Home > Advocacy in Action > Legislative Priorities 2009
The Fair Shake Network supports legislation, funding, and revisions to policies and practices to make widespread changes to the long-term care support systems to reduce West Virginia's reliance on institutional care. These changes must be accompanied by the development and expansion of community-based long-term care options, enabling people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities. Medicaid policies in West Virginia continue to promote the institutional bias by spending more funds on nursing homes and other institutional settings over community-based service and supports. Policy changes should include:
The Fair Shake Network will advocate for the following to facilitate the implementation of the WV Olmstead Plan;
Currently, a disproportionate amount of Medicaid spending is used to provide services in nursing homes and other institutional settings. These same services could be provided in the homes and communities of individuals at a lower cost and in a way that respects the choice and dignity of each individual. The Fair Shake Network is asking the WV Legislature to establish legislation and/or policy changes which allow money to follow the individual into the setting of their choice by incorporating the following to end the institutional bias which exists in West Virginia:
The Fair Shake Network, in collaboration with the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) and other disability organizations, supports the improvement package for an increase of $500,000 for independent living services submitted by the WVDRS.
Independent Living services are critical to ensure West Virginians with disabilities have access to the resources and supports they need to live self-determined, independent lives in their own homes and communities.
The Fair Shake Network, in collaboration with the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) and other disability organizations, support the improvement package for an increase of $700,000 for the RYPAS Program submitted by the WVDRS.
The Fair Shake Network supports the closure of segregated ICF/MR group homes with those monies/resources supporting individuals to live and work in their own homes and communities.
Currently, West Virginia does not have funding or services/supports specifically for individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and want to remain in their communities. Often individuals receive no services/supports or some individuals under the age of 18 are sent out of state to receive services/support only to be sent back to WV after age 18 to a system that does not offer them the continued support/services they need. The Fair Shake Network is asking the WV Legislature to establish legislation, funding, and/or policy changes which would create a traumatic brain injury waiver to address these problems.
The Fair Shake Network will monitor all legislation introduced that may affect the disability community. The Network will take positions and actions to protect services/supports and the civil rights of people with disabilities.
The Fair Shake Network is adamantly opposed to budget cuts that will adversely affect the lives of people with disabilities by further reducing the limited services and supports they now receive. Budget cuts and program revisions have reached a point where the vital mission of programs that serve people with disabilities is being dramatically affected. Programs affecting people with disabilities should be protected from budget cuts and the Fair Shake Network urges the Legislature and the Executive Branch to invest in people with disabilities and their invaluable contributions to West Virginia.
The Fair Shake Network is an association of West Virginians dedicated to a "fair shake" for people with disabilities and to the belief that diversity makes our communities stronger.
The Fair Shake Network has a vision that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in their community and realize their dreams.
The mission of the Fair Shake Network is to educate policymakers and the public about the concerns of people with disabilities to ensure an effective voice in the development of public policy.
The Fair Shake Network receives funding through grants from the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council, other grants, and through dues and contributions.
Jan Lilly-Stewart, Director
Fair Shake Network
P.O. Box 354
Institute, WV 25112
wvfsn@msn.com
304-549-9064
