Earlier this year, the special interest organization United Cerebral Palsy released an analysis of intellectual and developmental disability services in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, ranking Oklahoma the 48th worst state for care.
The organization used a number of factors in the rankings including each state’s approach to promoting independence and productivity, ensuring quality and safety, keeping families together and reaching people in need, according to DisabilityScoop.com.
Arizona reportedly had the best services in the country for the disabled, while Michigan, Hawaii, Georgia, New York, South Carolina, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio and Missouri rounded out the top 10 states.
According to DisabilityScoop.com, nationally, almost 317,000 people remain on waiting lists for home and community-based services. Most of the data in the rankings comes from 2012, the most recent year with information available for research.
“Some 38 states serve at least 80 percent of people with developmental disabilities in the community,” DisabilityScoop.com reported. “Meanwhile, just 10 states have one-third or more of their residents with developmental disabilities working in competitive employment, the report found.”
Due to the number of years they have ranked in the bottom portion of the rankings, researchers flagged Arkansas, Illinois, Texas and Mississippi for not offering adequate care.
According to United Cerebral Palsy, Oklahoma only has two large state facilities to house the disabled and the state would need to grow programs by more than 100 percent to accommodate the needs of its disabled citizens.
How Do I Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits in Oklahoma?
It is sad that so many disabled residents in Oklahoma are not having their needs met. This data should be used to drive home the point that additional funding needs to be set aside to help those who are less fortunate.
It should be noted that people with developmental or intellectual disabilities might not be able to hold employment because of their disabilities. Because of the lack of work or resources available, many qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
If you have questions about applying for benefits, contact a Tulsa Social Security disability attorney. We offer free evaluations of your case. Contact us today to learn more about your rights.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
Troutman Touts: There are more than 6,200 people in Oklahoma on waiting lists for state assistance for disability services.
Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/04/17/ranking-disability-services/19288/
