When there is no choice...

[Guest guest]

WHEN THERE IS NO CHOICE…

In the disability community we continue to talk about, and

even debate the idea of CHOICE around the issue of community-based supports - vs. - support in a State Supported

Living Center.

Unfortunately, CHOICE is not a real option in Texas.

At a time when the 82nd

Legislature should be considering ways to find new money and cut unnecessary

spending they are conducting business as usual – keeping all 13 State Supported

Living Centers open - a decision that removes the option of CHOICE for many.

In Texas…

Over

100,000 people with I/DD are waiting on a “interest list†for

community-based services provided through Medicaid Waiver programs

Individuals

who are receiving services through a Medicaid Waiver program are at risk

of losing their services

The

total number of State

Supported Living

Center residents is

apx. 4200. Some

of the SSLC’s have less that 300 residents – consolidation should be a

priority

The

only entitlement to services – State Supported Living Centers

As long as the Texas Legislature

keeps all 13 Facilities open the “choices†for individuals who wish to

live in the community are…

Wait

longer – the waiting period to access services will increase

Worry

when you will lose services – what you have today can be gone tomorrow

No

support in the community or substandard care in an institution (nursing

home, SSLC, ICF/MR, etc…)

If this does not make sense to you, please join Community

Now! for a Press Conference as we bring this issue and the “care†received in

institutions forward.

When:

Thursday - May 26, 2011 â–ª 10:00 AM

Where:

Austin

State Supported Living Center

For more information: www.communitynowfreedom.org.

Independence from waiting. Freedom from Institutions.

Website: www.communitynowfreedom.org

Email: communitynowfreedom@...

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/communitynowfreedom