RE: Re: Fw: Leaders in The Arc: State Operated Group Homes

[Guest guest]

More reason to oppose this initiative (from New York):

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/nyregion/13homes.html

" . . . A New York Times investigation over the past year has found

widespread problems in the more than 2,000 state-run homes. In hundreds of

cases reviewed by The Times, employees who sexually abused, beat or taunted

residents were rarely fired, even after repeated offenses, and in many

cases, were simply transferred to other group homes run by the state. . .

.. "

M. Kennedy

<mailto:cmk@...> cmk@...

Kennedy Pierson & Strachan LLP

in Chicago:

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Chicago, Illinois 60606-6708

312-829-7000 Phone

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847-295-0300 Phone

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From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of genevamother

Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 6:13 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Fw: Leaders in The Arc: State Operated Group Homes

Ellen, I agree! What is the Arc's position (other than it is " interesting " ?

I would like to see Arc lead the charge to stop this--quick!

Goldstein

>

> In case you think this piece of legislation is a good idea...read my

comments to Senator Steans, a few other Senators, Tony auski and Phil

Milsk...

> This is a piece of legislation that has ASFCME written all over it...

> Ellen

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

> Leaders in The Arc: State Operated Group Homes

>

>

> Dear Senator Steans:

> While I commend you for some creative thinking in helping individuals with

disabilities achieve community living in an affordable, sustainable way, I

have some concerns about SB 1614.

>

> My main concern is that in creating a " new " 6-bed community living

arrangement, we will lock in a model that doesn't work. While 6-bed homes

are a vast improvement over 100 or more bed institutions, what we really

need is a new Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver that

promotes and supports individuals in living arrangements and meaningful

days/employment that work best for them with friends of their choice. What

we need is a waiver and/or legislation that reflects both individual choice,

individual need, individual plans and individual resources and that creates

a way to measure valued outcomes consistent with the four goals of the ADA:

Equality of opportunity; Independent living; Economic self sufficiency; and

Full participation.

>

> According to the latest data from the Institute and the University

of Minnesota, the normative living arrangement is three or fewer individuals

with intellectual disabilities. The 6-bed model is a 1990's model. It will

also end up with the State purchasing and/or building expensive property to

defend forever; a problem we already have with many providers who see real

estate as their essence for being rather than services and supports.

>

> We know that currently, we do not have quality in housing and programming

for people with intellectual disabilities in Illinois. We fail in almost

every area on most national data sets. We need to be budgeting for outcomes,

in which case, the question becomes, what should the state be buying on

behalf of individuals with disabilities and how can it measure what it buys

in order to ensure effectiveness and efficiency? If the legislature can

focus on Olmstead, with the outcome of living arrangements in the most

integrated setting, along with the adoption of the tenets of the ADA, that

would be a starting point for systemic change in Illinois.

>

> It seems to me that creating 6-bed group homes that will be run by the

State, provides a quick fix for the elected officials, in order to mollify

the unions, without much thought for the valued outcomes desired for

individuals with intellectual disabilities. It will also be difficult for

long term institutional staff to make a dramatic shift in their philosophy

to see individuals as citizens rather than patients or residents.

>

> I know some folks will be grateful for some baby steps toward closing the

large state institutions, and close them, we should. But, I think it would

be worthwhile to step back and think about the ramifications of creating a

new model, especially an outdated one, before we fix the system that is

already failing the individuals it was designed to serve.

> Thanks for all that you do, to help citizens with intellectual

disabilities in Illinois.

> Ellen

>

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Folks, The Arc of Illinois is opposed to this bill. The Arc believes we

should be investing in community services including community living

options.

The current status is that is going to be a shell and held for discussions

with the advocates. A shell means there is no language in it.

Thought you'd appreciate the update. Charlotte

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of ELLEN BRONFELD

Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 7:48 AM

IPADDUnite

Subject: Re: Fw: Leaders in The Arc: State Operated Group Homes

Candi, sorry I forgot to answer your question about the Arc's position on

State Operated Group Homes the other day...they are opposed, as far as I

know. and Sherri are on the Board of the Directors of the

Arc...perhaps they will chime in, if they know otherwise.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@... <mailto:egskb%40sbcglobal.net>