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2008 Issue Papers

The 2008 legislative session brings with it many challenges and concerns for those with developmental disabilities.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if Washington State had a monopoly on providing comprehensive services, supports, and care for our most vulnerable citizens? Click here to download the 2008 Monopoly board, which shoes a variety of issues for developmental disabilities and can be used as an information tool.  Click on the description of each issue below for a detailed information sheet along with "Talking Points" cards that coordinate with the Monopoly board.

The following are document downloads for use in educating individual and family advocates as well as policymakers:

SAFETY & HEALTH

• DD Behavioral Crisis Supports (Talking Points)
  A bill is being proposed to build a response and prevention system that will reduce the need for out-of-home placements for children by providing intensive behavioral support services.

• DD Life Opportunities Trust (Talking Points)
  Helps people with developmental disabilities save money and plan for the future.  The original funding for matching 1,000 is almost gone.  $5 million (State) is needed to match 1,000 more trusts.

• Life Long Learning Act - Pathway to Independence (Talking Points)
  Provides continued learning opportunities for those with significant disabilities to help them maintain their skills and abilities.

• Insurance Coverage not to Exclude Autism
  Equitable private insurance coverage is needed for all children, including those with autism.  Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) needs to be included in insurance coverage.

• ADA Coordinator for the Court System (Talking Points)
  Establish an ADA Coordinator position for the Courts to make Washington Courts accessible to people with disabilities.

• Infant Toddler Equity Act (Birth to 3) (Talking Points)
  Early intervention is an entitlement under IDEA, Part C that has experienced an average growth of 8% statewide for each of the last five years with no additional funding.

• Disability Awareness in Schools (Talking Points)
  Promote full inclusion of people with disabilities by creating Disability History Month in public schools.  Expand awareness of contributions made by those with disabilities.

• Current Provider Training Requirements (Talking Points)
  The Long Term Care Worker Training Work Group is reviewing training requirements for direct care service workers.  Families and Residential Service Providers would like to keep training requirements as they currently are.

• Developmental Disabilities Community Trust (Talking Points)
  DSHS has identified excess land at Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center.  All excess lands at the RHCs should be added to the DD Community Trust.

• Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (Talking Points)
  Promote economic self-sufficency for workers with disabilities by increasing the eligibility income and adjusting unearned income to maintain their Medicaid coverage.

• Provider Rate Equity (Residential & Employment) (Talking Points)
  Increases are needed for provider rate equity for both Employment Support and Residential Service providers.

• Employment Proviso Technical Adjustment (Talking Points)
  Although the 2007 legislature provided funding for employment services for special education graduates, DSHS has requested an increase in funding to correct the monthly rate and the number of months of service.