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.