Contact: The Arc of Nebraska
402-475-4407


arcneb@inebraska.com

PRESS RELEASE:

THE ARC OF NEBRASKA CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT COMMISSION AND SYSTEMATIC DE-INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE BEATRICE STATE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER

Lincoln, Nebraska - The Arc of Nebraska is a support and advocacy organization for people with developmental disabilities and their families
established in 1954. The Arc of Nebraska is a state affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States with 17 Local Affiliated Chapters with
approximately 2,300 members across the State of Nebraska.

The Arc of Nebraska Executive Committee voted unanimously to call for:

The State of Nebraska should have been implementing best practices in the provision of quality supports and services for people with developmental disabilities based on their needs and preferences. Instead, the State of Nebraska is marshaling resources to remedy instances of "immediate jeopardy" at BSDC as directed and required by the Federal Government (CMS). The three areas of immediate jeopardy involve abuse, neglect and lack of human and civil rights that should be afforded to all citizens of our state. Recent articles report that the State of Nebraska, Health and Human Services System "received plenty of warnings in recent years about problems brewing" (Omaha World Herald, October 7, 2006)

The Arc of Nebraska declares that it is time to bring the residents of the Beatrice State Developmental Center "out of the darkness" and into the light of the community. The State of Nebraska must begin a systematic de-institutionalization of the state-owned institution. All people with developmental disabilities who reside at BSDC and those receive supports in the community must be offered a greater range of supports and options to live in the community, safely and with a quality of life that we all expect and deserve.

An Independent Oversight Commission must be established with at least fifty-one percent (51%) membership of self-advocates and family members and including but not limited to community members, professionals outside HHSS and legislators.  The Independent Oversight Commission (IOC) must be given the requisite scope and authority to carry out actions necessary to provide for the well-being of people with disabilities through the provision of quality supports and services so people can participate within their local communities. The IOC must act as a sentinel body to end the crises we have watched unfold. It is time for all Nebraskans to live the "good life" in Nebraska.

The Independent Oversight Commission should be independent of the Health and Human Services System and given the responsibility to seek out and choose the most qualified consultants who have the experience and credentials to lead Nebraska "out of this darkness". The IOC should provide the necessary guidance and direction to the Health and Human Services System in the best and promising practices affording cost effectiveness and quality of life for people with disabilities. For example, even upon the strong encouragement of a coalition of people with disabilities and advocates, HHSS has not expressed intent or willingness to submit a Money Follows the Person Grant from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). The State of Nebraska is one of the few states that has not developed either an Olmstead Plan or Olmstead Planning Committee. Nebraska was once the leader in community based services for people with disabilities but sadly, now holds
low ranking across the United States.

Nebraska Health and Human Services is the largest state agency and oversees appropriations of approximately one-third of the state budget. Citizens rely on this agency to carry out their responsibility for these expenditures effectively and with regard for the citizens of Nebraska. In August 2006, HHS-DDS announced the closure of Transfiguration, Inc, a state certified developmental disabilities provider leaving approximately 130 people without supports and services. However, follow up information related that this provider had collapsed financially - even though regulations required annual fiscal year audits to ensure financial stability. As reported in local newspapers, the financial audits were not provided as required, even though a waiver of this regulation is not permissible. We do applaud the efforts of support staff, service coordinators and advocates in assisting people to find interim supports. But, this crisis could have been prevented with due diligence and avoided the disruption of the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.

The Arc of Nebraska voices a unified vote of no confidence in the current Policy Cabinet and asks for the resignations of the Policy Cabinet:

The Arc also asks for the resignation of Rene Ferdinand, Administrator of the HHS-Developmental Disabilities Services since he, as
Administrator, was responsible for the administration of both home and community based services and the Beatrice State Developmental Center. People with disabilities and the State of Nebraska cannot afford, and should not tolerate the lack of vigilance and the abuse and neglect that has occurred.


Patricia McGill Smith                                                                                                         
President                                                                                                                        
The Arc of Nebraska                                                                                                          

Kathy Hoell

1st Vice-President

The Arc of Nebraska


Enclosures: The Community Imperative

             The Core Values of The Arc

                    The Arc of The United States Inclusion Position Statement