The village must do more than take care of children.  The village must
include and care about all.

Big job ahead.  ;-)

S.



-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Stephanie Thomas
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2000 2:28 PM
To: micasa-list
Subject: FW: Post Letter


-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2000 2:44 AM


Nan Hildebrand's letter in the Washington post!



A Social Service?
E-Mail This Article

Printer-Friendly Version
Tuesday, May 30, 2000; Page A18

The May 14 front-page story about Bryant Lawson's life since his shooting
missed an opportunity to link Mr. Lawson's situation with the disaster in
social services in the District. If Mr. Lawson cannot get out of bed, how
can he make something of his life?

His situation points out the impossible situation faced by D.C. citizens
with significant disabilities. It explains why, despite one of the highest
expenditure rates on Medicaid long-term-care services, the District has one
of the highest institutionalization rates in the country.

Mr. Lawson is regarded as "difficult" because he would rather sleep on a
bare mattress at his family's apartment than go to a nursing home. He would
rather risk dehydration, inadequate nutrition and long hours in bed than be
in a
nursing home. He would rather be in a situation where he could help out with
his young cousins than be in a nursing home. Why can't he live at home?

Mr. Lawson has a long life ahead that could be productive and useful if he
had access to housing and community services. D.C. Medicaid needs to develop
a plan to comply with the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision stating that
being forced to choose between squalor and a nursing home was a violation of
an individual's rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

NAN HILDEBRAND


NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt MiCASA List