End the Wait!

More than 9,000 people with developmental disabilities in Louisiana are waiting up to eight years for the waiver services they need now.

The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) program provides support many individuals need to live in their own homes and communities.  Unfortunately, there is a waiting list of over 9,000 people.  Individuals receiving NOW slots today have waited for approximately eight years. 

House Bill 1 (HB1) of 2010 included funding for an additional 150 NOW slots.  These NOW slots will provide much needed services to those who have been waiting and moves Louisiana forward in providing home and community based services.   Providing waiver services results in an improved quality of life and is more cost effective than serving someone in an institutional setting. Consider the following facts:

•  The average cost to serve an individual with developmental disabilities in a supports and services center is $173,313
• The average cost to serve an individual with an existing NOW slot is  $66,000
• The projected cost of a NOW slot after Resource Allocation is fully implemented is $48,000

What you can do now if you wish to advocate for community-based services

1. If you, or your child, are on the waiver waiting list, let your state legislators know that you are still waiting, how long you have been waiting, and that you/your child need services.  Click here for contact information for your Senators and Representatives.
2. Build personal relationships with your legislators.  Visit your legislators face-to-face in their district office or invite them to visit you in your home to share your personal story.
3. Respond to LaCAN’s Action Alerts.

Are You Tired of Waiting?

If you are one of more than the 9,000 people waiting for a waiver slot and want to know when your number will be up contact the Louisiana Waiver Registry at 1-800-364-7828 to see where you are on the waiting list! 

Click here to see the status of length of the waiting list.

Click here for more information on the New Opportunities Waiver

 Get involved!  Help end the wait!

Institutionalization vs. Home and Community Based Services

• Shattering Myths: Quality of Life
• Shattering Myths: Outcomes of People Leaving Institutions
• Shattering Myths: People with Intensive Needs in their Communities

End the Wait! Stories/Videos- please click here to view

National Organization to End the Waitlist

• Click here to view the National End the Wait video showing partipants of the Lousiana Disability Rights Rally 2010.