The North Star

The North Star has historically been used for navigation, both to find the direction of north and to determine latitude. It has been used by lost campers to find their way back home. It always appears due north in the sky, and the angle it makes with respect to the horizon is equal to the latitude of the observer.
The concept of the North Star has guided our days at communityworks and when things get tough we always talk about the North Star and ask, what's most important? In what direction do we need to head?
Today, as always, the North Star is our focus on assisting everyone to find a place in the community where they can live, work and play. No matter the reimbursement, no matter the professional recommendations, we do whatever it takes to make sure people get to live where they want. In the months ahead it is even more important to reflect on the North Star. It is a calming force and a guiding light.

State budget squeeze is on | CJOnline.com

I went to the Senate Ways and Means committee today looking for good news and didn't find any. The 10% Medicaid cuts we are implementing January 1, 2010 will continue beyond the beginning of July, the beginning of the State's fiscal year. I am hoping that's as deep as the cuts will go to Medicaid.

State budget squeeze is on | CJOnline.com

The good news for now is no waiting list on the traumatic brain injury waiver (tbi) and some limitations on how long people will be able to utilize the waiver. The increased accountability will allow more people to utilize services.

Spread the word that the community works for everyone

For the past 19 years I've worked in Kansas trying to create a system for people with brain injuries and other disabilities to have the same access to the community that I do. I believe that everyone has a place in the community. With the right supports, that don't have to cost a lot of money, people can find their place.

I've looked at the system that supports and oppresses people from both an intellectual and a practical level. Sometimes they coincide, sometimes they collide. Until recently I believed things mostly coincided. A recent gutting of Kansas Medicaid by 10% ($22 million in one fell swoop) is making me face where things collide. Intellectually and practically I believe institutions can and should be closed. My intellect and practical sides collide when the same people who gut Medicaid one day, just days later, have serious discussions about closing two more institutions. Seriously? You are talking about more Medicaid cuts to community based services while expecting those who provide those services to step up and support people leaving institutions when so many already doubt it's possible? Um, thanks.

I started this blog to have a place to get the word out that the community works for everyone when the system and supports are set up in a way to help people control their own services. I will be posting upcoming legislative activities and ramblings on how to make sure that the community is working for everyone.