I must express my urgent and unequivocal opposition to the proposed DD Waiver changes.  The soft cap of 565 hours for Personal Assistance is not just unrealistic-it is dangerous.  my son requires 76 hours per week of support.  How are families like mine expected to cover the remaining hours?  This proposal creates immediate and unacceptable gaps in care that put individuals at serious risk and place imposible burdens on families who are already doing everything they can to support their loved ones.

Equally alarming is the move to a broker model for Consumer-Directed Service Facilitation.  If agencies are not longer responsible for facilitation, then who exactly will be accountable for ensuring services are properly supported? Everything in this proposal points to families being forces to take on the facilitation role themselves.  That is not feasible, fair or safe.  We rely on these services because we need them to keep our loved ones stable, supported, and safe in their comminities.

We are hardworking, long-term Fairfax County residents who pay significant taxes.  We contribute to this community and expect a system that protects its most vulnerable members-not one that strips away essential supports and eliminates the freedom to choose trusted providers.

These changes do not reflect the realities faced by the people who depend on the DD Waiver every single day.  I urge decision-makers to stop these proposals immediately and work with families, providers, and advocates to ensure that services are strenghthened, not dismantled.