1. Announcements: see below or visit upcoming events for details of regular committee meeting
2. Update on Legislative Issues
Elections: The New York State Assembly remains Democratic. In the Senate, three district races are contested and undecided. There could be a tie situation between the Republicans and Democrats. Senator Frank Padavan, a good friend to people with developmental disabilities for many years, was defeated.
Deficits: The deficit for the current year is estimated at about $320 million. For 2011, the deficit will be $9 billion; for 2012, $14.6 billion; for 2013, $17.2 billion. Last year we had midyear cuts. For this year Division of the Budget estimates that state spending must be reduced by 1.5%-2% between now and March 31.
Reducing Medicaid: Medicaid and education are the largest state expenses. Services for people with disabilities consume the largest share of Medicaid dollars: people with chronic care needs and disabilities consume 19% of Medicaid funds, and the need is increasing because people are living longer and more people are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. New York State is spending more than the rest of the country. Inevitably, there will be cuts.
Merging agencies: Governor-elect Cuomo wants to reduce by 20% the number of state agencies, commissions, etc., now numbering over 1,000. If OPWDD were consolidated with another agency or agencies, a different agency might have the power to set the rates for our services. Richard Ravitch, Lieutenant Governor, has said OPWDD shouldn’t be setting its own rates since it is a provider of services. If OPWDD lost the ability to set rates, it would be catastrophic because only OPWDD has expertise in understanding the unique and complex service needs of people with developmental disabilities.
If OPWDD were merged with Department of Health (DOH), we’d be a low priority after hospitals and nursing homes. If OPWDD were merged with the “O agencies” (Office of Mental Health and Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse services), there would be intense competition for funding.
For next year, the Division of the Budget has already received proposed budgets from all state agencies. The new Governor’s proposed budget will be released by February 1. Advocacy efforts are being planned for the coming months. Currently, we are conducting a letter-writing campaign. We will also hold a family advocacy day and other efforts as well. Our voices must be heard if we are to avoid deep cuts and a merger.
3. Report on Statewide Family Support Committee Meeting
Most of this Albany meeting was spent at the Assembly Mental Health Committee’s hearing on family support services, where several of us parents testified about the importance of family support services and also about the fact that family support services are not a substitute for residential development. We had very little time left for the regular committee meeting. Acting Commissioner Max Chmura reported on the “I Can” presentation on October 7, which was a celebration of individualized services.
The acting commissioner pointed out that each year 1200-1600 new people come to OPWDD, requiring services. They must be served, too. His goal is to maximize the base resources to serve the new individuals: some of the people already being served may opt for the new services, leaving vacancies for the people who are still unserved. He is hoping that in three years, access to services will be easier, with OPWDD using a model where a person can approach his/her DDSO with a life plan within a limited dollar amount and get DDSO approval.
The acting commissioner reported that over the past eighteen months, there has been a 20% reduction in OPWDD administrative staff.
4. Topics for Future Meetings
Members were asked to contact Margaret with their ideas for future meeting topics.
Noting the poor turnout for this meeting and the recent decrease in attendance at council meetings, it was suggested that we meet every eight weeks (instead of monthly) and as needed. Margaret will poll the executive committee regarding the frequency of meetings.
5. Presentation: “We Have Choices” Documentary
Members of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State introduced this 29-minute documentary about people with developmental disabilities who have used individualized supports to take greater control of their lives. They explained that traditionally, funding for people with developmental disabilities has gone directly to agencies that provide support services. With individualized supports, people have the opportunity to control their budgets and choose the services they want and need. For example, supports are available to help people make the move from living in large group homes to living in their own homes, with one or two housemates. This documentary includes profiles of eight people who have made this move. While the film focuses on people who are living in their own apartments and homes without 24-hour support, it is important to understand that people can live with choice and individualized services no matter how much support they need.
This film explores the fulfilling lives that people with developmental disabilities experience when they are supported to live in a place they have chosen to call home, in the community of their choice, with supports they, their family, and their friends have helped create. This is a film about history, self-advocacy, family, community, relationships, love, respect, challenges and opportunities.
This film was made in partnership with OPWDD, the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, and other organizations. You can view this film at www.wehavechoices.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Manhattan Family & Professional Resource Fair
Thursday, December 2, 2010, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 West 59th St. at 9th Ave.
Info on services and supports from over 90 service providers.
Family Support Services Committee
No December meeting – please attend the Fair
Next meeting: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 10:00 am – noon
UCP NYC, 120 East 23rd Street, 5th floor
Information: Amy Bittinger (212) 979-9700 x 708
Transition Committee
Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 9:30 am – noon
UCP of NYC, 122 East 23rd Street, 1st floor board room
Information: Kathy Kelly (212) 780-2724
DD Council
Thursday, December 9, 2010
YAI, 460 West 34th Street, 12th floor, room H-H1
Childrens Committee
To be announced
Information: Christina Muccioli (212) 780-2532
Legislative Committee
To be announced
Information: Judy DeIasi (212) 780-2667