Testimony
to
Senate
Federal and State Affairs
Senator
Nancey Harrington, Chairperson
HB 2020
2-20-02
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 Ways and Means committee, we
hear repeatedly 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 are aware of 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 is costly care in Nursing Facilities. Were it not for access in their homes many
could not 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.