Kevin's Blog

 Posts Tagged ‘Budget’

A familiar scenario is playing our in California right now in relation to services for people with developmental disabilities.  Proposed cutbacks to services along with increased reporting requirements.

Specifically:  “The Governor’s Budget includes a system-wide reduction of $750 million General Fund in 2011-12 through additional federal revenues, increased accountability, expenditure reductions and cost-containment measures, with the intent of maintaining the Lanterman entitlement to community-based services for individuals to avoid more costly institutionalization.”

This scene has been playing out all across the US.  The only solution for this is technology, and Therap is 10 years ahead of the curve on this problem.  Having to do more with less is a challenge that many industries have faced, and good technology has been a key part of the long term solution.

Please take the time to look at Therap, Right Now!  Your staff and the people you serve need you to look toward the future.  There is little value to waiting when this is part of a long term, National trend.

I also encourage you to express your opinion and let the Governor know how these cuts will affect the people you know.  The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is launching a community survey to solicit input and feedback from those who will be impacted by statewide POS Standards.

There are three options to participate in the survey:
1.  Go to the DDS Online Survey at http://www.dds.ca.gov/survey/
2.  Submit comments through email to DDS at survey@dds.ca.gov
3.  Postal Mail-send a letter with your ideas to:
Service Standards
Department of Developmental Services
1600 9th Street (MS 3-24)
P.O. Box 944202
Sacramento CA 94244-2020

Participants will have an opportunity to comment on eight different sections: Behavioral Services; Day Program, Supported Employment, and Work Activity Program Services; Early Start Services; Health Care and Therapeutic Services; Independent Living and Supported Living Services; Residential Services; Respite and Other Family Supports; and Transportation Services.

Responses are ANONYMOUS and must be received by TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15.

I am very pleased to welcome Toolworks as the newest user in California.  Located in beautiful downtown San Francisco, Toolworks partners with people with disabilities to provide an array of innovative tools and resources that promote independence, equality, and personal satisfaction.  They also know how to have fun, and I had a really good time during my first visit to their main office.  Toolworks supports people all around the Bay area.

I also had some time to visit the surrounding area and was reminded how unique San Francisco and the surrounding communities are.  The weather was beautiful, they people are all so nice, and the diversity of cultures reminds me alot of Hawaii.  There is a small problem with the ocean thermostat though.  Hawaii shares the Pacific ocean, but San Francisco’s water is way too cold to be the same ocean.   Budget cuts strike again, is anyone lobbying Arnold to warm up the Bay?  I’m just saying its worth considering.

I am looking forward to getting back to Northern California very soon.   Keep an eye out for me in Southern California this month.  There is a reason providers are signing up for Therap despite the budget challenges in California…because Therap makes good economic sense.   Everyone who adds technology to their life (think laptop, cell phone, personal organizer, space pen, etc.) does so because it makes life easier and the investment pays off in so many ways.  So…please don’t be surprised to find out Therap fits into this same formula.  Therap’s technology is not a frivolous investment for agencies with too much free time and too much money.  (If anyone works in an agency like this please contact me.)  Therap is a commitment to more efficient management and operations, it makes life easier, and pays off in many ways.  Let me show you how.