In this newsletter: the latest news about disability advocacy in Washington State

We’re about a month out from the legislative session, but that doesn’t mean things are quiet. Here’s what’s happening and what to watch that matters for people with IDD and loved ones.

Responding to Harmful Language

Thank you to Senator Claire Wilson, Shawn Latham (SAIL), and Kendra Wolf (People First) for publishing an important op-ed in the Seattle Times responding to Representative Leonard Christian’s use of the “R” word on the House floor — and why the problem is deeper than a single offensive word. Read it here.

Budgets, bills, and two key vetoes

 

Good news! The Governor signed all our priority bills that passed the legislature, and he approved the budget.  There were two vetoes in the budget that affect developmental disability services (DDCS/DDA) specifically.

VETO: Dental services at RHCs proviso
A budget proviso directed DSHS to pilot the use of dental capacity at Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs) for people with IDD living in the community. The Governor vetoed that proviso but made two remarkable acknowledgements:

“Two of the four residential habilitation centers are expected to close once the census reaches a certain threshold, making this only a temporary solution to a long-term barrier to community services.” 

The Governor also recognized the extraordinary barriers to receiving dental services for people with IDD and the need for long-term solutions. He then directed the Department of Social and Health Services and the Health Care Authority, in partnership with representatives from the dentistry profession, “to continue to develop a plan to expand access to dental services for individuals with developmental disabilities in the community. This plan must align with the state’s commitment to community-based living by exploring sustainable solutions for providers in the same communities in which these clients reside.” That planning directive offers hope for real and sustainable solutions.

VETO: DSHS Re-organization
The Governor also vetoed budget language authorizing the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) “re-imagine” reorganization project because the Legislature did not pass implementing legislation or provide funding for it. So what does that mean? Everything old is new again.

Just when you think you have the new acronym down, the Developmental Disabilities Community Services DDCS is now back to being an administration, and the name has reverted to The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

The Rollback: DDA is back

DSHS is increasingly concerned about unnecessary scrutiny from Federal agencies (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), and that the changes, especially without direction from the legislature, may make them a target that could put their federal matching dollars at risk. So, the DDA rollback is an effort to simplify and avoid complicating things too much.

Leadership  update 

Dana Phelps is the new DDA Assistant Secretary. She previously led the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and has 35 year at DSHS in roles including juvenile justice, child welfare and legislative leadership.  You can read Dana’s introductory note here.

Reimagine DSHS: Frequently Asked Questions | DSHS

What can we expect?

Beyond the name change, you should not see differences- your service providers or your case manager will remain the same.  We heard from leadership that they will continue to work together as a team, and their commitment to the principles around re-imagine for better coordination and easier access has not changed.

Bea Rector, Assistant Secretary of HCLA had this to say:“The takeaway from this message is that while we are making this necessary change, please know that our commitment to you, and the people we serve, remains the same.”

Why the 10-year strategic plan matters

With these organizational changes underway, the 10-year strategic plan for developmental disabilities is more important now than ever. We were able to secure funding this past session to make this plan happen, and now we have is an opportunity to shape the future of our services and determine the best path forward to ensure that our community services are robust. The hope is that in 10 years, we will look back and see that true progress has been made toward accessible services that provide inclusion and a full life for individuals with IDD.

Federal concerns: family caregivers and Medicaid

At the Federal level, there have been serious concerns about comments made by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Secretary, Mehmet Oz, regarding family caregivers taht characterize paying them as wasteful, fraudulent, or abusive and suggest families should provide care for free.  The pushback has been swift from both disability advocacy organizations and families.

• The Arc of the US’s  response is here.
• Coverage by Disability Scoop

Family caregivers are the backbone of our care system, especially as we face a national workforce crisis.  Their work isn’t just a service; it is what prevents our loved ones from being forced into costly, restrictive institutions. When individuals have the right to choose their own providers—including their own family—it gives them the opportunity to be independent and have access to the community they deserve.  Family providers are a vital win-win for both families and the system.

Washington families sue the state

Family caregivers are in the spotlight closer to home. Families of children with IDD are suing Washington state, alleging the state fails to ensure that Medicaid-eligible children receive the nursing and care services they qualify for. The outcome desired is that parents of minor children who receive personal care or nursing hours could be paid for caring for their loved one.

Read more about the lawsuit here.

The next few months will be important- for federal issues, the reorganization of DDA and the beginning of the 10-year strategic planning that will shape services for years to come. Stay engages: watch for alerts, reach out to legislators, and stay connected to ensure community-based, quality servvices for people with IDD remain the priority.

 

In Community,

Cathy Murahashi

Public Policy Specialist

The Arc of Washington State