End The Wait Kansas News Flash!

The great news is that the DD “underserved” waiting list has been eliminated!  The Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC) and the I/DD advocacy community worked hard to eliminate the DD “underserved” waiting list.  Thankfully, the State of Kansas has agreed to get every person into services who was on what used to be called the DD “underserved” waiting list.  They will do this by July 31, 2014.  Given that, it is even more important for you to know your rights!  DRC can help.  DRC’s disability rights legal and advocacy services are free.       

For questions about your disability rights, contact DRC Kansas at 1-877-776-1541.  For information about the elimination of the DD “underserved” waiting list, go to DRC’s NEW website:

www.DDUnderserved.org for more information.  

Underserved Waiting List Brochure

What do you need to know about the “confirmation form” sent in the Jan. 31^st letter from KDADS? 

On Jan. 31, 2013, the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) mailed a letter to every Kansan on the DD “underserved” waiting list.  This letter included a “confirmation form” that consumers are to complete and return.  This confirmation form has some questions that DRC fear may harm the rights of the person with I/DD waiting for services.  Thousands of Kansans with I/DD were illegally forced onto this “underserved” waiting list over the past thirteen years.  Some had waited for several years.  Kansans on the DD “underserved” waiting list have had their rights denied for too long.  This wait is now over!  Given this history, we want to make sure individuals’ rights are protected in the future.  We do want to stress that people should answer the questions on this confirmation form both honestly and accurately.  Here is some information you may want to consider before you complete the confirmation form:   

1.     MOST IMPORTANT – Question 2 of the “Self-Assessment” section of the confirmation form asks what additional services the person needs. This is a very important question.  This is where a person on the DD “underserved” waiting list indicates what new or different services they need.  It is important to check ALL services the person with a disability will need to live successfully in the community, whether they are new or different services.  If you need services, DO NOT leave this section blank!  

2.     For people who believe that they need other services or additional services, we think it’s a good idea to check “No” in the box that says “All of my needs are being met”.  Contact DRC for legal and advocacy advice about your specific situation.

3.     Unless there are special circumstances or you don’t need services until after May of 2014, you might want to consider checking the box to start services “In the Next 30 Days” (see Section 2 of the Self-Assessment).  You can always request a later start date as part of your service plan.  We are concerned that the only options listed on the form is to have services start “in the next 30 days,” “in the next 12 months,” or “more than 12 months.”  From talking directly with parents and self-advocates, we know many who need services to start upon graduation in May 2014.  However, the only listed option in that time frame is “in the next 12 months.”  We are fearful that those who mark “in the next 12 months” will have their assessments done after May of 2014, which is after they need services to start.  DRC wants to make sure your assessment is done quickly so that your services start when you need them.  Contact DRC for specific advice about your situation.    

4.     The confirmation form needs to be returned to KDADS by March 1, 2014. They can be sent by email ([email protected]) fax (785-296-0256 ATTN: HCBS-IDD Waiting List) or mail (KDADS HCBS-IDD Waiting List, New England Building, 503 S Kansas Ave., Topeka KS 66603). A delay in submitting the form could cause a greater delay in receiving the additional services.

5.     Contact the Disability Rights Center of Kansas for questions about your right to receive services, 1-877-776-1541.  Website: www.DDUnderserved.org

A copy of the Jan. 31, 2014, mailing from KDADS can be found here:

http://www.kdads.ks.gov/CSP/IDD/KanCare_Imp/2014_01_31_RASL_Consumer_Letter_Form.pdf 

-The Disability Rights Center of Kansas

www.DDUnderserved.org

Click below to download the PDF brochure about the rights of individuals with I/DD regarding the DD “Underserved” Waiting List (“A New Day is Rising”).  The Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC) wrote this brochure so you will know your right to services and supports.
Underserved Waiting List Brochure

This is not intended to provide specific legal advice.  Please contact an attorney at DRC for specific legal advice about your disability rights.