I find it fascinating that in the final hour we have learned the following:

• The word used was "eligible" individual to describe potential residents of Vanguard Landing.  No person in the comments denies that financial requirements must be met to move there.  This continues to strengthen the awareness that this is a financially exclusive and ability exclusive community, not one that is available for all individuals with DD Waiver.
• We have commitment from a parent that she too will be living on the grounds of Vanguard Landing.  How is that integrated when the only individuals living there are people with disabilities and their families?

I have yet to see where this answers the question related to HCBS Waiver eligibility for this program.  I see people wanting to use tax dollars to fund a bloated residential program without freedom of choice for all.  I see parents discussing the benefits of Vanguard Landing while also receiving the financial benefit of being paid caregivers, something that all parents are provided equitable access to within local CSBs. 

I continue to see exclusivity with a focus on rights but I don't see where true exploration of choice has occurred.  How can this be the best option if your family member has always lived with you?  How can this be the only option when you have never exercised your right to choice?

I remember my first apartment being such a learning experience for me.  Why are other individuals denied opportunities such as this?  Why can't the state fund for fully accessible, barrier free apartments for all community members?  If we are going to invest tax dollars, why can't we revisit how those are allocated?  Why can't legislators mandate required rent to ensure that anything federally funded is available to all?

DD Waiver is eligibility based, not financially based.  DD Waivers too, should have similar requirements that ensure it is community integrated as well as a choice for all.  I am so saddened that parents are not focused on the needs of the community.  They will regret that when it is their family member excluded from this service.  We all support one another for equal access/integrated/choice based services, or our community loses.  This is not a forward thinking plan, this is a way to create hierarchical services with financial profitability in a non-profit structure.  It should not receive tax dollars to do so.