Over the past 20 years I have worked as a DSP and in care coordination with VAAA Cares for UHC and am currently in the process of becoming a certified Facilitator for CCC Plus and IDD waivers. Because of my work experience the community, family and friends often contact me for help navigating how they can get the supports they need. Recently I have been assisting a close friend with qualifying and applying for much needed support of her adolescent child who has Autism who is currently on the DD waiver waiting list.

Mandate that other support waivers are offered while on the waiting list

I would like to propose that it be mandatory for agencies to assess these individuals for enrollment to other support waivers ie. ("Coordinated Care","Family & Individual Support",  "CL" waiver) to supplement support needed while on the waiting list. As children grow and develop their needs often time become more intensive. In the interim of waiting the individual is missing crucial opportunities for social skills growth and development. Often times these individuals are experiencing behavioral changes, parents may have a chang in income and employment as well as issues with housing. Therefore the urgency of need increases.

Protect parents' employment

I would like to also propose new employment protections for parents with children diagnosed with Disabilities. Often parents must utilize time away from the job to go to IEP meetings, transport their child to therapies, facilitate socialization and learning opportunities, or intervene in crisis at school. This often limits their abilities to seek and accept more substantial income or they are in fear of losing employment.