The Vegas Voice - Helping The Disabled

Helping The Disabled (Vegas Voice March 2005)

DIALOGUE WITH DINA

Since 2001, I have had the privilege and pleasure of serving as chair of the legislative committee to study state programs for persons with disabilities. The goals of the committee were to inventory existing programs, both public and private, that provide services for persons with disabilities; establish a clearing house whereby people could do "one stop shopping" to get information on and access to the various programs they need; and develop a strategic long range plan to move people with disabilities out of institutions and into the community.

The Committee also reviewed Nevada laws to bring us into compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Olmstead case of 1999. In that case, the Court ruled that states must provide community-based treatment for persons with disabilities rather than simply institutionalizing them when a) treatment specialists determine it is appropriate; b) the transfer from an institution to a less restrictive setting is not opposed by the affected person; and c) the community-based placement can be reasonably accommodated with the resources available.

Working closely with the Nevada Department of Human Resources and many individuals and organizations representing the disabled community, including AARP, Opportunity Village, Easter Seals, and Blind Connect, we discovered that several important steps needed to be taken to help people with disabilities have more meaningful lives and reach their potential in school, in the workplace, in government, and in the community at large.

In order to accomplish these goals, several bills will be considered this Session. One will create a 2-1-1 Hotline, similar to 911, that people can call for help and information on needed services. Another bill is designed to better protect service animals from abuse. Two other bills have been introduced: one to help teenagers with disabilities make the transition from high school to independent adult living, and one to provide prescription drug assistance to seniors with disabilities.

Under other proposed measures, disabled persons who are unable to sign their name will be allowed to use a stamp which must be recognized by banks and stores as equivalent to a signature; and persons with permanent disabilities will be able to get an "expedited service permit" that lasts for 10 years instead of the current 2 years.

In addition, the Governor has proposed more funding for programs such as respite assistance for those who are caring for a disabled loved one and for personal assistance services provided by Medicaid and Aging Services. There are currently many people on waiting lists for these services; additional funding will help shorten those lists. Such programs go a long way toward helping more people with disabilities stay at home instead of in long term care facilities.

All these bills are designed to streamline access to services and help people live as independently as possible. Sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference in a person's life—writing your name or standing in line should not present challenges which cannot be accommodated. When people with disabilities, whether young or old, are able to fully participate in society, everyone benefits from their contributions.

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