I fully support combining the annual service limits for Assistive Tech and EHBS. This would give individuals who only need Assistive Tech, or EHBS, more funds to utilize. The products that are typically needed through these services can be very expensive. At times, $5,000 isn't enough to cover the cost.
Allowing more time to enroll into a waiver is crucial. I support this change. With the shortage of providers and services in rural areas, it is almost impossible to get someone enrolled into waiver services within the current expected timeframe. We have individuals who have been forced to lose their waiver slot, at no fault of their own because of this.
I support the amendment to disregard the SSDI benefits above the maximum Social Security Insurance benefit limit. People who receive SSI and SSDI rarely have enough funds or income to cover their monthly expenses, much less their personal needs as well. They should not be penalized for having a disability when trying to access other benefits and resources.
I do NOT support the removal of education requirements for service facilitation providers. Service facilitation is an extremely unreliable service. The SF companies never want to fulfill their responsibilities, and everything tends to fall into the laps of the CSB support coordinators and the family members of the client. At my agency, I work with SF agencies all across the state of VA. None of them seem to be able to produce their required quarterly reports, ever. Most families say that they never see or hear from their SF agency or assigned worker. Most workers at the SF agencies don't seem to understand crucial concepts and processes that they should understand in order to provide quality services. I understand that SF agencies are understaffed and that they have a lot of turnover, however, this is one situation where risking the quality of care is not worth the risk. If anything, this is the one service that desperately needs more oversight and more requirements, not less.
