MENTAL RETARDATION/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Travis County citizens with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities
have life-long conditions that require consistent support by other community
members. These citizens are over-represented in Austin and Travis County statistics
for living in poverty, unemployment, substandard housing, and decreased quality
of life.
The Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities Planning Partnership created
the attached matrix, which outlines overall strategies for addressing the
following issues with the goal of improving the quality of life for persons
with mental retardation and developmental disabilities:
INCREASE EMPLOYMENT AND VOLUNTEER OPTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION/DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES
Many people with mental retardation/developmental disabilities want to work
and have shown that they are excellent employees. A public awareness campaign
targeting potential employers and volunteer agencies could expand knowledge
about this potential workforce. Internships (paid and unpaid) are needed to
introduce people to the world of work, and expanded volunteer opportunities
would assist in the development of work habits. Education is also needed for
people with mental retardation and their families about the benefits of work,
and the options available to maintain health insurance and other benefits
while working.
INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION/DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN INCLUSIVE SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL, AND MEANINGFUL
DAY ACTIVITIES WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES
Involvement in one's community is important in everyone's life. However,
for the person with mental retardation/developmental disabilities, the barriers
are numerous. Many community recreational and social events are not accessible
for persons with limited mobility. Limited financial resources of the person
with MR/DD make many events out of the realm of possibilities. Public transportation
is limited and special transit must be scheduled in advance. Access to these
events could be greatly enhanced through the donation of sponsorships, tickets,
club memberships, and season tickets.
For those people who are unable to work or choose not to work, there are
limited opportunities for involvement in day activities or in programs, which
are meaningful. Minimal standards and certification processes need to be developed
to ensure that these programs in Travis County provide a quality service for
persons with MR/DD.
INCREASE RESOURCES AND RESPONSE TIME FOR PERSONS WITH MR/DD WHO ARE IN
CRISIS
There are limited resources available for persons with MR/DD and their families
who are in crisis. The public safety system and out of home placements are
used many times simply because there are no alternatives. It is proposed that
this area be studied in depth, with additional data gathered. Access to crisis
services could be increased through use of a standardized phone number and
triage method. Training in crisis response for persons with MR/DD is needed
for organizations and individuals who are involved with this group, for families
and other caregivers, and for providers of residential services.
INCREASE SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH MR/DD AND FOR
THEIR FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY IN THE AREAS OF RESPITE OPTIONS, AFFORDABLE AND
ACCESSIBLE CARE, AND SPECIALIZED ASSISTANCE.
Relief from care giving responsibilities is essential for families of both
children and adults with MR/DD. The Travis County community has few out-of-home
options available for respite. A drop-in respite center is desperately needed
to support families in their care giving responsibilities. Also needed is
a larger network of trained providers, especially to provide modeling and
support in the areas of parent coaching and behavior coaching. Many agencies
and organizations include people with MR/DD in their scope of services, and
it is challenging to know of all the resources. The publishing of a resource
map in the community is needed.
THE MENTAL RETARDATION/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES PLANNING PROCESS
A Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities Needs Assessment is currently
being developed and is expected to be completed by June 2001. In order to
identify current conditions and needs, the Mental Retardation/Developmental
Disabilities Planning Partnership, met to identify and prioritize the urgent
mental retardation/developmental disabilities issues.
THE MENTAL RETARDATION/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
MATRIX
The attached matrix represents the urgent issues, solutions and actions recommended
to effectively address the issues related to mental retardation/developmental
disabilities. Where possible, human and financial investment opportunities
and existing resources have been identified to assist in attaining the desired
results. The solutions and actions identified in the matrix are designed to
provide a blueprint for mental retardation/developmental disabilities services
planning.
The Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities Planning Partnership is
the contact for this document. The committee may be contacted through Randy
Consford, Austin Travis County MHMR, at (512) 445-7775 or e-mail: randy.consford@atcmhmr.com.
2001 Urgent Issues Action Plan Home Page
