When Stefanie Holland graduated from high school, her mother signed her up for state-funded services intended to help the developmentally disabled girl gain independence and find a job.
But instead of immediately receiving the services, Holland had to wait almost five years.
“It’s challenging,” said Diana Holland, Stefanie’s mother. “You pretty much feel alone.”
But Diana Holland considers herself lucky — some have waited 15 years to receive services.
In a move to solve a problem that has affected thousands of families across the state, Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill Thursday that aims to eliminate the waiting list for people seeking adult services for developmental disabilities.
Ritter signed additional bills that he says will help people with developmental disabilities, as well as their families.
“There has not been a better day for the (developmental disability) community in the history of our state,” Ritter said.
Developmental disabilities organizations said Thursday marked a long-awaited victory.
Some estimate that more than 4,000 adults with developmental disabilities in the state are waiting to receive services that include job placement, transportation and housing assistance.
In Stefanie Holland’s case, she receives services that teach her to manage money, cook and live on her own.
House Bill 1101 will allow the state to dish out about $17 million to community organizations that it has contracts through.
The state is providing $6.8 million, and the federal government will provide the rest.
State Sen. Moe Keller, a Jefferson County Democrat, said the bipartisan effort to pass the bills is good government at its best.
“This is democracy in action,” she said.
The bill will have an immediate effect on 21-year-olds in need of services.
People with developmental disabilities need to constantly stimulate their minds to improve their skills.
That was one problem families had with the waiting lists.
Their child would graduate from high school and have to wait years before receiving services that could help build their skills.
Keller said lawmakers and the governor wanted to make sure this would never happen again.
“The reason we targeted them, they graduate with what (education) they have, and they go home with mom and dad, and they sit on the couch,” she said. “They don’t have that every-day stimulation, so every year they regress.”
Christopher Sanchez: 303-954-1698 or csanchez@denverpost.com
