Testimony to
House
Federal and State Affairs
Doug Mays,
Chairperson
HB 2020
March 12th, 2001
My name is Gina McDonald and I
represent the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living
(KACIL). KACIL represents 13 Centers
for Independent Living (CIL’s). Centers provide services to people with
disabilities of all ages. Centers for
Independent Living also provide assistance to businesses and all other entities
in the community to assist them in offering services to people with
disabilities. We advocate at a state
and national level for the rights of all people with disabilities to live in
the communities of their choice.
Thank you for the opportunity to
offer our support for HB 2020.
As we listen to testimony in the
Futures Committees we hear over and over again that our state is aging. Overall in the next ten years many counties
in Kansas will be among the nations oldest counties in terms of citizens.
Further, we hear repeatedly about
the need for state and federal assistance for seniors and people with
disabilities to remodel their homes so they can remain in the community. The alternative to remodeling their homes is
costly care in Nursing Facilities. Were
it not for access in their homes many could remain in place.
It makes so much more sense to
build houses that contain basic accessibility features in the first place so
that we can all remain in our homes as we age and/or become disabled.
It would reduce the costs that the
state is now paying to put in ramps, widen doors and remodel bathrooms for
seniors and people with disabilities.
It is smart from the perspective
of builders to build for the demographics that will be in place in this state
in the future.
KACIL supports HB 2020 and asks
that you pass it out favorably.
Thank you for your consideration
and vision on this most important concept.
If you have any questions, I can
be reached at the number on this letterhead.
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