Article was published Nov. 15, 2009
Waiting list for services
The Star ran a column on Danielle Bryant and her family (11/8, Opinion, “When the state fails the neediest”). Danielle is a person with a developmental disability that qualifies her to receive services from the state of Kansas. But due to a shortage of funds, she and many others are placed on a waiting list. It is a frustrating situation.
The same problem exists in Missouri, where nearly 5,000 people with developmental disabilities are waiting for needed services, often for many years. Elderly parents struggle to give loving care to adult children, often including bathing and dressing them, while worrying about the future and waiting. Young people transition from the school system only to find that there is no funding to continue services. They must wait, and wait.
It seems odd that the government can find money to provide services to people in this country illegally but can’t find money for natural-born citizens with developmental disabilities. If we are unwilling to protect and serve those unable to care for themselves, one wonders about our national values.
I urge legislators from both Kansas and Missouri to provide adequate funding of services for people with developmental disabilities and eliminate the waiting list.
Mike Hanrahan
Cameron, Mo.
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