“It’s Not Too Late…End the Wait!” The Arc Tennessee Waiting List Events

It’s not too late…End the Wait!

Fund the DIDD waiting list for people with intellectual disabilities who need home and community based waiver services (HCBS)

The Arc Tennessee is launching a Waiting List Campaign for the 2013 legislative session called “It’s Not Too Late…End the Wait!” and we need your help.  We need families and self-advocates statewide to join us in spreading the word that the waiting list must be addressed – that more money must be spent on supporting people with intellectual disabilities (ID).  The Waiting List is now over 7,000 people and each year only a few hundred from that list may actually begin receiving Medicaid Waiver supports and services.

Nothing will change if we sit around and “wait.”  We must take control of the situation and educate the people that control the money about the needs of people with ID and the impact of not having supports and services available to them.

Commissioner Jim Henry and his staff have worked hard to raise awareness of the need for supports and services for people with (ID) with the governor, legislators and the community.  Advocacy agencies have done the same. But we will never see change unless government officials hear from the people impacted by the lack of supports and services – individuals with ID and their families.

Please attend one of our “It’s Not Too Late…End the Wait!” informational meetings in a town near you.  Learn more about the status of the waiting list, how you can help bring attention to the needs of people on the waiting list and their families, and about other resources that may be of help to you. Each meeting will last about ninety (90) minutes and snacks will be provided.  All family members welcome.

Please Join The Arc Tennessee at a “Call to Action” Meeting at a Location Near You:

Contact Carrie Hobbs Guiden at 1-615-248-5878 X14 or cguiden@thearctn.org for more information