I am writing to express how deeply important it is for me to maintain the right to choose my own service facilitator. As a man who is blind, living with Type 1 diabetes, suffered a stroke fallowed by an amputation and is wheelchair dependent. I depend on consistent, reliable support to manage my daily needs, protect my health, and maintain my safety, independence, and dignity.

My relationship with my current service facilitator means more to me than simply coordinating services. It is built on trust, understanding, compassion, and a genuine knowledge of my circumstances and needs. We have experienced firsthand what happens when a facilitator is not the right fit. We previously worked with someone who did not adequately meet our needs, and that experience showed us just how much the right person can affect our quality of life, stress levels, and overall health and well-being.

Having a facilitator who listens, understands my challenges, and works alongside  me makes an immeasurable difference. We should not have to risk losing that relationship or start over with someone unfamiliar simply because of a change in the system. For individuals like me, consistency is not just a convenience; it is essential to receiving appropriate care and maintaining our well-being.

Being able to choose my own service facilitator gives me a voice in decisions that directly affect my life. Removing that choice would take away an important part of my independence and self-determination at a time when I already depend on others for so much.

I respectfully ask that you consider the real people and families behind this decision. Please recognize the impact that changing these services could have on individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs, as well as the loved ones who dedicate themselves to caring for them. We deserve the right to choose the people we trust, the people who understand us, and the people who help us live healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives.

Please protect our right to choose our own service facilitators and preserve the relationships that make such a meaningful difference in our lives.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and willingness to hear the voices of those of us who depend on these vital services.

A concerned individual who depends on these services