Sisters and Brothers in the Disability Community:
As the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act draws near, we approach the milestone with mixed emotions. Securing national civil rights legislation, protecting the rights of people with disabilities, was truly historic. It is important that we recognize the incredible nature of this accomplishment and the hard work of those that made this happen, but 20 years after President George H. W. Bush signed this civil rights legislation into law and as our community is preparing for the celebrations, we pause in disappointment that the promise of freedom has still not reached our sisters and brothers in nursing facilities and other institutions. Read the rest of this entry »
We wand to thank our very first contestant, Lynda Labine for her incredibly touching poem – which has kicked off a series of entries in the essay / story portion of the contest. We are hoping more of you will send in photographs to go with your stories; Read the rest of this entry »
$300 in Prize Money for the Best Submissions
The real story of IHSS is the human story:
The story of thousands of dedicated men and women who have given up higher paying jobs and even careers to care for loved ones; and
The story of thousands of elderly and disabled Californians who are able to live in the security and comfort of their own homes and communities rather than endure the degradation and isolation of institutional care.
It is that human story we want the public and legislators to hear. Read the rest of this entry »
By Pamela Hoye, Published in East County Magazine
“…when one of my caregivers showed me the new “orientation packet” she had been sent – for the first time ever – what I read came as a shock. While I am aware of more than most who receive IHSS services because of my years of volunteering with the County IHSS Program, NEVER in 35 years have I been informed of limitations within “authorized services” in my role as a program “recipient.” From this information packet I learned, for example, that my caregiver can be paid to drive me to the doctor, but not for going to the appointment with me. I have speech impairment as well as being unable to wheel my own chair I cannot see a doctor on my own. I’ve been committing fraud without knowing it. Now, do I give up going to the doctor? Considering that I am nearly 61 and recovering from spinal surgery, this is probably not a wise option…”
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Our prayers go out to Elsie McIver, a dedicated UDW provider from Kern County. On Friday, April 9, she lost her 3-week-old baby to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Read the rest of this entry »
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