Notes

DHS / DDS Waiting List Meeting

Thursday, June 2, 2016

1:30 PM

Working Application Date: Feb2, 2006

Attendees: 37

Represented in attendance:

17 – Parent or Family Member

8 – Self-Advocate (person with a disability)

5 – DHS/DDS

2 – OHCA (Health Care Authority)

1 – OSDH (State Department of Health)

2 – Candidates for Oklahoma House of Representatives (HD 97 & 95)

(Thank you Willis Washington and Roger Ford for coming to hear and learn from families)

Representing those on the Waiting List – 14

First Time Attendees – 12

Locations represented – Norman, Del City, Kingfisher, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Yukon, Moore, Cushion, Midwest City, Arcadia, Tulsa, Mustang

Community agencies, programs or organizations represented: Center for Learning and Leadership/OK UCEDD, Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Oklahoma Family Network, Sooner SUCCESS, Oklahoma Autism Network, Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, TARC, Oklahoma Family Network, OCA

 DHS budget is bleak. They have a shortfall of $150,000 to cover all the expenses of the agency. There was a “limits” bill that protected DDS waivers and providers along with aging waivers and providers. DDS has lost a large number of their administrative staff. By the end of this month, they are expecting to be down by 27% overall. This is not including the staff affected by the closing of the two state ran institutions. At the time of the meeting, DHS/DDS had not determined the affected to the programs completely. It was mentioned that in the childcare subsidy program, that support could end for working parents.

DDS Waiting List Breakdown (two pages)

*** New information on the Waiting List breakdown: The number of years have been expanded to you will be able to see who has been waiting seven years or more than seven years. Additionally, we added a category to servers receiving while waiting, by adding the Adult Day program funded out of the Aging division.

Waiting List Breakdown by County (two pages)

There was a nice discussion around who is the decision makers regarding the money the state brings in and how it is determined to be spend. One parent strongly encouraged all families to meet with their candidates for state office. Ask what they feel the role of government is in support people with developmental disabilities.

There was a discussion from OHCA regarding Personal Care services and how a child on SoonerCare through TEFRA can make an application for this services. More information is on this flyer .

One comment from an attendee was regarding private duty nursing and an issue around providers NOT attempting to find nursing to fill the approved hours on weekends or nights.

We also learned that TARC’s volunteer guardian program will end at the end of this month due to lack of funding.

Next Meeting – OKC

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Sequoyah Building – Capitol Complex

Room C-47 (Basement)

1:30 pm