Continuous surveillance threatens to undermine consumer control and self-direction, and hurts the ability of people with disabilities to fully participate in the community.
Consumer-directed programs allow services to be delivered anywhere they are needed, like schools and workplaces. EVV typically requires workers to check in from the homes of clients. This can make people with disabilities feel trapped in their homes due to limitations of an EVV system.
EVV can require many daily, task-by-task electronic check-ins. Verification could constantly disruption routines, with clients and service providers potentially obligated to put aside other tasks and communications. It becomes a frustrating time suck for people with disabilities as well as the care provider. If it’s too burdensome, it could aggravate the shortage of care workers who are crucial for the independence of people with disabilities.
The services covered by EVV are essential for people with disabilities to remain in their own homes in the community. Medicaid generally is the only option for providing community services that help someone live in their own home and participate in community life. If EVV limits access to these services, it could force people into an institution like a nursing home. This could violate their right to live in the community under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C..
