Watching Fl. Crumble -- big cut for disabled - warning [View All]

[donsu]

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/auto/epaper/editions/sunday/news_f3da6cd537681017005a.html

State cuts decrease options for disabled

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State officials say the cuts are needed to prevent a shortfall they project at $27 million. Though the legislature has consistently increased spending on developmental disabilities, it has not been enough to meet rising costs and demand for services. Agencies that offer work and training programs for people with disabilities like Down syndrome and cerebral palsy say the cuts will force them to close programs and lay off staff.

Tina Philips, president and chief executive officer of Palm Beach Habilitation Center, in Lake Worth, said she likely will have to close the computer lab, which costs about $100,000 a year. The small room opened in 1995 and offers specially designed equipment and one-on-one tutoring for people with disabilities, including mild mental retardation, quadriplegia, mental illness and severe arthritis.

(just when we will be having a lot of "quadriplegia" to deal with)

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State officials say they must cut the rates they pay to 14,000 contracting agencies because of rising costs. Overall, agencies will still get a modest increase over last year, they say.

(ah, the sound of garble)

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Hochstaedt said she has warned families who are thinking of retiring to Florida with their adult disabled children. There is no money for the most vulnerable, she said.

"I say don't bring them here. Leave them where you are. We don't have anything for you."
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let's see, what other states can they go to?