WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING?

Over the next few months, the Protection and Advocacy System will be developing its disability rights agenda for the next three years. The problems or concerns that we focus on are called priorities. We take individual cases that involve these problems or concerns, we try to work with state agencies and the legislature to resolve them, and we provide outreach and training to people interested in them.

Unfortunately, problems or concerns that are not within our priorities do not get as much attention. We always try to provide information, referral, or self-help advice, but we cannot accept cases that are not within our priorities.

That makes it very important that we do a good job of setting our priorities. And that is where YOU come in. We need to hear from consumers, family members, other advocates, service providers, and anyone else interested in disability issues.

We’re holding meetings around the state to hear from you. The flyer included in this newsletter gives information on these meetings. Plan to attend! If you cannot get to one of these meetings, please contact us by phone, mail, e-mail, web page, fax, or any other method that works for you.

If you are interested in special education, what are the problems you see? Suspension or expulsion of kids with behavioral problems? Not enough inclusion with non-handicapped children? Failure to provide needed services?

If you are concerned about community-based services, should we focus on the waiting list for the Medicaid waiver programs? Monitor existing services more closely? Is managed care still creating problems in obtaining services for persons with disabilities? Should we be closely monitoring the implementation of mental health parity in health insurance? Have restaurants, stores, and community facilities become accessible as required by the ADA? Is assistive technology readily available when needed in school or at work? Are reasonable accommodations being provided by employers? And what about accessible transportation?

The potential list seems endless, and we cannot do everything. Let us know what we can do and what you think we should do today.