Governor Pataki's plan, which emphasizes work and self reliance after decades of dependency and Welfare, is a welcome change. Certainly, the Governor is correct in encouraging able-bodied individuals to become independent, productive citizens, but the programs which service the disabled in our community should be viewed in a different light.
As a consequence of the laws as they now exist and a result of funding limitations, a disabled child or young adult who meets eligibility criteria must, nevertheless, be put on a waiting list until he or she can be benefit from programs designed to aid those with disabilities.
Does the government have the right to abandon these children, to close the door of opportunity on them so that their lives are irreparably damaged? These children who cannot support themselves and whose families are not able to care for their emotional and physical needs grow into adults who remain a burden on society. Often they are juggled between homeless shelters and psychiatric institutions. If the developmentally disabled person meets all the eligibility requirements, why shouldn't funding immediately become available, as is the case with other entitlement programs. Is it proper to cause this undue hardship on these individuals and their families?
This waiting period, which in more cases than not can run into years, is counterproductive. With the disabled putting an extra burden on the able-bodied in their families -- those who would normally be able to work and support their families -- they now become totally dependent on the entitlement system. Now you have situations where neither the disabled individuals nor their healthy family members are able to get proper attention, leading to a life of unneccessary governmental dependency. Certainly the Government's aim is not to create additional dependents, but as Governor Pataki's emphasizes, "to help recipients become independent and self-sufficient."
The Kiryas Center encourages support for legislation to enable the disabled to benefit from government assistance without unnecessary and often damaging delay. It is unconscionable for the Government to add layers of burden and trauma on families and individuals who did not choose to be less than perfect. The goal is clear. The able-bodied should be encouraged to be independent but the disabled should be able to receive benefits from programs as they meet the eligibility requirements.
Cordially,
Meyer Wertheimer,
Executive Director
Kiryas Center for Developmental Disabilities, Inc.
Kiryas Center for Developmental Disabilities, Inc. is located in Kiryas Joel Monroe, NY.
They serve many people in Rockland County. They have many approved homes in Monsey under their Machsa program.
They disburse in excess of $100,000.00 annually for Monsey Home Family Care providers. They serve approximately
70 families
and individuals with disabilities throughout Monsey.
The Home Page address is: http://ny.frontiercomm.net/~kiryas/