Preserving Lives, Conserving Costs: CDCS WorksA Campaign to Support Persons with Developmental Disabilities
and Their Families
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My
daughter Justine is 17 years old and has both physical and mental disabilities.
She has cerebral palsy and epilepsy; is non-verbal and non-ambulatory;
and functions at a cognitive level of about 2-3 years of age.
Justine is also treated for both osteoporosis and scoliosis. She has no fear of strangers or any self-preservation
skills. She is dependent on others
for all aspects of daily living. The
CDCS program is crucial to our family.
Before we had the CDCS option, we were using Personal Care Attendant
(PCA) services through a State Regulated Home Health Agency. Our experience was horrible. Under that arrangement, hours were never covered,
and the PCAs were not punctual, reliable, or responsible. Justine was left unattended, neglected, and
even physically abused. By being
able to manage Justine’s funds through the CDCS option, we are able to
run employment ads specific for Justine, pay above minimum wage, and have
quality applicants to choose from. |
In the past four years while on CDCS, Justine’s needs have been met in a happy, healthy, safe environment by qualified personnel. Last year
Justine’s CDCS budget was cut by 18%.
Because
of this cut, we discontinued using a provider as the Employer of Record
and are doing our own payroll services.
We no longer have funds to cover adaptive clothing, special dietary
needs, and other needed items. Now
the State is proposing another 30% reduction.
In addition, our parental fee for our services has gone up 24%
in the past two years and is currently $8,391 for 2005. Our
household uses support staff to enable both parents to be employed. With the proposed budget cuts, we would not
be able to safely support Justine in our home while keeping our jobs. Going back to the previous situation – and
risking the hiring of underpaid and unqualified staff – is a real concern.
I am afraid we would need to pursue other placement options. Julie
Doolittle | |