Guest Blog: Checking in with SB 204, SSLCs
Kaitlyn Clifton, Autism Society of Central Texas
Alexa Schoeman, The Arc of Texas
July 2, 2015
Background
In Fall 2014, the Sunset Commission published its report and recommendations for the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). One of the major concerns addressed in this report is the current state of Texas State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs).
SSLCs are large state-run residential institutions that provide on-site services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These institutions have fallen greatly out of favor as people with I/DD and their allies increasingly prefer and advocate for community-based services. Of the 38 states that still operate these institutions, most average 3-7 SSLCs, however, Texas still operates 13.
Read more about CTD's and the Arc's position on Texas' SSLC system.
Different Advocacy Perspectives
Disability advocacy groups, such as the Arc and Community Now!, strongly supported the recommendations of the Sunset Commission and spent hundreds of hours at the State Capitol speaking with legislators and their staff about these issues. The Arc brought in chapter members from across the State, including former SSLC residents, to testify for the closure of SSLCs at committee hearings.
Policy groups such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation joined the “for closure” side with legislative briefs echoing the recommendations of the Sunset Commission and explaining how SSLCs are disparately over-funded when it comes to the number of residents remaining in them, among other things.
The Parents Association of Retarded Texans (PART) also made an incredibly strong showing against the closure of any SSLCs. Many members of PART provided testimony during hearings stating that their family members were happy in SSLCs, received great care, and would not survive a transition.
PART were joined by the behind the scenes, but influential, Texas State Employee’s Union (TSEU). There are 3 full-time state employees for every resident of the SSLCs. While there was little to no mention of them during hearings and debates, TSEU played a major role in opposing closure. Read TSEU's statement of victory.
The Life and Death of SB 204
Senate bill 204, Authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa of McAllen, referred to as The DADS Sunset Bill, included:
- the consolidation of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) into the Health and Human Services Commission
- increased penalties for nursing home violations
- increased data collection by day habilitation centers
- the closure of the Austin SSLC by 2017
- the creation of an SSLC “restructuring commission” to conduct a thorough evaluation for the 12 remaining SSLCs
- the creation of crisis intervention teams for people with I/DD and behavioral health needs at risk of institutionalization.
After several hearings and amendments, the bill passed through the Senate.
The future of SB 204 looked promising as it moved through the House, but a House floor action amended the bill so heavily that the Senate refused to concur with the bill as it finally stood. As the 84th Legislative Session came to a close, SB 204 died in conference committee.
Looking to the Future
Though the final result may seem disheartening, SB 204 did not die in vain. The movement of this bill marked the farthest advocates have come in achieving a true rebalancing of options for Texans with I/DD.
For the first time, the unacceptable issues of the SSLCs were brought up on the chamber floor by Representatives Klick and Gonzales as well as Senator Hinojosa. This was a brave and decisive act on their part.
- Next step: Call, email, or write to your legislator thanking them for their support of SB 204 or expressing your disappointment that they voted against it. If you're not sure what to say, you can start with our pre-written letters.
Additionally, media coverage has finally begun to include the perspectives of people with disabilities and the benefits of community inclusion. Previously, media coverage focused heavily on the few groups fighting against the closure of SSLCs.
- Next step: Continue demanding unbiased coverage by your local news outlets, the Austin American Statesman and the Austin Chronicle. You can do this with a quick phone call or email, or even a letter to the editor!
Though session has come to a close, we can take the next 18 months to reflect on the strengths and areas of improvement of SB 204 and related bills.
- Next step: Join us as we continue to brainstorm comprehensive solutions to the issues of Texas SSLCs and gather support for our movement toward closure. Join CTD's SSLC Action Group to stay informed about opportunities to act and organize during the interim.
Many thanks to all of you for supporting this incredibly important issue! Problems identified by the comprehensive Sunset Commission study are trending worse. Through consolidation, Texas can right-size SSLCs, address community services wait lists, and guarantee an institutional placement to those who make that choice.
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About Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Clifton is an intern for the Autism Society of Central Texas, which provides information and referral, support, education, advocacy and recreational opportunities to individuals with ASD and their families. Most recently, ASCT was working closely with legislators, advocates, individuals and families with ASD to provide input for the 84th Texas Legislature. Kaitlyn is currently working on her master’s of science in social work at the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work from St. Edward’s University and has worked primarily with people with disabilities in a variety of settings.
About Alexa
Alexa Schoeman is an intern with the Arc of Texas and will graduate this fall with her masters of science in social work from UT. Prior to the social work program, Alexa worked for seven years in direct service with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as an art instructor, health and wellness instructor, a summer camp coordinator for the children's program, and a group home staff member. With the Arc of Texas she has worked to advocate and lobby for issues that affect people with disabilities, their families, and their communities, and well as teach people with disabilities how to advocate for themselves on these issues and share their stories.
