TESTIMONY PROVIDED TO HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS
SOCIAL SERVICES BUDGET COMMITTEE
Presented by Jennifer Schwartz
Assistive Technology for Kansans
March 10, 2003
My name is Jennifer
Schwartz and I work for the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living
(KACIL) on behalf of the Assistive Technology for Kansans Project (ATK). This project is funded through a federal
grant awarded to the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities. The project collaborates with many agencies
across the state to create a statewide network of assistive technology services
and supports. Assistive Technology for Kansans is a member of the Big Tent
Coalition.
Briefly, assistive
technology includes traditional devices such as manual and power wheelchairs,
walkers and hearing aids, but also encompasses equipment such as electronic
communication devices, ergonomic keyboards, visual aids, wheelchair lifts,
etc.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today
regarding the SRS budget. Assistive
Technology for Kansans is aware that you have a difficult job. We realize that there are no easy
choices.
Medicaid
programs that benefit people with disabilities were drastically cut in the
November allotment. Vision and
Audiology services for adults were both in this round of cuts. Medicaid recipients who are considering
employment must have access to these devices and services to be successful in
their efforts to work. These items are
rarely covered by other resources. We
are grateful to hear that these cuts are restored in the Governor’s 2004
budget.
The
reinstatement of incontinence supplies has been very appreciated by many
families. These supplies are medical
necessities for these children, and many of the families were struggling at how
they would cover the cost. Several of
the families we heard from were unable to find other resources in their local
communities for providing these supplies.
We
have heard that the process used for purchasing these supplies is cost
prohibitive. ATK and KACIL would gladly
work with SRS and the Department of Administration to review rules and make
this process more cost effective.
ATK supports the
Governor’s recommendation to restore 2/3 of the allotments in the SRS budget
made in 2002. The people who are
affected by the allotment cuts are trying to get by the best they can. In addition to the cuts I mentioned earlier,
many have lost hours of service they need every day. They are trying to depend on family, neighbors and friends, but
feel they are imposing on them or, too often, going without. If the legislature approves the Governor’s
budget it will help them get through each day knowing there is light at the end
of tunnel.
The restorations do
not come near what is needed to address the waiting list for people with
disabilities in our State. For the PD
and DD Waiver, that number is near 1,000 people who qualify for services, but
are being placed on a waiting list.
We understand the
State’s budget crisis and are advocating for a revenue enhancement with the House
and Senate Taxation Committee’s. We
have a responsibility as Kansans to provide for the needs of everyone in our
state.
Thank you for your
time.
Jennifer Schwartz
Assistive Technology
Policy and Funding Analyst
2529 Maverick Lane
Lawrence, KS 66046