Standing up for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, PHA families take their concerns to Congress

From June 8 - 12, 2013, Mary O'Riordan, Kathleen Miller and Casey Dillon, representing California and the Parent Hospital Association (PHA), attended the VOR Annual Conference and Initiative in Washington, D.C. VOR is a national family/guardian organization advocating for high quality care and human rights for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Joining with families from around the country, California representatives were briefed on important issues affecting people who are medically fragile and are fully dependent on 24-7 care for survival.

Family advocates then visited members of Congress, including California's two senators and its representatives. Other key federal agencies within the Administration also received VOR's presentation.

Americans with severe and profound intellectual disabilities are being seriously threatened by closure of their homes by reduction in budgets and a shift of basic government philosophy that dictates all people are allegedly better served living in a community setting even if needed medical and personal care is reduced to a point where lives are being threatened. In addition to protesting home closures, VOR seeks community-based standards to address current deficiencies.

"We had a very productive week in Washington and left committed to the challenges that impact our folks," said Kathleen Miller. "We visited the offices of Congressman Thompson, Huffman, Pelosi, Zoe Lofgren, and others and received very positive responses to the concerns we brought to their attention.

"We will continue to push for the best care our children deserve."