For those of us that use personal attendant services, we all know that getting our services set up takes a bit of time.  It may take around 2 to 3 months at the most. However, for someone that is a vent user, 3 months can make a difference between staying in the community and becoming institutionalized.  Fortunately, Ms. L had her family to help her while she waited for her services to begin.

Ms. L contacted ADAPT of Texas/PACT for help in getting her attendant services set up due to an excessive amount of time the state and home care agency were taking. Below is a history (in her words) of the length of time it took while she worked alone.

 2013-Applied in Dallas area

January 2015-moved to San Antonio and had to reapply

November 2016-notified slot was available but was temporarily out of state and could not accept. Asked to be put at back of waiting list, but was not clear if that happened. Turns out I WAS NOT put back on waitlist

December 30, 2019-asked to be placed back on waitlist

August 2020-inquired about waitlist status to find out I was booted off the waitlist with no notice. With some advocating, I was put back on the waitlist. As of August 30, 2020, there are 40 people ahead of me on waitlist in Region 8, but I desperately need services now.

PACT started pushing the state and home care agency in August. Movement to obtain Ms. L’s attendant services began to happen quickly. Happily, Ms. L started receiving her personal attendant services in November 2020.  Thank you PACT and ADAPT of Texas!

Certainly, Ms. L’s experience shows how red tape can get in the way of a person with a disability getting what they need to live independently.  During the whole experience, the agency and the state were pointing their finger at each other. Yes, we are human, and errors happen, but for people with disabilities human error can cost someone their freedom or even their life.

Do not work alone. Advocacy works best working with others.  We are so grateful this story has a successful conclusion.

If you or someone you know need assistance, be part of the solution!

Contact PACT at ADAPT of Texas at 512.442.0252.

by Cathy Cranston