P&A's OMBUDSMAN PROJECT COMPLETES FIRST YEAR

The DD Ombudsman Project is operated by P&A with a grant from the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council(DDPC). The Project completed its first year of operation April 30, 2000. The Project assists persons with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries who are in the state's community service system and their families. The Project is intended to resolve concerns or problems related to placement, services, community inclusion and the rights of those served in the community system.

The Ombudsman Project was successful in promoting better and more inclusive programs and services for persons with disabilities. Nearly all of the Project's planned goals were exceeded for the first year. These are some of the outcomes produced by the Ombudsman Project during its first year of operation:

113 individuals with developmental disabilities and/or traumatic brain injury obtained appropriate community-based services, or retained such services when at risk of losing them.

93 individuals with these disabilities obtained more integrated and inclusive community-based placement, or retained such placements when at risk of being moved to a more restrictive setting.

In six different agencies, significant changes were made to policies or practices that improved the manner in which services were provided to clients. In addition, the Project recommended changes to policies or practices in several other programs and agencies, and these recommendations are currently being considered by these service providers.

Over 400 individuals with disabilities and their family members or legal guardians received information, referral and advice, enabling them to better interact with the service system and receive the needed services.

More than 2500 individuals received information about the Project. Two fact sheets, one in English and one in Spanish, as well as a poster (in 3 versions) and several newsletter articles were printed. A public service radio spot in Navajo and an interview on the metro Spanish Television station were broadcast.

The Ombudsman Project is currently in its second year of funding. Since the DDPC is not typically a long-term funding source, it is not clear whether the Project will be continued beyond Spring of 2001. P&A hopes that an additional source of funding will be identified in the coming months. The project is currently accepting new clients with a developmental disability or traumatic brain injury who are experiencing difficulty with services in the state funded system. Call us at (800)432-4682 or (505)256-3100 to find out if the Ombudsman Project can assist you.