Michigan P&A seeks comments on priorities and goals

Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. (MPAS) is the independent, private, nonprofit organization designated by the governor of the State of Michigan to advocate and protect the legal rights of people with developmental disabilities in Michigan. MPAS services include information and referral, short-term assistance, selected individual and legal representation, systemic advocacy, monitoring, and training.  The MPAS receives funds primarily through the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (a.k.a The DD Act). 

The MPAS also provides federally-funded services to other disability groups. Here is a list of their programs.
 
MPAS seeks your input on their 2016 advocacy priorities and objectives.

Comments will be accepted through November 16, 2015 and should be sent via email to asteffen@mpas.org. 

Here is a link to the Priorities and Objectives in different formats - Word document, PDF, and Text file. These are the same as the priorities listed below.

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MPAS Board approved Priorities available for public comment:

Priority #1:  Eliminate abuse and neglect

• Objective 1A:  Individuals with disabilities will not be subjected to restraint or seclusion.
• Objective 1C: Individuals with disabilities will not be subjected to abuse or neglect, including inappropriate or coercive treatments.

Priority #2:  Increase the protection of individual rights, independence and self-determination 

• Objective 2A: Individuals with disabilities will not be deprived of their rights and will be able to engage in self advocacy.

Priority 3:  Eliminate employment barriers and protect rights  

• Objective 3A:  Improve access and rights to services within vocational rehabilitation and centers for independent living 
• Objective 3B:  Individuals with disabilities will assert their employment rights under the ADA and/or Section 504, as well as other employment laws, e.g. Fair Labor Standards Act, and will have employment options in the competitive and integrated workforce.
• Objective 3C: Individuals with disabilities will have access to social security work incentives. Objective 3D:  Beneficiaries with disabilities will be free from exploitation, abuse, and neglect by their representative payee.

Priority 4:  Improve access to services  

• Objective 4A:  Individuals with disabilities will be assured services, including housing, transportation and assistive technology, identified to support them in the community and prevent institutionalization or segregation.   
• Objective 4B:  Governmental entities and providers of critical services will be accessible and provide needed accommodations. 
• Objective 4C:  Individuals with disabilities will have access to services, including assistive technology, which supports them in institutional/facility/service provider settings in order to promote discharge and community inclusion.

Priority 5:  Ensure the right to a high quality education  

• Objective 5A:  Students with disability-related behavior will be identified and evaluated for special education.
• Objective 5B:  Eligible students at risk of discipline or push-out due to disability-related behavior will remain in school. 
• Objective 5C:  Transition needs from post education to community living will be identified and addressed.  

[More information on Protection and Advocacy and the DD Act coming soon!]

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Update: Suggestions from the Coalition for Community Choice

Priority 4:  Improve access to services 
Objective 4A:  Individuals with disabilities will be assured services, including housing, transportation and assistive technology, identified to support them in the HOME AND COMMUNITY OF THEIR PREFERRED CHOICE AS EXPLORED AND DOCUMENTED IN THEIR PERSON CENTERED PLANNING PROCESS.

Objective 4B:  Governmental entities and providers of critical services will be accessible and provide needed accommodations.
 
Objective 4C:  Individuals with disabilities will have access to services, including assistive technology, which supports THEIR RETENTION OR TRANSITION TO A HOME AND COMMUNITY OF THEIR PREFERRED CHOICE AS EXPLORED AND DOCUMENTED IN THEIR PERSON CENTERED PLANNING PROCESS.