Budget fallout

Health Services

Aspire of Western New York has operated a New York State Department of Health Article 28 Clinic servicing predominantly developmentally disabled individuals since 1971. Aspire is the primary health care resource for over 1,700 disabled adults throughout Western New York. We provide not only primary care but women’s health, mental health services, neurology and podiatry. Aspire’s primary care facility is equipped with a ceiling lift system and other lifts, lower exam tables, wider hallways and specialized equipment.

If the government does not wish to recognize the full value of quality, stable health status among the disabled they will be party to seeing that the disabled are unable to work, volunteer in the community, and even maintain important relationships.

Following are safety net stories of people who receive services from Aspire’s clinic:

Edward
Ed, a 62-year-old Buffalo resident, can only move his head due to his cerebral palsy. Still, he learned to operate his power wheelchair with his chin. Even more amazing, he can operate a computer using his chin to control the mouse. Ed spent five years mastering desktop publishing and then formed his own successful business.

A lack of funding would mean Ed could not attend Aspire’s wheelchair clinic, where physical, occupational and speech therapists work together to help him maintain proper seating and power mobility. Without that service, he would be completely immobile and either laying in bed or sitting in a manual wheelchair to be pushed by others.

In addition to severe orthopedic and movement inability, Ed suffers from chronic pain. His chair has a power tilt that he independently operates to manage the pain and pressure on his skin, thereby avoiding pressure ulcers that could take him out of the chair.

Ed’s ability to move independently is sustained through Medicaid. This ability allows him to communicate using his augmentative communicate device, get out in the community and even run his own business.

Alice
In 1998, Aspire wanted Alice to have a colonoscopy after blood was found in her stool during a routine exam. Through Aspire’s persistence, Alice agreed to the test, which revealed she had colon cancer. She had surgery to remove the cancer and now, 10 years later, she is cancer free. Alice’s story shows that Aspire’s main goal is prevention. Only through high quality primary care can early detection occur. Without the Aspire’s clinic, lives could be lost.

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No supported employment

Nearly 400 people with disabilities maintain competitive employment through supports they receive from Aspire’s supported employment program. Without employment, these individuals would lack self worth and a way of contributing to society. They could not pay taxes or form relationships. Instead they would sit at home needing more services.

Mark
Mark came to Aspire more than 10 years after he graduated from high school. He had not worked during that time. Aspire helped him secure a job he enjoys as a cashier at Wegmans in Cheektowaga. Aspire provided Mark with job coaching and worked with the grocery store on adapting the worksite to accommodate his wheelchair.

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Impact of no day programs

Without day services at Aspire, many adults with developmental disabilities who live at home with their family would have no way of leaving the house. Many do not have accessible transportation. Day Program helps people pursue their educational, recreational and employment goals.

Gary
Gary lives in Depew with his family. His mom recently became ill and passed away. His father uses a wheelchair. Gary’s only transportation is through Aspire to day program. He has no alternative transportation and only can leave the house to go for a walk. In addition to providing Gary with a way to become involved in his community, Aspire takes care of his basic needs, such as bathing him. This is because he does not have an accessible shower and requires a shower bed.

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Residential services

Consistent care, forging relationship

What would it be like to have a stranger give you a shower and take care of your most intimate needs? If funding is cut to Aspire, that could be a reality for the children and adults with developmental disabilities whom we serve. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) already find it difficult to make a living on their wages. In addition, people looking for jobs won’t apply with us once they find out the wage.

DSPs work in Aspire’s group homes and day service programs. Staff retention means our employees give consistent care while developing a relationship with the people we serve. That is critical and brings not only quality of life, but also the safety people with disabilities are entitled to.

For example, we’ve had staff identify serious medical concerns that require immediate transportation to a hospital. Doctors have said that if our staff hadn’t responded, the person would not have lived.

Edith
Edith lives at one of Aspire’s Buffalo group homes. She was diagnosed with a very severe neurological disorder that has symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. It’s critical for her to stay with staff who know her because she is so negatively impacted by variables in her environment. The staff she sees and knows are the only comfort she has.

Angela
Angela lives at one of Aspire’s Cheektowaga group homes. She experienced a major medical issue involving possible shutdown of her kidneys. To counteract hospital shortages, Aspire provided 24-7 care for Angela while she was in the hospital. We’re committed even when we’re not receiving reimbursement.

Brandon
Brandon has some significant behavioral challenges, but can no longer take most psychotropic medications because it causes serious neurological damage. Now, Aspire supports him without the use of medication.