The Board appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed Day Support Waiver for Individuals with Mental Retardation. Implementation of this Waiver will enhance the quality of life as well as community integration and involvement for Virginians with Mental Retardation, which support priority goals of both the state Community Integration Strategic Plan and the Board's 2007-12 Developmental Disabilities State Plan. As noted in our 2006 Biennial Assessment of Virginia's Disability Services System, individuals with even the most severe impairments and medical needs are able, and will continue to be able, to live in their communities successfully when appropriate supports are available and accessible.

The Board recommends that Supported Employment be added as a service to the Day Support Waiver.

Rationale:  The 2006 General Assembly added Supported Employment as a Day Support service, after recommendations by the Senate Finance and House Appropriation Sub-committees on Health and Human Resources. As indicated in the 2006 Biennial Assessment, the Virginia Board supports this positive step taken by the legislature to allow individuals with mental retardation to receive the supports needed to obtain employment. Adding Supported Employment as a Day Support service would help individuals with mental retardation have more meaningful involvement in community life and develop independence.

The person-centered allocation system for Day Support Waiver slots currently used, based on the chronological application date continues to support the Board's vision for availability and access of services statewide. The Virginia Board strongly supports increasing the availability of the Day Support Waivers so that those on the waiting lists for services can have their needs met in a timely fashion.

Thank you again for this opportunity.