Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

This video depicts ongoing wrongful institutionalization.

The Governor of Nevada is told fairness in government must extend even to Nevada's most vulnerable people. Protecting their choices, granting some of them greater autonomy, these things are worth standing up for.

On February 22, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval received a letter addressing such disability issues.  It requests fair and equal access to independent home care, (That is self-directed home care.)  Although he promised his prompt attention, Governor Sandoval is not responding to the crucial issues raised in that letter.  In an effort to get his attention a few people with disabilities have begun to wave a big red sign in front of the Capitol building (pictured above). 

 

Without any other resources, protesting and filing a Department of Justice discrimination complaint against Nevada Medicaid administrators and the Governor has been our last resort.  (So far, the DOJ is unwilling to get involved.)

Julie Burrus, who recently suffered being unnecessarily institutionalized for more than 2 years, is now protesting in an effort to stop it from happening to others.

Julie knows firsthand that Nevada Medicaid wrongly institutionalizes many elderly and people with disabilities.

Below, is another note requesting the Governor's involvement. It was delivered to his office proceeding the protests that began on April 27, 2012.

Still, Gov. Brian Sandoval is not responding.

Rick Cline has been personally threatened by Medicaid administrators for blowing the whistle on their discriminatory policies.  Rick says, "The State is neglecting the rights and well-being of elderly and people with disabilities." He continues to protest for the sake of expanding homecare resources for others and especially, to stop unnecessary institutionalization in Nevada.

Dear Gov. Sandoval, Could you meet with us to establish how independent, self-directed homecare will be made more workable, any feared liabilities mitigated, and to make it fairly and equally accessible for all who can reasonably benefit from it?   Will you delegate this task to someone, under your auspices, with the determination/obligation to protect and forward the independence, safety and well-being of those of us affected by this home care resource? We ask this for the sake of the elderly and people with disabilities who will enjoy a higher quality of life. We ask this for the sake of better caregivers that will fairly receive a livable wage. We ask this for the sake of the people that will escape institutionalization through the opening of the homecare resource. Rick Cline, (current recipient of independent, self-directed homecare) Randall Johnson, M.E. (previous independent caregiver) Julie Burress, (escapee of institutional care) Mina Spears, (US citizen & independent caregiver) Shane Fuller, (independent caregiver) Many other committed signatures are forthcoming.

Shane Fuller works as an Independent homecare provider contracted with Nevada Medicaid.  From his experience he recognizes the value of helping people with disabilities live outside of institutional care. He says, "It is clear that independent homecare is the better and cheaper option. It grants people greater independence.

Unnecessary institutionalization is wrong.  It costs the State more money and yields a lesser quality of life for those who are stuck in institutions.  Having more homecare options will create more jobs and save the State a percentage per individual."