Providing Adequate Funding For People Living With Disabilities

Although care in nursing homes is covered by federal and state legislation, the government has recently announced additional funding of $400 billion for care in the community. This could allow more people with disabilities to stay in their own homes, where they can be looked after by their families and other caregivers. Adapting to life with a disability can be challenging; however, the support offered by adequately funded community services can make it easier. In addition, help with making successful claims for disability benefits and, if appropriate, compensation in the case of medical malpractice, can provide people with disabilities with greater opportunities to fulfil their potential and lead more independent lives.

Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability, affecting around 1 million people in the US. Caused by damage to the brain, it is the name for a group of conditions that can affect movement, balance and posture to varying degrees. Although up to 90% of cases of cerebral palsy are congenital, the condition is also one of the most common types of birth injury, typically caused by oxygen deprivation to the brain during labor and delivery. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition at first, but if medical malpractice is suspected, a cerebral palsy group lawyer has experience in interpreting medical records and assessing the situation. Any compensation received can help to cover urgent medical bills, as well as treatment and therapies that can improve a child’s health and wellbeing in the longer term.

As well as ensuring payment of compensation where appropriate, many people with disabilities and their families rely on day to day state assistance for care and support. In Georgia, where some adults have waited 10 years for assistance, families and lawmakers are now campaigning for fully state-funded community support services. Without extra funding, once children from low income families age out of the school system, they rely on very limited waiver programs for help. These are programs where the usual criteria that apply to funding are waived in order to allow individuals the chance to receive care in the community, instead of having to live in a home or hospital setting.

To supplement regular disability benefits, there are also several financial assistance programs that provide financial relief in times of difficulty. The extra money may be used to cover a variety of essential costs, including rent, heating bills or healthcare costs. In Atlantic County, New Jersey, a new grant of $93,000 has recently been made available for any residents with a disability who have experienced hardship as a result of the pandemic. Offering grants like this can help to ensure that not only are basic needs met, but that continuance of care and quality of life are maintained for all.

With adequate community funding, and help in obtaining personal disability benefits and compensation where appropriate, people with disabilities can be properly supported in leading a full and independent life.