2023 WSPC Legislative Priorities

 

Washington State

Parent and Family Coalitions

 

2023 Legislative Priorities

 

 

 

Families across the state are struggling to be able to support their loved ones with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) both in and out of the family home. There is inequity of services and supports across the state, including but not limited to, housing, providers, waivers, and opportunities to engage in the community. Properly funding these services is key to improving the lives of individuals with I/DD and reducing the financial burden on both families and the state.

 

 

Housing (affordable, accessible, with needed supports), especially for aging families

People with I/DD and their families are struggling to access affordable, accessible, and sustainable housing in their communities with the appropriate level of support. Due to this, 72% of Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) clients are receiving support from a parent or relative and are living in the family home.

·        Supports should follow a person, no matter where they choose to live

·        State-Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA) in every county and Enhanced Behavior SOLAs in every region

·        Core waivers available to support a person fully in the family home

·        Increase affordable housing options for those with low/no income and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

·        I/DD Specialty Adult Family Homes

·        Safety supervision as a paid support across settings

 

Provider Shortage - systems-wide, waiver services, personal care, mental/behavioral health

Without an adequate workforce, people with I/DD cannot access the supports they depend on to live the life of their choosing in their communities. As a result, many people are experiencing social and physical isolation and are at risk for abuse, neglect, mental health crises, and sub-standard care.

·        Living wage for all direct support providers who work with individuals with I/DD

·       Specialized training and incentives for providers to support individuals with behavioral support needs

·        Extend parent provider contracts and 12-hour training requirements to other family members (siblings, grandparents, etc.) who want to become Individual Providers for personal care and respite.

·        Allow parents of individuals under the age of 18 to be paid care providers for their children.

 

Caseload Forecasting

Over 12,880 (10/2021, Arc of WA) individuals who have been determined to meet eligibility criteria for DDA are currently not receiving any services. DDA services should be an entitlement for eligible individuals.

Require formal, permanent caseload forecasting for services forindividuals with I/DD

·       Fund services for ALL eligible DDA clients to end the No Paid Services Caseload

·        Fund the November 2022 courtesy caseload forecast

·        Prioritize Core waivers for aging families

 

Expanded Day Programs, Activities, Recreation, and Respite

Statewide, there is a lack of opportunities for people to engage in the community. Parameters around day programs are an obstacle to families, as are restrictions to contracting, reporting, and reimbursement.

·        Remove barriers to provider contracts (hours, settings rules, rates, subsidies)

·        Add new recreation/activity service to waivers (distinct from respite hours)

·        Waiver services must be available in all counties

·        Waiver services need to include Day Health, which is not paid for by the state plan

·        Allow Overnight Planned Respite to occur in their own residence