Times are tough. Last year our legislators worked hard to fix the budget deficit, only to be faced with another 2 billion dollar shortfall before the end of the fiscal year. Our legislators are currently in special session to address the situation. The dilemma is, should there be further cuts to programs, a revenue package which would include new taxes, or a combination of cuts and revenue? Budget cuts have been submitted by DSHS and the governor’s office. The proposals can be best described as catastrophic. The governor has also submitted a revenue package. We now wait to see what the legislators’ game plan will be.
The good news is we have a voice, and it is important for our voices to be heard. Jeremy, a self-advocate, has been using his voice. Below is his speech he presented at the legislative forum and the rally in Olympia.
JEREMY'S ADVOCACY SPEECH
I am Jeremy Hernandez. I am the Certified Peer Counselor at Tri-Cities Residential Services and a client. This is a dual role. I would like to share with you what my life would be without DDD supports.
I have Cerebral Palsy, arthritis, and depression. My health care and medications are very important to me. My medications make me feel better and less depressed. If my state insurance is cut, I will get sick. I will be in pain and isolate. I work part time but not enough to get my own insurance. I won’t be able to pay for my medications and pay for my rent.
I have worked very hard to earn my certification in peer counseling. On my state test, I got 100% on the oral part and 97% on the written part. My DDD supports provide me counseling to learn and use DBT skills in my own life and help others. This has been my dream to help others. DDD counseling supports allow me to be healthy and stay employed.
My DDD funded staff support me to live independently. My staff helps me attend doctor’s appointments, get out into the community for events like Special Olympic bowling, shop, make meals, pay my bills, and keep my house and clothes clean. If I did not have these supports, I would be living in a dirty house and be sick more often. They help me be a good employee.
Keep persons with disabilities healthy and independent in our community. We need our medications and staff. DO NO CUT OUR SERVICES! THANK YOU!
If you would like to stay informed on issues regarding developmental disabilities the Arc of Washington has an excellent site. Let your voice be heard!
Arc of Washington take action site: http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA
