End the Wait!
Almost 8,000 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 almost 8,000 people. Without waiver services, many families reach crisis situations and seek more costly institutional care. Individuals receiving NOW slots today have waited for approximately eight years.
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 $201,852
- The average cost of a new NOW slot is $45,000
Are you tired of waiting? What you can do now to advocate for community-based services:
- If you, or your child, are one of the almost 8,000 people 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.
- 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.
- Respond to LaCAN’s Action Alerts.
- Participate in a roundtable.
To see where you are on the waiting list contact the Louisiana Waiver Registry at 1-800-364-7828!
Click here to see the status of length of the waiting list.
Click here for more information Home and Community Based Waivers
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 participants of the Louisiana Disability Rights Rally 2010.
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