Being a Voice for People with Developmental Disabilities

By Sarah Verity, Gatepath Board Relations Manager

I was very proud to represent Gatepath at this year’s Legislative Affairs Conference run by the California Disability Services Association (CDSA), a statewide association representing nearly 100 community-based organizations that provide services to support and empower people with disabilities and their families.  At the conference, providers from across California came together to discuss legislative matters that relate to our work and visited state legislators to express our collective concerns.

I had the opportunity to attend meetings in the offices of Assembly Members Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo) and Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), and Senators Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) and Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside).  Overall, I felt the legislators were receptive to CDSA’s positions, which included the following points.

• Opposition to the governor’s budget proposal that reduces the annual number of service days for those with disabilities by four.

  In 2009, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) implemented a uniform holiday schedule in an effort to reduce state expenses during the recession. A court injunction blocked the uniform holiday schedule, but the injunction has since been lifted.

  By way of example, this would mean that Gatepath would be required to close programs for four additional days per year, and the children and adults we serve would go four days without critical services. These forced closures seem particularly unnecessary given the State of California’s $6.1 billion surplus.

• Request a 4% systemwide increase in reimbursement rates to all community-based providers like Gatepath.

  The reimbursement rates paid by the state have been frozen since 1998. While the cost to provide critical services to individuals with developmental disabilities continues to rise, providers have not received an increase in the real estate rates set by DDS. An increase of 4% would amount to approximately $130 million from the general fund and match the percentage increase proposed by the Governor’s Budget for state employees.

  About a year ago, providers received some additional money as part of ABX2-1, and those funds allowed providers to give much needed raises to direct care staff. Unfortunately, with minimum wage on the rise, the increase is basically a wash. Additionally, ABX2-1 did nothing to address the rising costs associated with providing services, such as housing, gas, etc. DDS has engaged Burns & Associates to conduct a rate study to evaluate the reimbursement rates, but the study is not expected to be completed until 2020 at the earliest. An immediate increase of 4% would provide some much needed financial relief to providers in the interim.

  Legislators were also encouraged to support Assembly Member Chris Holden’s (D-San Gabriel) budget request for $25 million in bridge funding to increase rates for providers facing rising labor, housing, leasing, and fuel costs until the comprehensive rate study is completed. There is consensus among providers across California that many will be forced to close without some relief on reimbursement rates.

• Ensure that assets realized from the closure of the developmental centers remain in the system.

  The CDSA asked legislators to use funds from the sale or lease of the state developmental centers to develop integrated, community housing. At one time, the developmental centers housed 13,000 residents; today there are less than 650. It is no secret that California has an affordable housing crisis. These funds would go into a specific fund to develop housing for individuals with disabilities.

  Also, as the developmental centers close and current residents move to community settings, there will be net savings in operations. In fiscal year 2018-2019, the estimated cost per resident is estimated to be over $1 million. The current average cost to provide services to an individual in the community for one year is $20,000. The average housing cost for individuals who have already moved out of a developmental center is between $75,000 and $300,000 depending on the residence type. These savings are currently earmarked for people with developmental disabilities and should be reinvested in the community services budget to foster program development and supplement inadequate reimbursement rates.

• Protect choice and preserve options.

  The Lanterman Act is built on the principle that individuals have a choice when selecting their programs and choosing their providers. Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) requirements will necessitate that providers make program modifications by 2022. Today, California does not have an approved plan to meet the federal HCBS requirements. Providers need clarity on the changing federal rules so we can begin planning for any necessary changes by 2022.

  Lawmakers were asked by the CDSA to ensure site-based day programs continue to be options for individuals who choose to attend these programs. Until alternative options are in place, fully funded, easily accessible, and have a proven track record, California should not consider any limitations to existing program options.

• Support proposal to improve employment outcomes.

  Assembly Member Jim Frazier (D-Sacramento) has submitted a budget proposal to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities without limiting choice. This is a follow up to last year’s bill – AB 1607, which received unanimous legislative support before being vetoed by the Governor, who indicated it is a budgetary issue.

  Frazier’s proposal would allow for individualized employment exploration and discovery to improve and increase community integrated employment (CIE) placements and aligns with the State Employment First Policy and the California Blueprint for Competitive Integrated Employment. The proposal also allows Work Activity Programs and Supported Employment Groups to design pathways to competitive integrated employment settings with individualized job discovery and skills training, consistent with individual choice.

Recently, the Assembly met to discuss the DDS budget. Assembly Member Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), seconded by Assembly Member Devon Mathis (R-Visalia), moved to reject the Governor’s proposal to re-implement the uniform holiday schedule. However, due to technical procedural rules, the item remains open until the May revise hearing. This adds an extra layer of difficulty for providers like Gatepath because we are preparing next year’s budget now.

As we approach our 100^th anniversary in 2020, all of us at Gatepath understand the critical importance of being a voice for those we serve, and proactively working to secure a sustainable safety net of services for individuals with disabilities for the next 100 years.

Please join the effort by signing up for our advocacy action alert network at PledgeForInclusion.org and lend your voice.

By Erin Montgomery, Vice President of Human Resources, Gatepath

With the holiday season upon us, the quote above from Nelson Mandela serves as a terrific reminder that volunteerism is the rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of others and give back to the community. At Gatepath, we deeply appreciate those who volunteer their time and talents to support our mission. In addition to helping those with special needs and developmental disabilities, our volunteers can improve their overall sense of well-being by helping those we serve. This mutually beneficial relationship between volunteers and program participants is extremely important for Gatepath, as it is for many non-profits.

Doing Good is Good for You

Many who donate their precious time understand the inherent value to their wellbeing and the health of their community by giving back and helping others. The theme of “doing good is good for you,” quantified in the 2013 United Health Group study, continues to be true. The study found that 76% of people who volunteered in the past 12 months said that volunteering made them feel healthier – with an amazing 94% stating that volunteering helped improve their mood. In addition, 78% of those surveyed said that volunteering reduced their stress levels. The study also confirmed that “people who volunteer feel a deeper connection to their communities and to other people.”

“Making them happy, makes me happy,” said Julianne Zuniga, a former volunteer at one of Gatepath’s adult programs who served once a week as a lunchtime dance party DJ. Participants in this program experience joy and happiness from listening and moving to the music. Julianne said she developed a great compassion for those with disabilities from her experience as a babysitter for a child with Down syndrome. “I was motivated to volunteer at Gatepath because I wanted to learn more about the organization and to work more closely with the people they serve.”

Doing Good is Good for the Community

Volunteer contributions have a direct impact on program quality at Gatepath. Every day, our volunteers make an incredible difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Volunteers teach classes based on interest and skillset, serve as chaperones at outings and celebrations, help with administrative tasks, and create experiences that strengthen others.

Volunteers also have an impact on each other and on other community members. I’ve seen firsthand that we build community when we volunteer, and I’ve observed people connect through their volunteer work with peers (and groups of peers) who share experiences and similar values.

“When I first arrived at Gatepath I didn’t know what to expect, but it was a great learning experience and I enjoyed interacting with the participants,” said Jack Loftis, a 16-year-old student at Sacred Heart Preparatory, who volunteered as a teacher’s assistant at Gatepath.

We Appreciate You!

Volunteers are an essential part of Gatepath’s mission. Last year, our volunteers collectively gave 14,000 hours of their time. In recognition of those generous community members, we issue a certificate of appreciation and host a special activity to show our gratitude.

Many corporate volunteer groups have supported Gatepath over the years, including Genentech, Electronic Arts, and Netflix, to name a few. A special thanks to all our corporate volunteers and to our board members who volunteer their time in governance, as well as our Gatepath Auxiliary members who organize fundraising events and host parties for our program participants.

Ways to Volunteer

There are many different ways a person can volunteer at Gatepath, including:

• Individual Volunteers: We have many individual volunteers who provide pro-bono services and donate their time in many ways, such as assisting in our administrative office, teaching various educational and recreational classes, and attending community outings and events. We work with each volunteer to schedule a time that’s most convenient for them.

• Corporate Volunteers: Many businesses in our community help us out with various activities, like building a sandbox, painting a building, hosting a community outing, etc. Earlier this year, for example, Genentech sent about 100 volunteers to host a “Career Day” at our Learning and Employment Campus in Burlingame. We work closely with each organization to create a rewarding experience for their teams that support our vision of creating world where people of all abilities are accepted, respected and included.

• Gatepath Auxiliary: One of the longest standing and largest group’s supporting our mission is the Gatepath Auxiliary. This group of women have volunteered for more than 67 years to help support Gatepath’s fundraising efforts. They’ve helped us purchase our transportation vans, hosted a summer picnic for the adults in our programs, hosted an annual holiday party, and much, much more. Their extraordinary partnership and dedication is greatly appreciated.

We Want You!

At Gatepath, we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers! We invite you to get involved. We’ll work with you to find the right volunteering opportunity for your interests and schedule. If you’re interested in making a difference and giving back, we’d love to talk to you. Check out our website to explore the opportunities and to sign up to volunteer.