Make Things Work Better For Your Loved One
The system of care evolved over the last 100 years. It is important to read about that history, which you can find on this website (History of System of Care). The current system is flawed in that it is very expensive, and it leaves many people out because the waiting lists for services have been closed due to a lack of funding. Funding for affordable and supportive housing is very limited as well, meaning there is a lack of affordable housing, and insufficient supportive housing to meet the needs. The decision makers who decide whether to allocate funding for services and housing all work for you as a citizen. They are our elected or appointed officials. They are either your representative, or they are a public servant; in either case they work for you. As such, you have a tremendous amount of power. Each of these people will listen to you if you reach out to them with your concerns. The situation for families and individuals with developmental disabilities is very complicated, and it often takes us educating our public officials for them to see our needs and to make decisions that fully take those needs into account as they set priorities. The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services offers an opportunity for collective advocacy, where all of our voices can be raised in unison, raising the chances that we may improve things as a result. Without us taking the time and having the courage to speak, our voice disappears, and other priorities will rise above ours. By remaining informed, joining the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, and taking the minute or two to participate in Action Alert opportunities, you can make an enormous difference. (Click Here to Join Now)
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services is working on developing and implementing a new system of care, a Lifelong Continuum of Care for People with Developmental Disabilities. You can participate in this process as well by joining the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, and you can see the evolving design here: (DD Continuum of Care)
Being a parent of a person with developmental disabilities can mean an extremely busy schedule in and of itself. It can be consuming. It is important to carve out some time to join with other parents for support, broader understanding, knowledge of the system of care and the changes it constantly faces, and to do your part as an informed citizen to stand up for your needs. You can do this by signing up for emails from the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, attending meetings or reading minutes if you cant attend, and/or by coming back to this website for updates. As often as once a year, there are important opportunities to go to the State House and speak your mind on a bill or policy decision that will affect your family. Please consider doing this. But you can do something perhaps even more important. You can contact your representatives and invite them over to your home. Have them over for a cup of coffee, and sit and talk to them about your situation. This will allow them to see and hear about the challenges you face. You will have the opportunity to provide education to your representative simply telling them your story something very important and often an indelible impression they will keep with them as they face many decisions ahead. This website contains information about who and how to contact your representatives. (Contact Your Legislator)
Good luck. You have a very important opportunity to make things better for your son or daughter. Please do! We'll all be better for it!
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services is working on developing and implementing a new system of care, a Lifelong Continuum of Care for People with Developmental Disabilities. You can participate in this process as well by joining the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, and you can see the evolving design here: (DD Continuum of Care)
Being a parent of a person with developmental disabilities can mean an extremely busy schedule in and of itself. It can be consuming. It is important to carve out some time to join with other parents for support, broader understanding, knowledge of the system of care and the changes it constantly faces, and to do your part as an informed citizen to stand up for your needs. You can do this by signing up for emails from the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, attending meetings or reading minutes if you cant attend, and/or by coming back to this website for updates. As often as once a year, there are important opportunities to go to the State House and speak your mind on a bill or policy decision that will affect your family. Please consider doing this. But you can do something perhaps even more important. You can contact your representatives and invite them over to your home. Have them over for a cup of coffee, and sit and talk to them about your situation. This will allow them to see and hear about the challenges you face. You will have the opportunity to provide education to your representative simply telling them your story something very important and often an indelible impression they will keep with them as they face many decisions ahead. This website contains information about who and how to contact your representatives. (Contact Your Legislator)
Good luck. You have a very important opportunity to make things better for your son or daughter. Please do! We'll all be better for it!