A spark into a fire

It's time to discuss as issue that has always been a part of my life, all 38 years of it. I was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy stage 2 and have used an electric wheelchair for 26 years. I've spent my entire life striving to be as independent as physically possible. It's exhausting and completely worth it.

For my adult life I have been able to live autonomously, depending on a schedule of caregivers who come to my home 3 times a day, 7 days a week, for short but vital time periods. I have lived in Tucson, Arizona for nearly 13 years and received my care through Pima County Health. The care has been good and it's been consistent. Until now.
The County Administrator has decided to dismantle the Attendant Care Program and transfer the 500 clients in the system to outside private agencies who are contracted with the county. But there is one major flaw: none of the agencies supply the same level of service that I currently receive. So the fight has begun to either fortify the Program currently in place or guarantee that the agencies will adapt to the needs of the clients being transfered.

There are several groups mobilizing to make sure that all the clients in the system will continue to receive their care. I've written a letter of concern and sent it out to a number of people involved. The county as called 3 meetings to occur over the next 3 months, to collect feed back, suggestions, and concerns. I hope it's enough. Here is a flyer that is being distributed to advertise the meeting times and locations:



My plan is to be at every meeting. See you all there.