{Victory Achieved today!!!}

Some of the services that the Governor wanted to eliminate for children and adults with disabilities were restored today. The fight is not over but for now we have achieved a small victory.

Today Michael and I went to the E-Board meeting where the Senator's voted to keep several services for many people Michael included. It was nice to have them see Michael's little face as a representative of one of the children the cuts would affect. Michael got to meet Senator Jackie Winters who had allot to say about saving our services to the board.

Some of the services are back in place until March of 2011 and some until June 2011.

Guaranteed Michael and I will be out there in Feb doing another Rally as they will be in session during this time. We are not done fighting for our rights and the rights of so many other individuals who have disabilities.

Restorations specific to developmental disabilities include:
Medicaid Personal Care 20 through June 2011
In-Home Supports for Children / Long Term Care through June 2011
Case Management for Children through February 2011
Targeted Case Management in counties and brokerages through February 2011
DD Family Support Program through February 2011
Reductions that were not restored include:
Reduce county DD Program and brokerage administration by 10%
Eliminate county and brokerage quality assurance staff
Reduce comprehensive services rates by 6%
Reduce DD special projects and training
Reduce DD crisis diversion
Reduce county Regional Programs by 10%
Reduce housing extended maintenance