As the Oklahoma government continues to search for money to make ends meet, several services through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) are being cut completely and some greatly reduced. The Developmental Disabilities Services received three of the cuts, The Adult Day service and In-Home support waiver were both cut and will end on Dec. 1, and its vocational services have been reduced.

Read More: http://www.duncanbanner.com/news/cutting-the-most-vulnerable-dhs-budget-cuts-two-programs-completely/article_39e82cc2-c036-11e7-b150-13abd10e1aac.html

State Budget Cuts Put Oklahomans With Disabilities at Risk of Institutionalization

November 2, 2017, Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC)
http://okdlc.org/?p=498

The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. (ODLC) is deeply concerned that the elimination of two Oklahoma Home and Community Based Waiver Programs are putting thousands of Oklahomans with disabilities at imminent risk of institutionalization. Elimination of these services will harm Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens and literally put lives at risk.

Termination of service notices were mailed out to more than 22,000 Oklahomans who rely on services from the In-Home Support Waiver for Adults or the ADvantage Waiver to provide the daily supports necessary to allow them to remain safely in their homes. Without these needed supports, many will be forced into nursing homes or intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IDD). Notices informed recipients their services will be terminated effective December 1, 2017.

ODLC is currently evaluating options for those impacted by the elimination of these services. If you or your family member is currently on the In-Home Support Wavier for Adults, ODLC encourages you to review the criteria for emergency placement on the Community Waiver (see below). If after carefully reviewing the emergency criteria you believe you or your family member might meet the requirements, please contact our office (800)880-7755 for further evaluation of your situation.

Criteria for emergency placement – OAC 317:40-1-1(f)(1)

ODLC is aware DHS announced cuts to additional services, we will post updates as more information becomes available. We understand this is a scary situation for many, if you have questions feel free to call our office. (800)880-7755

OKLAHOMA CITY — There is no prejudice when it comes to the number of Oklahomans who would be directly impacted by cuts at the Department of Human Services….

Read more: http://okcfox.com/news/local/thousands-fear-impact-of-looming-dhs-cuts

According to the 2016 Oklahoma Department of Human Services annual report, 5,560 people with developmental disabilities receive home and community-based services through the Medicaid waiver program, but 7,500 remain on a waiting list.

Read more: http://newsok.com/parents-of-developmentally-disabled-children-wait-more-than-decade-to-receive-help/article/5553903