4. Transformation Project! Designing a System for us --Without Us.

5. ALERT!!!!  Your Individual Budget -- Currently called Individual Estimated Resources (IER) -- A Must Read

6. Action Needed NOW
 

State and Community Organizer, Sheila Stasko, for the Waiting List Campaign, is a Co-Chair of the Planning and Advisory Council and also co-chairs the Oversight Committee of the Waiting List to the Office of Mental Retardation with Maureen Devaney, from Vision for Equality.  This past Fall was devoted to a review of the eight recommendations that were developed as part of the state plan to address Waiting Lists. 

Perhaps the most  serious question presented is: Did the 411 people originally cited as being in the Emergency Category on PUNS by the Office of Mental Retardation receive services?  The answer --The Office of Mental Retardation has no way of knowing.  Temple University,  Center for Excellence,  will work with the Office to see if they can find an answer. 

ISSUES

Capacity issues.  More OMR staff were hired and many counties saw an increase in staff.  Remaining problem -- Many counties are experiencing serious provider and staff salary issues.

PUNS -- It is difficult for people to move out of the critical category to services.  There is a dilemma as to who should be served first, children who need supports, or adults whose caregivers are medically fragile who have been waiting decades.

Technical training for State, County and Consumers is needed.  Should there be an interagency agreement with the Department of Corrections?  The cost for services and supports for a person with mental retardation in the Criminal Justice System could be astronomical.

Transformation Information and Training.  Who is the target?  What is the message?  Who is doing the training?  Two levels of training are taking place; people and families are not included.

Self Determination is not being implemented

Transition appears to have drawn a line in the sand.  Education and OMR do not appear to be willing to work with each other.

Institutional Closings -- each year less people are leaving institutions. 

The Campaign is continuing to keep  the public and government apprised of the Waiting List issues and concerns. The Campaign is constantly informing OMR about the issues you bring to our attention. We need to continue to hear from you!  Our job is far from done.