Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OFCENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Advocating for the integration inclusion ofpeople with disabilitiesinto all aspects of society

2013 Legislative Priorities

Provide funding for the Consumer Services Fund to provide for technology needed by people with disabilities that is not available through other funding sources.

Reduce waiting lists for the Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Waiver andIntellectual Disabilities Waiver. The DD Waiver provides services for people with autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, spina bifida and other developmental disabilities that occur before the age of 22.The DD Waiver waiting list includes 1,100 people. The ID Waiver provides services for people with intellectual disabilities. The ID Waiver waiting list includes 6,300 people.

Fund personal assistant services for adults with disabilities who are working by increasing funding for Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services Personal Assistance Services.

Maintain current monthly income limits for Medicaid Waiver eligibility. The current monthly income limit is 300% of SSI ($2,094). In 2014, the allowable monthly income will be reduced to 267% of SSI ($1,864). People who use nursing facilities or the Alzheimer’s, EDCD or Tech Waivers may be able to use a spend down and continue their Medicaid services. Spend down will not be available to people who use the DD or ID Waivers.

Support Governor McDonnell’s budget amendments that will further the Commonwealth’s efforts to comply with the U.S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement to provide services in integrated settings.

Stabilize funding for independent living services. The 2012 budget reduced funding for peer mentoring, independent living skills training, information and referral, and advocacy services provided by Centers for Independent Living. The reduction resulted in fewer independent living services to people who are trying to stay out of nursing facilities and other institutions. The reduction also decreased availability of technical assistance to local governments and other entities that are working to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability rights provisions. $306,866 is needed to stabilize funding at the fiscal year 2009 funding level.

Provide independent living services in all communities. Establish Centers for Independent Living (CIL) in the New River Valley and Petersburg. Expand CIL satellites in Loudoun County and the Middle Peninsula. Establish four CIL satellite offices to cover the following areas: Northern Neck (Westmoreland, Richmond, Lancaster, Northumberland); Southside (Brunswick, Greensville, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Charlotte); PD14 (Buckingham, Cumberland, Amelia, Prince Edward, Nottoway); and LowerPD9 (Rappahannock, Culpeper, Orange, Madison).

Establish a voluntary statewide standard for new housing construction that would result in visitability and universal design.

December 2012