New York is interested in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families live more independently - and this weekend there's a conference happening to highlight the State's efforts and educate people on the possibilities, so that anyone who wants to can make it happen. 

The name of the conference is "The Roadmap to Self-Direction: Exploring Your Options, Creating Opportunities" and it's all about Self-Direction, the model of care that gives participants the decision-making authority and allows them to manage their own supports and services with help where needed.

New Jersey is in the process of moving new legislation forward - and it's one of those things that makes so much sense you have to wonder why it's just happening now. Why wouldn't it have been this way all along?

The legislation is sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and would require the state to provide clear information to families and individuals with developmental disabilities that explains all available state and federal services and how to access them. The bill, just approved by the Senate by a vote of 40-0, heads to the Assembly for consideration next.

New York (where MediSked is headquartered) is the eighth state to transition to a managed care model and while we're excited and confident that it will work well, save money, and provide better supports and care for all enrolled - it seems that many families are freaking out. 

I came across this article titled, State moves to address concerns over managed care switch for developmentally disabled, on capitalnewyork.com and I was honestly a bit surprised to see despite efforts from the state and OPWDD to keep everyone calm and address potential anxieties, parents are really worried that the systems their children are currently in could come apart at the seams.