Re: About HCS

[Guest guest]

Yes, I agree with you about it being rather ridged. Yes, the

providors of the HCS services receive alot of $$$$$$.

BUT, after receiving NO ( I mean no services in over 8 years, this

is better than nothing)

>

> I have been in touch with ADAPT in Austin about the MICASSA

concept that allows people with disabilities to have more and better

natural support in their homes

http://www.freeourpeople.org/MiCASSA/mi-qanda.htm

>

> The problem with the HCS program is that agencies are afraid of

losing control over individuals and losing the big bucks they make.

We have people invested in the mighty buck instead of giving freedom

to individuals.

>

> HCS is, according to ADAPT, a very rigid program. And, I would

agree, because there are so few things allowed: no ABA, no

directing your own attendant, no help in creating independent living

for your individual such as helping with start up monies when an

individual wants to leave a group home and live with support in the

community or wants to leave the institution and live in the

community. We allow this for people who want to come from nursing

homes back home with support.

>

> Our state is invested in institutions for people with disabilities

and there are too many people invested in making mighty bucks out of

the people who receive HCS. This is the first time I am sharing

this with you but a couple of years ago I went to take training with

the people who wanted to be providers.

>

> The HCS trainer introduced herself at the beginning and asked

people to shout out why they were there and this was what they

shouted out:

> " To Make a Business! " She said, " Oh, no...that's not the

reason...try again. " They shouted, " to Make Money! "

> She said, " NO " that is wrong too. Then she told them it was to

bring a better life for persons with disabilities.

>

> I just want to share this with you because I feel the HCS program

could be designed better and give a better life for individuals. It

could provide ABA, hippotheraphy, music therapy, art therapy, and

the many things that our individuals could use to improve

themselves. It could be used to provide the proper supports so

people with disabilities could have better choices and not be

treated as retarded but as people who have a right to a better

life. It could " Make a life instead of a business for those with

mental retardation. " Maybe that should be the slogan...make a life

instead of a business! Sound good to you?

>

> I see the HCS program from two aspects: One from the view of

providers because I took the training but I am not a provider, by

the way. And, two, from the viewpoint of my son, age 32, who is in

the HCS program.

>

> Martha nr. San

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