February 7, 2014

Bolinsky Attends Family Hearing Day…Listens to Families of Developmentally Disabled

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HARTFORD- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106 Newtown) along with other legislators and members of the Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability caucus participated in ‘Family Hearing Day’ which was held to hear the experiences, concerns and comments from state residents concerned about the long-term care of their adult developmentally disabled children.

‘Family Hearing Day’ was created specifically for legislators to listen to parents concerns about their children’s’ future living needs, enlighten them on the critical lack of funding for support services, the seemingly endless wait lists for care and a myriad of other issues families face when accessing DDS supports and services.

“It is astounding how many residents are worried about what will happen to their dependent, developmentally-disabled loved ones when they come of legal adult age and when they, the caregivers, are no longer able, because to death or age-related problems, to care for their children with autism spectrum disorder, Down’s syndrome and other disabilities. Caregivers not only have the challenges of devoting their lives to providing the best possible quality of life to their child into adulthood but, they face the fear and uncertainty of not knowing what will happen to their child – and her quality of life – after they are gone. There was some very meaningful testimony about long-term planning, rather than “emergency” supports as being a less disruptive and possibly less costly approach”, said Rep. Bolinsky.

One of the main issues discussed was housing. The state’s Department of Development Services funding cuts pose a threat to what many consider indispensable support services in group homes, day programs, employment services and subsidized developmentally-disabled housing options. Hundreds of individuals on waiting lists for housing are now being told that housing will no longer be made available. Families are bracing for the changes that will come once money and programs are no longer funded.

Bolinsky concluded: “It’s safe to say that these programs require a new look and perhaps some new thinking. The need is not decreasing, nor will it go away so it is time to stop hiding our heads in the sand and face the issues head on.