I have had the opportunity to read all of the comments regarding Vanguard Landing and I write this to note my belief that they should not qualify for Medicaid Waiver funding as they do not meet the standard for an integrated community. 

I was particularly touched by the last comment by the professionals who seek a place for their daughter.  My daughter is younger but I see in their story my own.  Even with the advancements in services for the IDD population, integration is a daily fight.  I want my daughter to be loved and appreciated in the world for who she is and I want so badly for the world to embrace her gifts and support her needs, much like we do for our neighbors, friends, and community members.  It is a fight in every direction, one that will be the fight of my life. 

I believe in Vanguard Landing.  I believe in everyone having access to services that make them feel proud and a part of their larger community.  I want happiness for every person in our community. 

That is the problem with Vanguard Landing.  Waiver funding opens the door, but not for everyone.  I know individuals who have toured or met with this program and if Medicaid funding happens, it does not mean equal and open access to all.  It just opens the door a little wider.  It does not open it for all.  Even with an intention community for the disabled, I would have to fight for my own child's integration to be able to attend there. 

Medicaid Waiver would not cover the costs at Vanguard, it would cover a portion of the cost.  Other Waiver programs charge 50 - 80% of their Social Security to cover rental costs.  Vanguard Landing charges more than double a person's income after Medicaid funding.  This means opening it to Waiver dollars decreases the private pay cost, but in no way makes it an open opportunity for anyone who wants this as a service. 

I am saddened that parents who want or need the reduced cost see this as integration for all.  It does not guarantee that my own daughter can afford to live there in the future, even if she has the Medicaid resources to go there.  This is disheartening to me.  That shows me that even in my own warrior community of parents who help me find the strength to battle IEPs, doctor's offices, insurance denials, uneducated community members, even there that very community would not embrace my child if her dollars were not enough. 

To me, the very basis of HCBS is integration.  It is the belief in choice, in ensuring a community for my daughter and services that are designed to meet her needs as well as her interests.  My daughter loves K-Pop and holidays and travel and animals.  I love the idea that her world would continue to include all the things that make her magic.  Having looked at the fee assessments my friend's have received I hate the idea of nickel and diming her because she wants to get changed AT the gym or wants to go look at Christmas lights 4 times this week instead of three. God forbid she need extra help when she is anxious or become agitated when overwhelmed.  She risks costing more for care and being discharged with no notice. 

This is the only provider that I can find locally that charges like this.  While it may be allowable, it isn't the spirit of our community and it isn't the spirit of HCBS or DD Waiver services.  I need to know as my child enters this system that she has freedom of choice, providers who see her as a person and not as additional fees, and with providers willing to work within the funding guidelines that allow access for all. 

It is for these reasons that I respect Vanguard as a choice for families who can private pay for the service.  It is also the reason I can never accept it as an integrated option in my community or for my daughter.  I am saddened that I have to right about integration for an agency that seems to use the word in their fundraising but hides their lack of transparency in the cost.  This will not be an intentional community for all, even with Waiver dollars.  That very fact is why it should never be a DD Waiver provider.