Community Living

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During May, communities come together to promote awareness and understanding of mental illness.

I appreciate the important Republican and Democratic thought leaders who are focusing on the need to provide long term services and supports (LTSS) for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions and older Americans.

As a child with Spina Bifida growing up in Northern California I had some amazing opportunities. I went to the best public schools, had friends both with and without disabilities, and even participated in children’s theater. I also had many of the complications that people with Spina Bifida have—eleven surgeries, occupational and physical therapy appointments and countless sick days.

Over 12 million Americans receive long term services and supports (LTSS) to meet their daily needs in a variety of settings, provided by family and/or paid workers. In late September, the bi-partisan Commission on Long Term Care issued its Report to Congress.