Public Policy Information

     

     

              InfoNet
                ID Action Newsletter

Policy Statement on Disability Service System Redesign

The Governor's Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council has a long history of supporting systems change that results in improved outcomes for Iowans with disabilities and their families. Improved consumer satisfaction can be attained within a system that provides greater choice, control and responsibility to participants while becoming more flexible and cost effective.

The DD Council stands ready as a resource to assist with this effort and supports the following as basic tenets of a comprehensive system that serves and supports Iowans with disabilities and their families

  Assure those individuals with disabilities and their families are provided the opportunity for participation in the design and evaluation of disability services and supports, both individually and systemically.

  Replace the current institution-based service mandates with a defined core set of community-based supports and services that are available on an equitable basis statewide. The identification of core services and standardized eligibility must be regarded as minimums and not preclude the development of flexible, new services or the creative utilization of natural supports for which funding may be needed.

  Optimize federal funding for services to individuals with disabilities and their families. In this year of budget constraints, increased utilization of federal funds allows us to maximize the state and county dollars that are presently funding the service system.

  Define and clarify the roles of the state and county in the management of the system supporting and serving individuals with disabilities and their families.

  Assure equity of access to core supports and services through a funding formula in which federal, state and county dollars are directly linked to participants through individualized budgets.

  Develop a participant centered system that provides equitable access to supports and services based on residency.

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Policy Publications

   InfoNet
During the legislative session, the DD Council publishes an informational policy publication for people interested in disability-related legislation, called InfoNet. To request a free subscription to InfoNet please contact the DD Council office at 1-800-452-1936 or contact us via e-mail: fmorris@dhs.state.ia.us

View the most recent issue of InfoNet
on its own web site!

   ID Action Newsletter  
Iowans With Disabilities in Action is the DD Council's non-partisan statewide political action campaign to encourage Iowans with disabilities and their families to more fully exercise their democratic rights and responsibilities. Members periodically receive a free newsletter. To join ID Action, please call 1-866-432-2846 or visit: http://www.idaction.org