January, 2004
Wherever did the last year go? It seems like 2003 just sped by, but there was a lot going on to keep people within the disability community busy. Many of these changes were necessitated by the downturn in the economy and subsequent budget reductions. In any event here are some of the most important local changes we have experienced in 2003.
The Santa Cruz METRO transportation system faced budget deficits that caused changes in specialized transit for people with disabilities, as well as fixed route services. Unprofitable fixed routes were eliminated, along with the parallel para-transit services and charges were increased. These changes could have been much worse, had not the disability community spoken out.
Numerous municipalities were forced to pare the amounts spent on health and human services as sales tax revenue decreased and California's deficit continued to rise. People with disabilities, their families and friends spoke out in front of all the various elected bodies to keep the affects of these cuts to a minimum. Sometimes this was more successful than others. These voices were especially effective with the rally in Sacramento on the governor's proposed suspension of the Lanterman Act and decrease support for the developmentally disabled. For the moment it seems these areas are now safe from the budget axe.
Of course each year we see the local systems reducing spending on education for children with disabilities, forcing parents to have to work all the harder to get a "free and appropriate" education for their children. This year was no exception.
We have begun to see some of the local housing problems addressed with the development of housing elements for each municipality. All of these have addressed the need for an increase in the amount of affordable, accessible housing. Hopefully, we will begin to see some changes in the actual makeup of the housing market so there will be more available for people with limited income.
Another positive was the re-birth of the Santa Cruz County Voting Accessibility Committee to help insure people with disabilities have unfettered access to the ballot. Maybe PWD's have been overlooked in this process for too long.
So what does my crystal ball see for 2004? Can we afford to sit back and enjoy the semi-victories of last year or must we continue to remain vigilant against further erosion of the rights and benefits for people with disabilities?
I'm afraid it is going to be the latter. We will continue to see both state and local budget problems that will hinder their ability to fund health and human service programs. If the state decreases the percentage Medi-Cal doctors can charge (as they are planning) we will probably see many doctors stop accepting Medi-Cal patients, thus restricting access to medical treatment. And what about backfilling the VLF monies? I know the governor is trying to get this done, but will he be successful. These funds are necessary for counties and cities to provide human services as well as protective services. It is going to necessary for all of to make our voices heard relating to priorities in the budget.
Additional changes to ADA para-transit services have already alarmed some local advocates, and there is a call for a transportation summit to be held in early 2004 to try and get all parties to work toward an improved delivery system. This summit deserves the support of all who use public transportation, especially those that use specialized services.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is up for reauthorization in Washington and some of the proposed changes will definitely reduce the rights of parents and further limit the abilities of children with disabilities to get a "free and appropriate" education. Parents, family members and advocates will have to be even more vigilant if these changes become law so as to mitigate their affect on our children.
As you can see 2004 promises to be a very busy year, so always remember - Disability
is a random event that can occur in any life, at any moment.
- Michael Bradshaw, Central Coast Center for Independent Living