-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Stephanie Thomas
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 1999 11:07 AM
To: micasa-list
Subject: MiCASSA handout on Children w disabilities


MiCASSA HELPS FAMILIES
OF
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

MiCASSA redirects the focus of the Medicaid long term services program from
institutions to home and community services and supports.  It enables
families to make real choices.  Given "REAL CHOICE" people overwhelmingly
choose "HOME SWEET HOME."

Studies show that children currently living in America's institutions and
nursing homes do not have more severe disabilities than those who live with
their families at home and use attendant services and supports.

Families DON'T want to place children with disabilities in institutions.
Families want children to live at home where they can maintain family ties,
go to school and grow as other children do.

Families also want their children to have a secure future and real options
for home and community services and supports when their families are no
longer providing full-time care.

Tell legislators about your hopes for your child, both now and in the
future.

Young people with disabilities are not in institutions or foster care
because of the amount of care they need.  They are in because of the lack of
attendant services and supports.  Many, many children with significant
disabilities DO live at home with their families.

Some of the real reasons why children and young adults with disabilities go
into institutions or nursing homes:

Parents can't hold down a job that supports their family AND provide
full-time care to a child with disability.

Parents may be able to provide much of the care that a young child needs,
but may not be physically able to manage lifting and positing as the child
grows up.

Parents fear that when their child is old enough to move out of the house,
no independent living, community options will be available.

People don't know that there are alternatives to nursing homes and other
institutions.
Public policy supports institutions NOT people with disabilities and their
families.

WHAT MiCASSA DOES

MiCASSA provides Medicaid funding for attendant services and supports for
people of all ages.

Services Can be provided at home, in school, at work and at play.

Assistance is available for a broad range for  needs, such as bathing,
dressing, meal preparation, money management and certain health-related
tasks.

MiCASSA will be available to young adults when they move out of their
parents' homes into the community.


Tell your legislators that American families need MiCASSA!!!

That them what YOUR situation is and how MiCASSA would help YOU and YOUR
FAMILY.

O.K.  MiCASSA IN 1999!!

Tell legislators what kind of long-term service and support system YOU
want!!

"HOME SWEET HOME"






NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt MiCASA List of Adapt Organizers.