Kentucky Commission Unveils 10-Year Plan to Improve Care for Developmentally Disabled

Kentucky's newly established Commission on Services and Supports for Persons With Mental Retardation and Other Developmental Disabilities on April 24 "unveiled" a 10-year plan that "addresses programs and services for individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities," the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports. Kevin Lightle, director of the Division of Mental Retardation in the state Department for Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services, presented an overview of the proposal, which includes outcomes and strategies in the areas of prevention, choice, quality, access and financing. Providing an overview of current services for mental retardation in Kentucky, the plan stated: "Kentucky citizens with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities and their families are in a state of crisis. Waiting lists for services and supports are lengthy and continue to grow. Young adults are exiting school with few or no options available that would support their active life. Parents who have continued to raise and care for their child into adulthood are aging and are realizing a decline in their health and ability to maintain the support the family members need. Both of these groups look to the service system for help in planning for their child's future." Lightle said the commission has not determined how much it would cost to implement the plan, noting that a state House finance subcommittee will continue to "refine estimated costs and make them available to the governor and General Assembly." The proposal was sent to Gov. Paul Patton (D) on April 17 and is "currently en route to legislators" (Campbell, Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, 4/25).