CIDD’s Kenneth Kelty is featured in Spectrum News.
‘We’re in a crisis’: North Carolina lawmaker, advocates call for disability support in budget.
The NC waitlist for Innovations Waivers has almost 19,000 people on it, and it’s growing. Governor Josh Stein is pushing for more funding for waiver spots in the budget, which pay for people to give direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Even with waivers, many people living with intellectual or developmental disabilities can’t find direct support.
CIDD Disability Advocate and podcaster, Kenneth Kelty, waited on the Innovations Waivers list for 14 years before he got a slot in the program.
“I am a pretty independent person, but I still need help with being able to pay bills, and I still would like to be able to have someone take me out in the community,” he said.
Kelty’s waiver means he lives in a rent-controlled apartment and has help getting around, offering him freedoms he’d otherwise lose.
“If I did not have a DSP come or the waiver, I might unfortunately be stuck at home or a more segregated placement,” Kelty said.
But he’s still talking to many in his community who haven’t yet been afforded the same opportunities.
“They’re missing out on meaningful experiences,” he said.
His ask to lawmakers, for himself and for the people he’s meeting, is simple.
“I just want to be able to live my life and not have to worry about getting services or what could happen if I don’t,” Kelty said.