Elastic in Our Pants … A Quirky but Fitting Metaphor

At a recent Laura Baker Society event, I shared a metaphor that’s both unforgettable and surprisingly apt: elastic in our pants. It may sound quirky, and it beautifully captures the role our community plays in supporting Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA).

Just like elastic allows pants to stretch and contract, our community of supporters gives LBSA the flexibility to grow, adapt and respond to changing needs. We are deeply grateful for the hope and support that surrounds us. While the metaphor brings a smile, the reality behind it is deeply important.

Medicaid: The Backbone of Support

Lately, Medicaid has been top of mind. In many ways, it serves as the “elastic” for the individuals we support – though perhaps a bit less flexible than our community. Medicaid provides essential funding for services that support daily living. It also offers access to medical and mental health care, as well as therapies such as speech, occupational and physical therapy. These services help individuals manage sensory challenges, physical conditions and communication needs.

Staff: The Human Elastic

Our staff adds another layer of flexibility. They teach new skills, offer creative solutions to everyday challenges and provide just the right amount of support – not too much, not too little. That balance is critical. It’s tempting to seek one-size-fits-all solutions: public policy often swings like a pendulum. The risk of addressing only a segment of any group is that we may overserve some and underserve others. True equilibrium is rare, and thoughtful, individualized support is key. We need to retain elasticity to provide that individualized support.

When Elastic Snaps: The Risk of Overreaction

Sometimes those fundamental things – elastic, Medicaid – serve their purpose quietly, with little fanfare or notice. And then, the elastic gives, or Medicaid is systematically dismantled. We snap to attention and want to fix the problem.

The danger? In those moments of perceived crisis, we over- or under-react. We create layers of complexity that have real impacts on people’s lives – people whose lives are already complex and challenging.

What can we do?

  • Be the elastic.
    • Continue YOUR involvement and investment in LBSA through your gifts of treasure and time and encourage others to do the same.
  • Change our own behavior. Foster community engagement.
    • Advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) consistently – not just during times of crisis.
    • Encourage others to understand the real-world consequences of policy changes.
  • Support thoughtful, individualized care.
    • Resist one-size-fits-all solutions. Promote flexible, personalized support systems in care and policy.
  • Empower community.
    • Encourage community members to be active participants in support networks. We are committed to celebrating unity and creating a community that embraces all people.
  • Monitor and respond mindfully.
    • Aim for thoughtful responses that minimize unnecessary complexity.