October 2005, Vol.5, No.10
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October 2005, Vol.5, No.10

AAMR F.Y.I.
October 2005, Vol.5, No.10

Visit http://www.aamr.org/FYI/ to access current and past issues of this monthly newsletter.

Workers impacted by Hurricane Katrina can now search for jobs athttp://www.jobsearch.org/katrinajobs, a web portal launched by the U.S. Department of Labor.


Dear AAMR Friends and Colleagues:

AAMR MEMBERS


DISCOVER YOUR STATE’S RECENT TRACK RECORD IN SERVICES AND FUNDING FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN THE NEW STATE OF THE STATES STUDY
The latest edition of the State of the States in Developmental Disabilitiesstudy by David L. Braddock contains a detailed analysis of mental retardation and developmental disability spending, including a 4-page statistical profile for each state on trends in spending, trends in revenue, trends in residential services, and individual and family support. Here are some interesting findings:
  • Total public spending for MR/DD services grew 5.7% between 2002 and 2004, making it the slowest adjusted percentage growth for any 2-year period from 1977.
  • In 2004, all states but Mississippi spent more on community services than on institutional services.
  • Twelve states reduced overall financial commitment to MR/DD services between 2002 and 2004.
  • An estimated 710,000 people received residential support from caregivers over the age of 60 in 2004.
  • The District of Columbia and Hawaii increased total MR/DD spending by 68% and 42% respectively.
  • Institutional spending declined 4.3% during 2002-2004.

The State of the State study was first initiated in 1980. To read an introduction from the latest edition and access a 4-page statistical snapshot of U.S. developmental disability funding from 1977-2004, visithttp://www.aamr.org/Reading_Room/pdf/SOS2005.pdf 

To purchase a copy of the State of the States (2005 edition) study, call 301-604-1340 or email aamr@pmds.com


READ AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF NATIONWIDE TRENDS SEVERELY AFFECTING SHORTAGE OF DIRECT SUPPORT WORKERS
Agencies serving people with developmental disabilities cannot attract and retain qualified direct support workers when wages in competitive markets are increasing at a much faster rate, says a new report published by the American Network of Community Options and Resources. While demand for direct support workers continues to increase especially due to an aging population and an increase in individuals with disabilities seeking support services, their hourly wage is far below that of peers in comparable job categories. 

Read Briefing Report and Chartbook on Wage and Benefits Trends Affecting the Growing Crisis in Recruiting and Retaining the Direct Support Workforceat http://www.ancor.org/BDO_Revised_Wage_Report_Final.pdf

LEARN WHY THERE IS NOT ENOUGH RESEARCH ON SIBLINGS OF PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF MENTAL RETARDATION
The latest issue of Mental Retardation (Volume 43, No.5) has a section dedicated to siblings of persons with disabilities. "Siblings of Persons With Disabilities: Toward a Research Agenda" by Robert M. Hodapp et al., identifies six major issues in sibling research, including methodological challenges, measurement, development and life-course perspectives, the role of mediators and moderators, cultural and subcultural issues, and balanced portrayal of views.

To read the article visithttp://www.aamr.org/Reading_Room/pdf/siblingresearchMROct05.pdf

To see a table of contents from this issue, visithttp://aamr.allenpress.com/aamronline/?request=get-toc&issn=0047-6765&volume=43&issue=5


FIND OUT WHAT WORKS IN TRANSPORTATION FOR PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN SPECIAL ISSUE OF A NATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Transportation is one of the most pressing concerns of people with disabilities. The latest issue of Impact, a quarterly newsletter from the Institute on Community Integration in Minnesota contains success stories from around the country on what has worked in transportation of adults with developmental disabilities. 

Visit http://ici.umn.edu/products/impact/183/default.html to read the newsletter.

HEAR WHAT SELF ADVOCATES AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS HAD TO SAY AT THE ALLIANCE FOR FULL PARTICIPATION SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON 
The recent Alliance for Full Participation Summit in Washington, DC organized by 11 disability organizations, including the American Association on Mental Retardation, drew more than 2,400 self advocates, researchers, and other professionals in developmental disabilities.

Visit http://www.aamr.org/pdf/AFPSummitStatement.pdf to read what attendees had to say on future expectations.

Here’s what attendees had to say about the conference.
"It has been empowering to see people with disabilities, parents, and providers together, and an uplifting to be around people of like minds."Mark Ezzell, Self advocate, Raleigh, North Carolina

"The meeting is bustling with information and opportunities to meet people and organizations that can change your life." Keisha Lee, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities and self advocate

"It is nice to see individuals we work with in professional settings."Terry Sumrell, Open Arms Care Corporation, Nashville, Tennessee

"It’s a very critical time. State budgets are changing and how they do business is changing. Since 9/11 and with Katrina, it’s harder to get services. It’s good to see people working together to make the system work for people with disabilities." James Medours, Texas Advocates

"I was overwhelmed by the number of people and the diversity of groups. I was affected by the focus on the human side and our common humanity." Steve Morgan, The Arc of Baltimore

AAMR MEMBERS
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR AAMR OFFICERS
Please visithttp://www.aamr.org/Groups/committees/call_for_nominations.shtml to send in your nominations for future AAMR leaders. Deadline is October 30, 2005.

AAMR F.Y.I. is compiled by Anna Prabhala, Editor. Please submit comments, suggestions, tips, and news to annap@aamr.org

Access past issues of AAMR F.Y.I. at www.aamr.org/FYI/. To subscribe, visithttp://www.responsetrack.net/aamr/sign_up

© Copyright 2005 American Association on Mental Retardation

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