On a philosophical level, I want to acknowledge that this is a pretty clear cut example of the "Disability Industrial Complex" http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/~k061480m/images/PDF/disindcmplx.pdf

When I googled "Disability Industrial complex, it was no surprise to see that the top results were from conservative think tanks pointing out how easy it is to commit disability insurance fraud and scam Social security.

This rhetoric and broken system, easily gets distorted into "those people" simply cost too much to taxpayers. It is valid to be concerned that specialized services cost so much. However, NOT including PWD and family members in discussions around how to provide services and supports in a person-centered, efficient and yes more cost effective manner, is NOT going to solve the problem.

Why is It that these same "complex rehab services" cost so much less in other countries and are generally of much better quality?

Commodification of disability and the monopolies that OWN us, from service providers to vendors to the monolithic systems providing benefits and services have an incentive to keep us impoverished and reliant on a system that is wrought with fraud.

Whew sorry that was a vent/rant, but it is Friday and I happen to be at a Voc Rehab Council retreat, so I am concentrating all day on how to get people real jobs in the system that Justin Dart Jr referred to as: "a vast inflexible, federal system which, like the society it represents, still contains a significant portion of individuals who have not yet overcome obsolete, paternalistic attitudes about disability."

Have a great weekend!

On Friday, October 16, 2015, Farrar - CDHS, Julie <xxxxxx@state.co.us> wrote:

We have personally visited all of our legislators here in Colorado over the past couple of months and they understand the problem. We have pretty solid support from the Dems and the Republicans seem to understand the issue, but did not promise anything.
Would you like our talking points, materials for messaging?
On Thursday, October 15, 2015, Marcia Tewell - CDHS <xxxxxx@state.co.us> wrote:
Seen this? M

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Trudgeon, Ann" <xxxxxx@okdhs.org>
Date: October 15, 2015 at 2:28:06 PM MDT
To: "xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com" <xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com>
Subject: DD Councils FW: URGENT - Call to Action!
Reply-To: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com

Ya’ll seen this?? -- Ann

Hi everyone, I know this doesn't feel like a personal email, but it is. There is a move to make cuts in Medicare to what is called "Complex Wheelchair Accessories". In case you are wondering what that means, it is anything that is not bare bones in a wheelchair. For me it's the adjustable footrests and the backrest that make it possible for me to sit in the chair for any length of time without negatively impacting my already chronic pain. For another person it's a backrest that is molded to their body, which is the only way they can sit upright without assistance, or the tubing that carries oxygen to their mouth so they can breathe. If any of you work in an office setting you probably sit in an ergonomically correct chair. In comparison that would be an "accessory" under the proposed Medicare changes, leaving you to sit in one of those awful folded metal chairs all day, every day. If you think this doesn't affect you, know that the private insurance industry is following Medicare standards.

PLEASE take a minute and SIGN THIS PETITION. Please also share this with everyone you know. Thanks! LIL

Got 30 seconds?

Add your name to the petition as we try to stop Medicare from making inappropriate cuts to funding for Complex Wheelchair Accessories!

Click here to add your name to the petition to bring immediate attention to this serious threat to access for CRT!

100,000 signatures are needed! If you have already signed the petition, please forward this email to others you know!

We encourage all of you to sign this Petition to stop Medicare from making these inappropriate cuts to Complex Wheelchair Accessories.

Thank you for your help on this important issue!

Unsubscribe

--
I USE CAPS AS AN ACCOMMODATION FOR MY DISABILITY.

--
Sincerely,

Julie C. Farrar
Policy Analyst

Quality service delivery doesn't cost more money, it just takes mutual respect!

Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council is a member of www.INDIVISIBLE-CO.org
NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US -- EVER

INDIVISIBLE!

Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council
C:720/456-5972
P:720/941-0176
F:720/941-8490
1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 706
Denver, CO 80203-2117

Teleconference call-in number
is: 877 820-7831

Passcode: 662498*
OUR WEBSITE HAS VALUABLE INFORMATION: go to <www.coddc.org>.

**********************************
The D.D. Council is 100% federally funded under the D.D. Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Our goal is to achieve freedom and interdependence of persons with disabilities and their families to live typical lives. The Council's system change strategies include both advocacy in public policy efforts and grant making.
**********************************

Sincerely,

Julie C. Farrar

Policy Analyst

Quality service delivery doesn't cost more money, it just takes mutual respect!

Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council is a member of www.INDIVISIBLE-CO.org

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US -- EVER

INDIVISIBLE!

Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council

C:720/456-5972

P:720/941-0176

F:720/941-8490

1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 706

Denver, CO 80203-2117

Teleconference call-in number

is: 877 820-7831

Passcode: 662498*

OUR WEBSITE HAS VALUABLE INFORMATION: go to <www.coddc.org>.

**********************************
The D.D. Council is 100% federally funded under the D.D. Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Our goal is to achieve freedom and interdependence of persons with disabilities and their families to live typical lives. The Council's system change strategies include both advocacy in public policy efforts and grant making.
**********************************