This past Tuesday evening, I was privileged to briefly address attendees at the opening night of DDD’s Provider Rate Increase Forums in support of increased funding for music therapy, respite, and habilitation. I say that I am privileged because what allowed me to do so was a blessing some there did not have- I was only able to attend because our amazing habilitation therapist, Emily, rearranged her schedule that night to be with Tony. Because reimbursement rates for habilitation, like other DDD funded services, remain lower than the wages obtainable in the private sector, some in attendance did not have a therapist to ask and were reliant on the help of family members or friends to be present.

Shortages for Arizona providers serving this extraordinary population of individuals and their families will only continue to deepen unless the legislature designates more funds for these services. Many individuals being served by DDD are not affordably insurable on the open market, and private insurances will often not cover the types of services required.

As a community, we need to examine our hearts and ask ourselves what will happen to these individuals if they and their families do not receive necessary supports. The first speaker boldly called for protests in the streets (similar to those organized for our education community last fall) demanding greater funding for the developmentally disabled. I greatly admire his poise, and understand his sentiments.

However, as I reflected on his urging, I sadly realized that far fewer people would be likely to turn out and support such protests as the impact wouldn’t be felt to them the same way as the teacher walkouts were. But again, I ask you: what happens to the community of individuals being served by DDD if providers cannot afford to stay in business with the current reimbursement rates?

I heard providers from other organizations, including group homes, stating that even the rates as proposed for this upcoming year were not enough for them to remain active participants in the DDD system of care. What happens, then, to these beautiful and unique human beings if there are fewer doors open? For many, their families are unable to provide adequate support without these services, which increases the risk of everything from homelessness to imprisonment, and even premature death for these individuals.

If you are an Arizona resident, I would ask that you please consider taking a few minutes of your time in this upcoming week and write your legislators to voice support of increased funding for services provided to the developmentally disabled. You can find out who your legislators are at:

https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/

If you are not an Arizona resident, there may be similar concerns unbeknownst to you in your very own community that might be eased by a quick e-mail or two. I would implore each of you to take the time to become involved. Will future generations be able to question the depths of our humanity based on how we respond to these challenges? I hope not.

*Please note, if you typically only visit my blog once a week on the weekends, the regular post is up underneath this one.