An extensive analysis released in May 1999 reveals that Colorado has an abysmal waiting list problem in providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The study, conducted by Gary Smith of the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, was based upon contemporary Colorado data.

For adults with developmental disabilities in Colorado, there are essentially two types of services an individual may receive, though not simultaneously. These service blocks are the Supported Living Services Block and the Comprehensive Services Block. Supported Living Services (SLS) relies on the individual, his/her family members, or others to provide a place to live. SLS will provide services aimed at increasing an individual's ability to live independently in the community. While SLS is successful for some individuals, many more individuals require levels of support that exceed the amount and types of services offered by SLS.

The Comprehensive Services Block is broader in scope than SLS. This funding stream provides a more holistic service network to include food and lodging. Unfortunately, the demand for these services far outweighs the supply. In fact, many individuals currently receiving SLS are on the waiting list for Comprehensive Services because SLS is simply inadequate to meet their needs.

Funding for Comprehensive Services did not increase for Fiscal Year 2000, while the number of SLS slots was increased. This decision was made despite the fact that there will be an estimated 2,700 individuals waiting for comprehensive services this year. This situation results in an expanding group of under-served individuals with multiple unmet needs.

Compared to other states in the Health Care Finance Administration's (HCFA) Region VIII, Colorado rates second-to-worst in meeting the residential service needs of individuals with disabilities. Only New Mexico has a lower overall service rate than Colorado in Region VIII. In addition, Mr. Smith contends that individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are "16.8% less likely to receive residential supports in Colorado than nationwide."

The bottom line remains that more resources need to be allocated for the purpose of providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. There are simply too few dollars currently budgeted to meet the need for residential services and supports in the State of Colorado. Without a commitment from the Colorado Governor and General Assembly, the waiting list dilemma will be a growing public policy problem, which occurs because the state relies upon families to care for vulnerable relatives, with little or no assistance.

To compound the problem of the waiting list during FY2000, the General Assembly and the Governor passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2000 (effective July 1, 1999) that includes NO emergency funding slots. This was the first year in the past three years that such funding has not been allocated. In years past, all of the emergency slots were used by individuals in crisis. This is a recipe for disaster as crisis can strike at any time in a person's life -- particularly as their parents or primary caregivers age. Through budgetary decisions, the General Assembly has modified public policy regarding the potential safety of vulnerable people.  The current budget request for FY 2001 does include funding for 30 individuals needing emergency comprehensive resources.  The FY 2001 budget will be passed by the General Assembly by the end of the first week in May.

The ACL in Boulder County is working with the Arc of Colorado and other concerned individuals and organizations to raise the awareness of this problem throughout the state. The "Nothing After 21" Task Force, as this group is called, will be working to inform as many people as possible, including policy-makers, that this problem will eventually result in dire consequences for individuals waiting to be served.

To gain additional information about the waiting list issue, please contact Mary O'Brien at (303) 652-3000