The IER appears to be focused and directed at people living at home.  As a consumer or family member this can potentially take away your right to disagree with the county on what  funding is being offered unless you are willing to spend the time to go through an appeal process.  The information from your initial intake will be put in a central computer and will fit a profile of other people who have similar disabilities; that will drive funding for your budget.  Budgets will become capped, with all similar disabilities costing the same amount.  The budget will be driven by cost rather then need and flies in the face of Self Determination. 

Funding for services has always been in short supply.  An additional concern is that costs have always been held low and that the target funding estimated for people will be inadequate to fully fund what a person needs.  We are in constant contact with people and families who tell us they are being told what they are allowed for funding before they have begun planning.  The Person and Family Directed Support Waiver is capped at $21,125 and will be the initial target for the IER. 

People and families have barely begun to get adequate funding and now the state is trying to limit that amount even more.  In two years the Consolidated Waiver will use the IER process and that funding will also be capped and have limits. If you are concerned with the possibility of a capped Individual Budget that falls short of meeting your needs, then you are encouraged to contact the PA Office of Mental Retardation, Department of Public Welfare and legislators to let them know how you feel before the IER becomes a destructive part of the system.