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Veronica Patterson

Age: 20

From: Oswego, Labette County

Impact of Budget Cuts:  HCBS/PD Waiver Waiting List

LOC Score: 44

Senator: Dwayne Umbarger (14^th)

Representative: Jack Jeff (7^th)

I reside at home with my mother Anita and my sister Samantha.  I have been on the HCBS PD Waiver waiting list for 8 months.  Due to the Kansas Budget Cuts, I have been advised that the freeze of the HCBS can be up to another 8 months, but, if I wish, I can get services in a nursing home now.  That is against the Olmstead Act and is forcing me to be institutionalized instead of the funding being available to me for my freedom of choice.

            I was born with Spina Bifida and used leg braces, a walker and a wheelchair until age 11, at which time I had to start using a wheelchair permanently.  I moved to Kansas in May 2002 to finish my undergraduate studies and eventually attend Pittsburgh State University for my Masters Degree.  I was advised when I first applied for services that there would be services available in approximately 6 weeks.  It has been 8 months and I am still on a waiting list.

My home is not accessible and without the assistance of my Mom and sister Samantha I would be totally home bound.  My home has no ramp at the entrance and an interior ramp is needed for me to get into my bathroom, which is not accessible either.  Due to the fact that my bathroom is not accessible I must do clean intermittent catherization in my bed.

Because I need assistance and do not have services, my sister does not work, so she can assist me in my daily living activities.  My mother works but keeps a thirty-two hour workweek and is in college full time.  Lack of services has caused financial difficulties.  Because Samantha is not working outside the home, and is caring for me, she cannot contribute to the family finances.

Pursuing my education should be within my rights, but if I'm in a nursing home at age 20 what kind of education would I have?  NONE.  My quest with this complaint is to have Home and Community Based Services, not a nursing home, and to have "Freedom of Choice."

Robert Jarman l Contents l Gerald Scott

 

 

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