Appreciates help from Begich’s office

To the editor:

Recent language changes in state statue 7AAC.49.060 under the authority of 7AAC130.235 became law July 1, 2013. The outcome resulted in making it illegal for in-home care supports for my 24-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy and receives services via CMCDD wavier.

All nursing tasks, including dispensing of medication and feeding, is now illegal for him to receive. Only the IDD waiver allows nursing oversight tasks. I was threatened with the choice of quitting my job to stay home with my son or placing him in a nursing home facility.

I had been planning a trip to Juneau to participate in the 2014 Key Campaign, a yearly pilgrimage to the Hill to remind our elected public servants that those who may have no voice, limb or sight have advocates who are willing to make the trip up the stairs of the capital building and represent the issues facing our disabled population.

Prior to departure I emailed Senator Begich’s office describing my family’s dilemma. Knowing that Begich’s Senate responsibilities to the state is on the federal level and probably would not be able to help with our particular issue, I was urged by my oldest son, Travis Michael Jennings, who reminded me that Senator Begich is one of us — an Alaskan — and would help if he could.

Sally Smith, Begich’s staff in his Juneau office, invited me to meet with her while in Juneau for Key Campaign. Expecting a 15- to 20-minute meeting, the time limit generally granted when meeting with a representative on the Hill and the time frame granted by state Rep. Neuman and Senate President Charlie Huggins, I was very surprised that Smith met with me for an hour and a half!

I am writing to report the positive and productive meeting I had with Begich’s staff member Smith. She directed me to effective solutions that will allow me to keep my son at home. She also gave me names of others who may be able to help. It was a general feeling of partnership!

My family’s dilemma is still present, but the state has offered passage to a more appropriate wavier process and now there is hope, and the risk of losing employment or my son losing his home environment will be over soon.

I would like to thank Rep. Neuman’s staff, Kathy, and Huggins for the brief meeting during the Key Campaign and the special attention Kathy showed in asking questions concerning “the wait list,” which addresses the two waivers affecting my family and one of the platforms of the Key Campaign.

A very special thanks to Sen. Mark Begich and particularly to his office staff, Sally Smith, who was knowledgeable, prepared and positive! She allowed enough time to educate me, showing me new paths and new partnerships, helping me to navigate through changing law language and leading me to access the ability to keep my family together.

I was reminded again why I support Senator Begich; he’s one of us — Alaskan!

Susan Kay

Wasilla