input. While we are pleased that we continue to have quarterly meetings with OMRDDofficials, we know from past experience that these meetingscan stop abruptly. Therefore we are investigating thepossibility of some legislation that would guarantee that input from families of those in residences is mandated. Also, how about a parent/family member bill of rights? We also continue to press for better training of all direct staff, as well as more extensive training for those individuals going into less supportive residences.

However, all is not bleak. More supportive workopportunities has been a long standing item on GROW’s agenda. We are happy to announce that an RFP (Request for Proposal) has gone out for enhanced supportive work opportunities. If you are interested in learning more about this, ask the agency that is currently providing services for your family member.

I’ve just highlighted some of our concerns, but we frequently emphasize other issues based on the needs of our members. Let’s hear from YOU.

DON’T FORGET TO COME TO OUR MEETING,
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY VOTE!!!!

Barbara Masur, President of GROW