Monday, March 30, 2009
PROPOSED SENATE 2009-11 OPERATING BUDGET just released
The proposed senate budget was just released. Click Here to view it.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Olympia Insider March 23
A sea of blue, over 700 people show support for serving those with developmental disabilities in the community!
Blue scarves with the dark blue “Develop Abilities” button on them adorned the necks of hundreds of self advocates, their care providers, family members and other advocates with a message to legislators not to cut community services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Over 700 people signed in for the Independent Living Day Rally. Rally signs included statements in support of community services, closing state institutions, giving supported living providers fair wages and even Scooby Doo said the budget cuts are scary! We have hundreds of photos from the event which we are posting online through the Arc of Washington web site.
The revenue forecast is out and is as bad as expected.
On March 19th the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released their revenue forecast for Washington State. Last month their preliminary forecast put the state in an $8 billion dollar budget deficit, this week’s report brings the deficit to around $9 billion. There was some hopeful news from the Council, there are positive indicators in housing starts, used car prices, bank profits and retail sales were even up a little over the last two months. Regardless of these positive signs, it is too early to tell if it will continue.
Sen. Rodney Tom, one of the Senate budget-writers, said he thinks a tax package will go to voters. He isn’t sure it would get support right now, but when people start to see the big cuts in the budgets being released this week, that might change. He said some programs will be cut entirely. We have heard the original plan was to release the Senate budget first, wait one day, then release the House budget. Senator Tom told reporters the Senate has an agreement with the House now to wait on them to release the budget. This should take place sometime early this week.
What programs for developmental disabilities are in jeopardy?
Any program which is funded only with state dollars is at high risk. This includes the Individual and Family Services program (family support), those receiving state-only employment supports, state dollars that go through counties for programs such as Parent to Parent, Parent Coalitions, Self Advocacy groups and information and education dollars such as what are used for conference stipends, etc. We are also hearing that supported living providers may be looking at a rate cut of 3% - 5%.
As far as the closure of institutions goes, it still seems legislators intend to close at least one of the five in our state. Those leaving an institution are provided many of their community services through the federal Money Follows the Person grant. The important thing for advocates is to make clear to legislators that when closing an institution, it is important to ensure continuing stability of the community system.
The federal stimulus package contained more of an increase than was expected, but legislators are not obligated to use the money in the programs that generated it. Our programs generated an estimated $198 million in federal stimulus dollars. We have put together a one page document detailing this with a request to keep about 10% of the money generated by our programs for specific services.
What can you do to help?
Self-advocates around the state, with their families and providers, are putting together short, one minute videos which are being posted on You Tube, as individuals with developmental disabilities try to share how they felt about having lived in a state institution and how important it is to them to now live in the community. These short videos will be shared with legislators in a variety of ways. To participate in a video or to get see the ones already made, email us at Diana@arcwa.org
The Arc of Washington State has an Action Network at http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA that you can sign up for that makes it very easy for you to let your legislators know what is most important to you. When bills or budget items need emails or phone calls targeted to your legislator you will receive an email with basic information about the issues and a suggested email you can revise or just send that will go directly to your legislator from you with just the click of a button.
You can also participate in this process by phone, email and personal visits to ask legislators to make sure that bills you are most concerned about get pulled to the Floor for a vote.
The Olympia Insider video podcast is a concise preview and review of what’s happening with developmental disability advocacy in Washington’s capitol city. Go to http://www.arcwapodcast.org/ to see the newest episode.
I hope to see you at Advocacy Day as change is made by those who show up!
Blue scarves with the dark blue “Develop Abilities” button on them adorned the necks of hundreds of self advocates, their care providers, family members and other advocates with a message to legislators not to cut community services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Over 700 people signed in for the Independent Living Day Rally. Rally signs included statements in support of community services, closing state institutions, giving supported living providers fair wages and even Scooby Doo said the budget cuts are scary! We have hundreds of photos from the event which we are posting online through the Arc of Washington web site.
The revenue forecast is out and is as bad as expected.
On March 19th the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released their revenue forecast for Washington State. Last month their preliminary forecast put the state in an $8 billion dollar budget deficit, this week’s report brings the deficit to around $9 billion. There was some hopeful news from the Council, there are positive indicators in housing starts, used car prices, bank profits and retail sales were even up a little over the last two months. Regardless of these positive signs, it is too early to tell if it will continue.
Sen. Rodney Tom, one of the Senate budget-writers, said he thinks a tax package will go to voters. He isn’t sure it would get support right now, but when people start to see the big cuts in the budgets being released this week, that might change. He said some programs will be cut entirely. We have heard the original plan was to release the Senate budget first, wait one day, then release the House budget. Senator Tom told reporters the Senate has an agreement with the House now to wait on them to release the budget. This should take place sometime early this week.
What programs for developmental disabilities are in jeopardy?
Any program which is funded only with state dollars is at high risk. This includes the Individual and Family Services program (family support), those receiving state-only employment supports, state dollars that go through counties for programs such as Parent to Parent, Parent Coalitions, Self Advocacy groups and information and education dollars such as what are used for conference stipends, etc. We are also hearing that supported living providers may be looking at a rate cut of 3% - 5%.
As far as the closure of institutions goes, it still seems legislators intend to close at least one of the five in our state. Those leaving an institution are provided many of their community services through the federal Money Follows the Person grant. The important thing for advocates is to make clear to legislators that when closing an institution, it is important to ensure continuing stability of the community system.
The federal stimulus package contained more of an increase than was expected, but legislators are not obligated to use the money in the programs that generated it. Our programs generated an estimated $198 million in federal stimulus dollars. We have put together a one page document detailing this with a request to keep about 10% of the money generated by our programs for specific services.
What can you do to help?
Self-advocates around the state, with their families and providers, are putting together short, one minute videos which are being posted on You Tube, as individuals with developmental disabilities try to share how they felt about having lived in a state institution and how important it is to them to now live in the community. These short videos will be shared with legislators in a variety of ways. To participate in a video or to get see the ones already made, email us at Diana@arcwa.org
The Arc of Washington State has an Action Network at http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA that you can sign up for that makes it very easy for you to let your legislators know what is most important to you. When bills or budget items need emails or phone calls targeted to your legislator you will receive an email with basic information about the issues and a suggested email you can revise or just send that will go directly to your legislator from you with just the click of a button.
You can also participate in this process by phone, email and personal visits to ask legislators to make sure that bills you are most concerned about get pulled to the Floor for a vote.
The Olympia Insider video podcast is a concise preview and review of what’s happening with developmental disability advocacy in Washington’s capitol city. Go to http://www.arcwapodcast.org/ to see the newest episode.
I hope to see you at Advocacy Day as change is made by those who show up!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Olympia Insider Podcast
The Olympia Insider video podcast is a concise preview and review of what’s happening with developmental disability advocacy in Washington’s capitol city. Watch online using either Quicktime or the Flash Player that comes loaded in your Internet browser. You can also subscribe to The Olympia Insider through any of the media subscriber services listed on the right. Advocates who want to stay in the know on the go can watch the Olympia Insider on their iPods or other handheld video devices.
The Olympia Insider video podcasts are part of the Informing Families Building Trust program and are made possible with funding from The Arc of Washington State and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council.
Legislative Town Hall Meetings
Here are the upcoming Legislative District Town Hall Meetings:
21st Legislative District Town Hall (Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mukilteo)
with Senator Paull Shin
Date Time Location Address
Sat., March 21 10 AM Serene Lake Elementary,Auditorium
4709 Picnic Point Rd
10th Legislative District Town Hall (Coupeville/Oak Harbor, Stanwood)
with Senator Mary Margaret Haugen
Date Time Location Address
Sat., March 21 10 AM Stanwood Middle School Cafeteria
9405 271st NW, Stanwood
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Independant Living Day Rally
Hundreds Expected to Assemble on the Capitol Steps at Independent Living Day Rally
Advocates from around the state will gather Wednesday to urge legislators, governor to support people with developmental disabilities and their quest to live independently in their communities.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Developmental Disabilities Council will join approximately 500 people, donned with blue scarves and Develop Abilities buttons, as they gather on the Capitol steps Wednesday, March 11 to support independent living for people with developmental disabilities. The Independent Living Day Rally will start at 11 a.m. Advocates for independent living want to ensure their message reaches the legislature and the governor: that all people with disabilities should live in their local communities with the support of community-based programs rather than live in residential habilitation centers (RHC) and institutions.
United under the theme, “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” advocates will speak in support of independence and the Governor’s Proclamation will be read, proclaiming March 11, 2009 as Independent Living Day. In addition, special guests, The Raging Grannies, will lead rally participants in songs of celebration.
Self advocates and advocates will focus their day’s efforts on encouraging the legislature to maintain the community service systems that are currently available. They also will urge lawmakers to support the governor’s budget for people with developmental disabilities. In addition, advocates will ask state leaders to begin to consolidate and close the five state institutions for people with developmental disabilities. Cost comparisons show that the closure of the institutions will allow people to live in their local communities and will save the state money. The average annual cost for one person with developmental disabilities to live in the community is $101,000, whereas the average annual cost for that same person to live in an RHC is $205,495.
The Independent Living Day Events are sponsored by PAS-Port for Change, The Arc of Washington State, Developmental Disabilities Council, Association of Centers for Independent Living and Disability Rights Washington. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council ensures that people with developmental disabilities receive the support, treatment and other services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential. The Council also develops public policy recommendations, which promote the values of self-determination, independence, inclusion, integration and productivity for people with developmental disabilities. The 33-member organization consists of self-advocates, family members, service providers and government agency representatives.
***********************************************************
The Arc of Washington State will have information for each legislator on the consolidation and closure of state institutions and the need to provide services in the community. If you would like to volunteer and help deliver the information, contact Emily Rogers at (888) 754-8798 or see her after the rally at the bottom of the capitol stairs.
We have bright blue scarves for advocates to wear with a button that says “Develop Abilities”. In addition, please wear bright blue colors to help identify the presence of our group to legislators. It will be cold out so remember to dress warmly.
Advocates from around the state will gather Wednesday to urge legislators, governor to support people with developmental disabilities and their quest to live independently in their communities.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Developmental Disabilities Council will join approximately 500 people, donned with blue scarves and Develop Abilities buttons, as they gather on the Capitol steps Wednesday, March 11 to support independent living for people with developmental disabilities. The Independent Living Day Rally will start at 11 a.m. Advocates for independent living want to ensure their message reaches the legislature and the governor: that all people with disabilities should live in their local communities with the support of community-based programs rather than live in residential habilitation centers (RHC) and institutions.
United under the theme, “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” advocates will speak in support of independence and the Governor’s Proclamation will be read, proclaiming March 11, 2009 as Independent Living Day. In addition, special guests, The Raging Grannies, will lead rally participants in songs of celebration.
Self advocates and advocates will focus their day’s efforts on encouraging the legislature to maintain the community service systems that are currently available. They also will urge lawmakers to support the governor’s budget for people with developmental disabilities. In addition, advocates will ask state leaders to begin to consolidate and close the five state institutions for people with developmental disabilities. Cost comparisons show that the closure of the institutions will allow people to live in their local communities and will save the state money. The average annual cost for one person with developmental disabilities to live in the community is $101,000, whereas the average annual cost for that same person to live in an RHC is $205,495.
The Independent Living Day Events are sponsored by PAS-Port for Change, The Arc of Washington State, Developmental Disabilities Council, Association of Centers for Independent Living and Disability Rights Washington. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council ensures that people with developmental disabilities receive the support, treatment and other services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential. The Council also develops public policy recommendations, which promote the values of self-determination, independence, inclusion, integration and productivity for people with developmental disabilities. The 33-member organization consists of self-advocates, family members, service providers and government agency representatives.
***********************************************************
The Arc of Washington State will have information for each legislator on the consolidation and closure of state institutions and the need to provide services in the community. If you would like to volunteer and help deliver the information, contact Emily Rogers at (888) 754-8798 or see her after the rally at the bottom of the capitol stairs.
We have bright blue scarves for advocates to wear with a button that says “Develop Abilities”. In addition, please wear bright blue colors to help identify the presence of our group to legislators. It will be cold out so remember to dress warmly.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Employment/Day Services Information
If you receive Employment/Day Services paid for by state-only dollars, you may be offered the choice to enroll in a Home and Community Based Waiver Services (HCBS) Program. The attached flyer tells more about why this is occurring and what you need to know if you are contacted (or want) to transfer onto a waiver. The bulletins are also located on the informing families website
Ed Holen
Executive Director
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
A new and improved Informing Families website is coming soon!
Ed Holen
Executive Director
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
A new and improved Informing Families website is coming soon!
INDEPENDENT LIVING DAY RALLY March 11th
Independent Living Day Rally
Sponsored by
PAS-Port for Change
Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Day
Association of Centers for Independent Living
Disability Rights Washington
10:30 Legislative briefing in the Columbia Room
11:00 Gather on Capitol Steps
Songs by The Raging Grannies
11:05 Rally Welcome
11:15 Independent Living Day Proclamation
11:20 “Nothing About Us, Without Us”
Advocates from Around the State Speak Out
For Independence!
11:50 Messages for Your Legislators
12:00 Rally Closing Song by The Raging Grannies
Go forth and Advocate
12:00 - 3:00 The Columbia Room available to us all day
Bring your lunch, pick up information and meet advocates from around the state. Go to appointments with your legislators (Be sure to make these ahead of time)
2:30 Evaluation and informal information sharing
Let us know how your day of advocating went and turn in your green evaluation forms at the Columbia Room.
~~Thank you.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Lawmakers want to drop term 'mental retardation'
Lawmakers want to drop term 'mental retardation'
The Associated Press • Published February 28, 2009
The term "mental retardation" no longer would be used in new state laws, under a bill that has passed the state House.
House Bill 1835 sailed through the Legislature's lower chamber by a unanimous vote Friday. It now goes to the Senate.
Under the measure, the phrase "intellectual disability" will be used in place of "mental retardation" in all future state laws.
Officials also will have to scrub "mental retardation" from old laws, when those statutes are revised.
Supporters say the term "mental retardation" is an outdated and insulting way of referring to people with intellectual disabilities.
http://www.theolympian.com/legislature/story/772364.html
The Associated Press • Published February 28, 2009
The term "mental retardation" no longer would be used in new state laws, under a bill that has passed the state House.
House Bill 1835 sailed through the Legislature's lower chamber by a unanimous vote Friday. It now goes to the Senate.
Under the measure, the phrase "intellectual disability" will be used in place of "mental retardation" in all future state laws.
Officials also will have to scrub "mental retardation" from old laws, when those statutes are revised.
Supporters say the term "mental retardation" is an outdated and insulting way of referring to people with intellectual disabilities.
http://www.theolympian.com/legislature/story/772364.html
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