A Virginia Crisis

4,216 Persons with Mental Retardation Languish on Community Waiting Lists According to the State Comprehensive Plan 2002-2008.  Another 256 Persons Currently Living in State Training Centers (ICF/MR) Have Indicated They Would Like Community Services and Are Ready For Discharge.

Waiting For What Services?

• Housing (group homes, supported apartments, etc.)

• Day Activities (habilitation, daily living training)

• Job training

• Respite for families (having a break from the 24 hour a day care of their child with disabilities)

• Jobs (sheltered workshops, supported jobs, etc.)

• Related support (e.g. transportation)

"A parent should not have to die so their adult child
can get community services"

Where Does Virginia Rank?

David Braddock, Richard Hemp, Mary C. Rizzolo, Susan Parish & Amy Pomeranz of the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities at The University of Colorado recently published "State of the States in Developmental Disabilities, 2002 Study". According to this study, among the 50 states:

• Virginia ranks 47th in its growth of community placements per capita (Virginia had only a 7% increase in community placements from 1996 to 2000)

• Virginia remains 45th in the country on total spending for community and institutional services for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities since 1996. In 1977, Virginia ranked 26th in total spending.

• Virginia remains 45th in the country on fiscal effort for community services since 1996. In 1977, Virginia ranked 29th on spending for community services.

• Virginia ranks 43rd in the percent of total MR/DD spending allocated for community services (Virginia spends 60% of its resources on community services. Alaska and Vermont spend 100% on community services. Washington, D.C. spends 98% and Maryland spends 85%).

• Virginia ranks 37th in its federal waiver spending per capita (Only 31% of Virginia's total spending on MR/DD community services is attributable to the Medicaid Waiver program).

• Virginia ranks 35th in its percentage of individuals served in small residential settings (defined as 1 - 6 residents living together)

• Virginia ranks 26th in the country on fiscal effort for institution-based services. Virginia ranked 23rd in 1977, and 33rd in 1996.

For more information, click on the following link:

STATE OF THE STATES IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES