Overview
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) often need community-based long term supports and services (LTSS) to support their needs and to live as independently as possible. This includes assistance with daily activities, such as getting dressed, taking medication, preparing meals, job coaching, residential supports, and managing money. However, the nation has lacked a comprehensive, proactive national public-private system of delivery. The current system is a patchwork of inadequate funding, with the main source of federal funds provided by the Medicaid program, which requires most people to be impoverished to receive services and has a bias toward institutional settings rather than in the community.
You can learn more about The Arc’s position on community-based long term supports and services by reading our position statement.
Why It Matters
In rural Colorado, living a meaningful life within the community, with the necessary supports for independence, is crucial for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Medicaid serves as the primary funding source for long-term supports and services for people with disabilities. However, individuals who desire to receive their services in community settings currently lack entitlement to home and community-based services (HCBS). While states have the option to fund HCBS programs, it is not mandatory, resulting in a shortage of availability. This creates waiting lists and leaves an unknown number of people without access to the service delivery system.
To address these challenges effectively, it is crucial to establish a well-trained and fairly compensated workforce of direct support professionals. They play an essential role in delivering the necessary supports and services to our constituents in the places they call home and work. By investing in these dedicated professionals, we can improve the lives of individuals with I/DD and ensure they receive the assistance they need within our rural Colorado communities, without unnecessary delays.
What The Arc Is Doing
In order to meet this national challenge, the federal government must take the lead in developing a coordinated, comprehensive approach to LTSS.
Our Policy Goals
The Arc’s Public Policy Goals include many recommendations on how to expand, modernize, and, where appropriate, maintain national policies that provide individualized supports to better meet the needs of people with I/DD in a person-centered manner. In order to meet this national challenge, the federal government must take the lead in developing a coordinated, comprehensive approach to long-term supports and services.
Our Coalition Work
The CCD LTSS Task Force, which The Arc co-chairs, works with Congress and the Health and Human Services Administration to support the expansion of LTSS and opposes efforts to repeal, weaken, or block implementation of relevant LTSS provisions.
How You Can Help
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The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community
throughout their lifetimes.
