We should talk about self-advocacy, the Medicaid waiver, and the waiting list. First, Medicaid waiver helps people with disabilities live a full and productive life in the community. It creates jobs in healthcare that help people provide for their families and creates opportunities for people with disabilities to direct how they want to be assisted in order that they may be able to get ready for work, school, or just daily living. Medicaid waiver is not just about the person with the disability, it is about their families, the people that help them, and the community that they live in. Waiver works for everyone when people receive the funding. However, there are 3,240 people waiting to receive waiver funding and services…and that is 3,240 people too many!
Self-advocates need to start talking about the needs for funding to meet their needs, but how? Start by simply sharing information about our needs, whether they be financial, medical, or physical support such as housing or basic life skills (cooking, cleaning, bathing). The assistance funded by the Medicaid waiver truly helps people with disabilities live life.
Not every person with a disability can advocate for themselves, or has not yet found their ability to do so. Those who can do so can make a big difference by helping teach advocacy skills to others, and being an advocate for others too.
In the disability advocacy community, we say “All Means All.” When we advocate for ourselves, we advocate for others at the same time. Let’s support and cheer on the efforts of others with disabilities in self-advocacy. We all work together to make life better for people with disabilities.