Article Contributed on: 9/10/2008 10:03:33 AM
Colorado currently ranks 46th nationwide in "per capita" spending on programs for people with developmental disabilities. More than 12,000 children and adults sit on "waiting lists" eligible for services -- including my two kids and their boyfriend/girlfriends. They have health insurance through Medicaid, but it only covers basics. It certainly doesn't cover the 24/7 needs that some people have. There aren't enough funded slots to provide the kind of host homes (adult foster care) and group home and independent living homes that are needed.
They need help with daily tasks, job coaching or therapies to increase independence. More than 133,000 voter signatures were gathered during the summer to put Initiative 51 on the ballot in November. If passed Initiative 51 would fund job supports, supervision and nursing services for more than 12,000 Colorado children and adults with developmental disabilities like Down syndrome and cerebral palsy who must currently depend only on family members for support. Without this voter-approved increase, advocates say the already impossibly long wait list situation will become absolutely unmanageable.
There is a tremendous need for grass roots support from fellow Coloradans on solving this crisis. Most citizens want to help people with developmental disabilities, but most don't know how bad it is. This is a very private issue that only has a public solution. Disability is a natural part of life and through no fault of our own it can happen to anyone of us, our children or grandchildren. Colorado citizens are proud and when they realize Colorado is 46th in taking care of its' most vulnerable citizens they'll be willing to pay a little more. This is a small price to pay-- 2 cents on every $10. A $10 sweatshirt will cost an additional 2 cents. A $50 pair of jeans will cost an additional 10 cents. Families earning $55,000 per year would pay an additional $20.
These are real people with real needs. There is no safety net. It's a small price to pay to do the right thing! Vote YES on 51.