Guest guest Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008  FYI ~ Breaking News December 2008CONTENTS: State School Reform Announcing “Brainstormâ€, the 31st Annual CTD Convention! End of Year Giving? Remember CTD! State Institution Reform is moving into mainstream media as a major issue before the upcoming 81st Texas Legislature, as well it should Texas State Schools (institutions) have been blasted for systemic abuse, neglect and rights violations in a recent report from the U. S. Department of Justice. Though huge in itself, the DOJ investigation is actually the latest in a line of events that have called attention to reform. The November Legislative Budget Board pointed out that state institutions sap up huge amounts of money that should be far more efficiently used in community services, the overwhelming choice of people with disabilities. Then Representative Rose and Senator Rodney Ellis announced intent to file major reform legislation, the Dept of Aging & Disability Services released a negative quality review report on the Lubbock State School (LSS) that noted numerous cases of abuse and neglect despite the infusion of tens of millions of dollars in the LSS and media throughout Texas published a series of negative reports. More major media earlier covered the return home of Haseeb Chishty, who’d been beaten to near death in the Denton State School and left with severe physical disabilities. The central issue is the rebalancing of long tern services and supports from institutions to the community. Anyone in an institution must have the opportunity to relocate to the community; those remaining should be consolidated into fewer institutions and funds should be transferred to address the long waiting lists for community services. A bill to waive the offensive state practice of claiming state sovereign immunity from the ADA will be filed. Advocates and people with disabilities other than intellectual might ask if they have a dog in the hunt. They sure do. On top of civil rights, guardianship and waiver reform, the rebalancing of funding should be spread among all waiting lists. The concept of creating an actual Texas Long Term Plan for Services and Supports would benefit all Texans with disabilities. A barrier will be the economic impact on communities where the institutions are located. These communities will strongly object to any reform on the basis of local jobs lost. While advocates must be prepared to answer this question (and effected workers should be addressed) we must also say that an industry of outdated, unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities is shortsighted economic development. Stay in touch on this and other issues by clicking on www.cotwd.org, select “RAISE YOUR VOICE!†from the left navigation bar, then sign up on “Action E-Listâ€. Announcing “Brainstormâ€, the 31st Annual CTD Convention! Announcing “Brainstormâ€, the 31st Annual CTD Convention! Austin, Sunday April 5 – Tuesday, April 7, 2009! Advocacy, Workshops, Capitol visits and more! Strategic timing during a critical period in the 2009 Texas Legislative Session. Mark your calendars! Partnering with the Brain Injury Association of Texas. Plan to be there! More details to come… End of Year Giving? Remember CTD! Many folks look at this time of year as the season of giving. Why not consider CTD? Through advocacy, CTD is a proven performer with significant accomplishments for people with disabilities. CTD leverages a small budget into positive changes for literally thousands of families. Unlike some non-profits, we never share your contact information with others. Anything is appreciated—in fact, one of our most inspiring donors is on SSI and sends $5. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to CTD at 316 W. 12th St. #405, Austin, TX 78701, or through the “DONATE†button on www.cotwd.org May this holiday season be wonderful for you and yours! Click here if you are having trouble reading the newsletter. Become a Member of the Coalition of Texans with DisabilitiesYour Membership Counts with CTD!Click on www.cotwd.org for more information. Listen to 350+ music, sports, & news radio stations – including songs for the holidays – FREE while you browse. Start Listening Now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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