Public Policy Advocacy
The Social Security Administration's New Initial Disability Determination Rules: Will Quick Disability Determinations Improve Efficiency and Equity?
A research paper by Scott Poppen, MD Candidate for Master of Public Administration University of Utah October 16, 2008
Public Comment on Proposed Utah Transit Authority Fuel Surcharge
The Disability Law Center's (DLC) public comment recommends waiving the fuel surcharge as it applies to paratransit users to preserve their current level of access to transportation and serve the taxpayer by helping to ensure that the social costs of fewer transportation options, such as higher medical costs or the loss of employment opportunities, may be avoided. Therefore, the DLC urges the UTA to waive the application of the proposed fuel surcharge to paratransit users.
FY 2009 Budget Priority Testimony Presented to the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) Board
The Disability Law Center's (DLC) testimony to the DSPD Board is intended to help the Board better align DSPD policy and budget priorities with prevailing federal and state guidance, as well as the Division's own goals and objectives. Our testimony highlights the belief that the need for community-based services is a shared, yet solvable, problem. We therefore present critical questions we feel are fundamental to any sustainable solution. Finally, our answers to these questions inform and shape our short- and long-term policy recommendations.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
An Investigation of Custody Relinquishment as a Method for Accessing Essential Mental Health Services for Children in Utah
It is estimated that 7.5 million children in the United States have a mental disorder. Of those children, the Surgeon General estimates that as many as 80% are not getting appropriate mental health services. Part of the problem is the lack of comprehensive services in the community, and further complicating the problem is the cost of necessary mental health services. The average American family income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, yet is not enough to cover the wide array of necessary mental health services. Additionally, those families that are able to afford private insurance may have insurance policies that do not provide enough coverage for in-patient hospitalizations or respite/day treatment programs.
Why the Disability Law Center is calling for the closure of the Utah State Developmental Center
As a civil rights organization charged with strengthening the laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities in Utah, the DLC is opposed to placing individuals in segregated institutional settings.
We believe that people with disabilities are full and equal citizens under the law. They are entitled to equal access to the same opportunities afforded all members of society. People with disabilities are entitled to be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and isolation, and to be treated with respect and dignity.
We believe, and data from around the nation confirms, that similar levels of service to that provided at the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC) can be provided in the community and that people with disabilities and their families are better off on a variety of dimensions when we stop segregation.
University analysis confirms economic benefit of funding the DSPD waiting list
The University of Utah Bureau of Economic and Business Research analyzed the potential economic benefit of fully funding the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) waiting list. The analysis found that providing crucial services to individuals with disabilities and their families not only benefits them but taxpayers and service providers as well.
"The Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce applauds the Disability Community Alliance for its efforts to promote public policies that emphasize the social and economic wisdom of investing in individuals with disabilities and their families," said Chamber president and former Utah State Senate President Lane Beattie.
Updated Public Comment on Proposed Medicaid Rule Changes for Durable Medical Equipment
On February 21, 2007, the Division of Health Care Financing (DHCF) filed a proposal designed to formalize existing coverage and reimbursement practice for durable medical equipment (DME). In addition, the Division has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a single contract for the provision of manual and power wheelchairs to all eligible Medicaid beneficiaries.
The Disability Law Center (DLC) is concerned that there are provisions in the rule that represent a step backward and could reverse much of the progress that has been made over the years. We feel that the RFP has some positive components, but that it could also hurt beneficiaries if not implemented with the proper safeguards.
See Complete Updated Public Comment
Protecting Utah's Most Vulnerable Citizens
People Diagnosed with Mental Retardation and Mental Illness
December, 2006
Within the Utah State Hospital ("USH") resides a group of individuals whose core civil rights and treatment needs are largely unrecognized and unmet. This group of patients is diagnosed with both mental retardation and mental illness. Without comprehensive treatment adapted to their unique needs, the likelihood of their living successfully outside of an institution is marginal at best.
As the state's Protection & Advocacy agency, the Disability Law Center ("DLC") has a federal mandate to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy. The DLC monitors facilities in Utah that serve people with disabilities to ensure that they are not subject to abuse and neglect and that they are treated with respect and dignity. Consistent with our mandate, the DLC conducted an investigation of the care received by persons diagnosed with mental retardation and mental illness ("MR and MI") at the USH. This report summarizes the DLC's findings and makes recommendations to the state for change.
Written Comment on Proposed Changes in UTA Transit Services
Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is a provider of bus, rail, Paratransit and other public transportation services along the Wasatch Front. UTA is proposing a three year fare schedule which includes increases to its current fares and establishes the fare ctructure for FrontRunner commuter rail, scheduled to open in 2008.
View the complete Written Comment.
Public Comment on Proposed Medicaid Rules Regarding Durable Medical Equipment
On February 21, 2007, the Division of Health Care Financing (DHCF) filed a proposal designed to formalize existing coverage and reimbursement practice for durable medical equipment (DME). In addition, the Division has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a single contract for the provision of manual and power wheelchairs to all eligible Medicaid beneficiaries.