Wisconsin UCEDD Works with Governor Scott Walker to End Wait Lists for Children with Disabilities
March 2, 2017
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| left to right; Brigit and JD Frank, Family Voices of WI and LEND graduate; Elizabeth Hecht, UCEDD; Governor Scott Walker; Dan Idzikowski, Disability Rights Wisconsin |
Wisconsin UCEDD staff Elizabeth Hecht, Specialist for Public Policy, was invited to attend Governor Scott Walker's 2017 Budget Address when he introduced his budget proposal for $39 million to eliminate wait lists for children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities eligible for the Children's HCBS waivers. Hecht has worked with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, elected officials, advocates and families for 15 years toward this goal. AIDD grants to advance Family Support under Title II of the Developmental Disability Act of 2000 helped build the family leadership infrastructure that led to this current success.
[Picture caption: left to right; Brigit and JD Frank, Family Voices of WI and LEND graduate; Elizabeth Hecht, UCEDD; Governor Scott Walker; Dan Idzikowski, Disability Rights Wisconsin]
Hecht co-authored the 2011 "Wingspread Report" on Building a National Agenda for Supporting Families with a Member with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities which lays the foundation for supporting families as a pathway to sustainable state systems and optimum futures for family members with disabilities. Hecht has worked on systems change efforts in Wisconsin and serves on a wide range of local, state and national committees to inform and support the creation of family support policies that are effective, efficient and responsive to the needs and preferences of individuals with disabilities and their families.
The Wisconsin UCEDD, located at the University of Wisconsin Waisman Center, has identified Family Support and Leadership as a priority area for the UCEDD. This includes 14 specialty clinics serving children and adults with disabilities, a resource center staffed by social workers and family members helping visitors and callers, a Wisconsin Family Leadership Institute and frequent community training to support families and providers to get the information they need to support their family members with disabilities.
Governor Walker's budget is a tangible outcome from the UCEDD work to promote and strengthen the participation of families that include a person with disabilities in partnerships with professionals and providers, community members, and elected officials. With their participation in family support and leadership-building activities, families are able to assume a role in the improvement of systems of supports and service for people with disabilities and are an invaluable asset to providers and policy makers. Best practice recognizes that family members and individuals with disabilities provide a perspective critical to the successful development of effective policies and practices. Family involvement will increase the likelihood that systems of support and services are helpful, effective, and efficient and provide the greatest possible flexibility regarding the nature and use of services and support and maximize community inclusion and natural supports.
