Waiting List Priorities Survey

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Dear Friend of ASO:

A survey on waiting lists from the ARC of Ohio. Please respond to the ARC of Ohio at the email listed below. FYI - please share.

Sincerely,

Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org------------------------------------

Current state law allows county boards to place individuals on Waiting Lists for a variety of services. Approximately 6 years ago, we agreed to temporary law that allows counties to prioritize waiting lists for Waiver Services. This temporary law must be re-authorized every other year or it dies and we go back to waiting lists which give MR/DD waivers to the next person in line, without priorities.

We assume that people in an Emergency situation (at risk of losing where they live or their primary caregiver in the next 30 days) will continue to be served first.

Priority standing other than Emergency is most often given in the following categories. These are summary categories using terms not necessarily in statute/rule:

1. Refinancing - The county board is currently paying for your services with local / state funds and can save money and possibly serve others by putting you on a waiver.

2. Aging Caregiver - Your primary caregiver is 60 years of age or older.

3. Child with Intensive Needs - You are under 22 and have an intensive medical or behavioral issue.

4. Adult with Intensive Needs - You are 22 or over and have an intensive medical or behavioral issue.

Proposed changes to the above and other Waiting List issues will be included in the 2007 Budget Bill, which will be developed by Governor Taft and his various Departments this year.

Questions:

Do you support the continuation of the current MR/DD Waiting List Priorities?

Is it time for the current MR/DD Waiting List Priorities to expire?

Please respond to the questions by returning your responses via email to arcohio@.... Thank you so much for your assistance.