I would very much like you to reconsider the changes proposed to discontinue consumer direct care for families serving as attendants to their children. It has been very challenging to find and keep attendants considering the needs of my child and the wage paid for care. It was a relief to know that my husband could provide care for her and could take some of the burden on concern away from having to find someone that we could trust.  

In addition, respite care should not be taken away from parents who are attendants. Respite care is a necessity for parent who are on the clock to take care of their children 24/7. Time away is needed for mental and emotional health. We do not have anyone else that can provide this type of care for us and would likely have to consider moving to another state and uprooting our family is this was no longer available. We do not want to have to do this.

Please consider the needs of the families who will be affected by this change and do not require agency directed care and remove respite options for families like mine.