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

Developmental Disabilities Service System
2002 Budget Principles

Adopted 2/23/2002

PAI’s Board of Directors has previously adopted a series of principles concerning the developmental disabilities service system which promote the entitlement of individuals with developmental disabilities to all services that enable full community inclusion.[i] These additional principles reflect PAI’s policy concerning actions taken to address the anticipated FY 2002/2003 budget deficit.

PRINCIPLES

1.       The Lanterman Act’s entitlement to services and supports which foster the potential of the person and are directed toward achievement for the most independent, productive and normal lives possible for persons with developmental disabilities is a fundamental right which must be preserved even in these economically troubled times.

2.       Before any cuts/reductions or fundamental changes to the developmental disabilities service system, such as statewide purchase of service standards are adopted:

(a)       One Developmental Center should be closed and the operational cost savings and the revenues from the sale or lease of the land shall be dedicated to address any projected budget shortfall; and

(b)      The states should maximize all possible federal reimbursements and other federal funding mechanisms such as Medicaid Home Community-based Waivers.

3.       Budget shortfalls should not affect the maintenance of basic due process protections including fair hearings, consumer complaint procedures and independent clients’ rights advocates.

4.       To the extent statewide purchase of service standards are contemplated as a remedy for budget shortfalls, they should comply with the following:

(a)    Be developed with input from individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and advocates, including individuals from communities of color;

(b)      Be limited to the 2002/2003 fiscal year;

(c)       Ensure that services continue to be provided in the least restrictive, most integrated settings;

(d)      Have an exception policy contained within every standard that makes clear that individualized decision making is still required;

(e)       Ensure client’s health and well-being;

(f)       Provide rates for services that are competitive and promote quality services;

(g)      Ensure access to culturally competent services; and

(h)      Provide access to the full range and amount of cost effective quality services that people with developmental disabilities need in order to live independent, productive normal lives.

5.       If federal Developmental Disabilities Act Basic State Grant Funds are not available to fund the Area Boards, general fund dollars should support these important services.

6.       The developmental disabilities service system budget will be unified (developmental center and community services portions) as one means of improving equity in services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Policy #1019.01

Adopted 2/23/2002