In regard to changes to the IFSP funding criteria, the Commonwealth of Virginia should take a heard look at this system and say why do we have this “band aid” funding when the priority should be to get all 16,000 individuals off the waitlist and provide the services they need to have productive lives.  Instead, the state created this tiny funding for severely impacted individuals to receive a sliver of the funds the Commonwealth should be providing.  Should the IFSP funding method be changed? Yes. Ideally it should be completely eliminated with the Commonwealth providing the needed and necessary funding for every individual in need. 

My daughter has been on the wait list for a DD waiver (currently on CCC+ waiver) well into the second decade.  Is the IFSP funding better than nothing, marginally yes.  However, it does nothing to solve our assist my daughter (27) to improve her quality of life or her interactions with the outside world.  Instead as a result, my wife (63) and myself (64) and the primary caregivers.  We have a modest income and are currently in good health for our age. 

However, how long does the Commonwealth expect us to fulfill the role of untrained and aging care providers? All at the expense of services that could enrich our daughter’s life.  At the rate the Commonwealth is making progress (despite being found guilty of underfunding services for its most vulnerable population and now operating under a federal court order – that should not be removed) either one or both of us will die caring for our daughter before she receives services.  This is shameful for a state as wealthy as Virginia.  The Governor is promoting his tax breaks, building a sports complex for a Billionaire and playing silly social agenda games.  All of this instead of working to fund the services for over 16,000 citizens of the Commonwealth want and desperately need. 

Should the funding for the IFSP program be changed – Yes it should be eliminated as the DD and other waivers should be fully funded – So there would be no need for the IFSP.  Instead of fussing with the IFSP program, when will those in the administration work on the bigger problem of eliminating the waiting list for waivers in the Commonwealth?  Now that would be a move in the proper direction.  Don’t waste time on changing IFSP funding – Use the time to eliminate the need for this program!