Save Our Choice: Protect Self-Directed Supports in Missouri

My daughter is 27 and has a rare chromosome disorder. We recently were approved for a day program and since September, she has thrived! My husband and I are not retirement age yet so we need this service so we can both support our family. Please don't make life harder for citizens who have already had to struggle for everything in their lives. They are beautiful souls who deserve our protection.

This even being considered for budget cuts is unbelievable and sickening. Do better Missouri!

Please protect our children

I am the guardian of a 31-year-old male who is also my son. His dad who was a veteran died 3/25. I have been a hospice social worker, and with the help of Support staff had been able to maintain the ability to work. My son has learned so many skills of self-sufficiency through the direct care program. He is integrated out in his community by going to the gym, the bank and recently signed up to be a volunteer at church. His direct care staff was also very instrumental in supporting him during his grief process. They are who he called the morning his dad died. I have worked for the state rehab center. It is a very difficult and under staffed. Horrible turnover and very little community integration. If parents are forced to place their adult children, due to lack of services, it would be a step backwards in history and detrimental for all involved.

5 months ago Featured

Do not create budget cuts to self-directed programs. The Self-Directed program overwhelmingly saves money and provides far better care than any alternative. Show a bit of compassion. If you're not compassionate, then DO THE MATH!

Signed

I helped Kansas years ago in the process of deinstitutionalization from state hospitals. This decision today will cost Missouri more. We cannot keep good staff and these individuals will need 24 hour 7 days a week state paid care once families are burned out. Staff need to be able to offer depending on individual needs: gtube feedings, vagel nerve stimulator care, seizure care, medications, safety, restroom care, speech device access, behavior intervention and restroom care! This can not be covered by cheap pay! Do you know how to provide those above services!

Break down the barriers for individuals of this state that need support the most!

Protect our most vulnerable!

The SDS program is a blessing to my daughter and me. At 85 and still caring for my adult daughter, it is so nice to have help so I can attend doctor’s appointments and things where I cannot take her. It also allow her staff to take her to outings and activities that are difficult for me to take her at my age. Please consider not supporting the cuts that are recommended.

Please keep this funding.

Keep this funding

Healthcare for all.

Each individual (or their guardian) alongside their medical team should determine what their care looks like, and caregivers of family members should be paid.

5 months ago Featured

This effects me doing self directed allows me to be more independent and involved in the community and it helps my mom since she’s my staff it helps support us without it I won’t be able to be out in the community anymore

Cutting Self-Directed services impacts my community and will make the people in my life who use them LESS independent. Disabled people deserve control of their own care

I have 2 disabled, my husband and I work them as well

This is very important to get this done

Hello ..no no way to cut 20 hour for enjoyment..pls stay and support interpreter is very important for deaf community for doctor or hospital or court or dept police I am full deaf ..Judy Collier

Equal rights for all.!