Protection & Advocacy Inc.

 

Advancing the Rights of Californians with Disabilities

LEGISLATION & PUBLIC
INFORMATION UNIT

1029 J Street, Suite 150
Sacramento CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 497-0331
Fax: (916) 497-0813
www.pai-ca.org

 

Principles for Addressing the State Budget for
Programs That Have an Impact on
Individuals with Disabilities

Adopted 9/19/1992

1.          Preservation of direct mental health and developmental programs and related services to persons with disabilities is the most important consideration. PAI is opposed to any reductions in state, county, district or regional center services which will result in less services or services of lesser quality.

2.          No reduction in subsistence and health care benefits to persons with disabilities, including SSI/SSP, IHSS and Medi-Cal, is acceptable. At the minimum, maintenance of current award levels is essential to the health and safety of recipients.

3.          Entitlement to developmental services is a fundamental right for persons with developmental disabilities. Any legislative or budget action that would limit or eliminate this right is unacceptable.

4.          Community-based living arrangements and services for persons with disabilities must be preserved. Persons with disabilities have a right to live in the least restrictive environment and without these options this will not be possible.

5.          Rights and due process protections afforded persons with disabilities under state law must be maintained. The viability of state-mandated advocacy services, which are necessary to uphold and enforce these rights, must be preserved, or these rights may become meaningless.

6.          There is a continuing need for a single, strong and visible mental health governmental entity at the state level, publicly accountable for mental health services and which will provide leadership on important mental health issues. The presence of such an entity is essential to maintaining coordinated and effective mental health services.

7.          Special education students have a right to free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Funding to provide these rights must be maintained.

8.          Full funding to implement the Coffelt settlement must be provided in the developmental disability budget, to assure that persons with developmental disabilities receive the supports and services needed in community-based placements.

 

Policy #1006.01

Adopted 9/19/1992