March 6, 2017
A New Perspective on Value-Based Payments
A New Perspective on Value-Based Payments I attended a conference recently on performance-based management. I was swimming in a sea of BIG ($500M+) corporate providers. In comparison, Laura Baker Services Association is a VERY small fish in this sea. At the core of the conference was how we pay for… Read More
February 3, 2017
Civic Engagement in Today’s World
Civic Engagement in Today's World Wherever I go, I hear that Americans don’t trust: Government Churches Big business Schools Any entity big enough to reduce their needs to a number Why? Generally, because their needs are not being met by these entities. Losing Small-town America My parents live in a… Read More
December 21, 2016
Changing Lives Together
Changing Lives Together Our annual Gala and the graciousness of sponsors, donors and volunteers always reminds me of our incredible community of support. Through the tremendous time and treasures provided, we can continue to support the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and help them reach their dreams. Learning Lessons Stories… Read More
November 28, 2016
What Now? Step One: Ask Questions.
What Now? Step One: Ask Questions. The election is (finally!) over and it’s never been more important for you to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. We must be champions for choice and inclusion. We urge you to take action and ask your elected officials these… Read More
September 16, 2016
Senators: Support Our Caregivers
Senators: Support Our Caregivers Written by guest blogger, Betsy Spethmann Dear Sen. Dahle and Rep. Bly, Many people with developmental disabilities rely on others for personal care . . . every day, every night, for their entire lives. This is not a choice for them. It is a basic necessity,… Read More
July 14, 2016
Dear Legislator
Dear Legislator Dear Legislator, I’d like to talk to you about your failing grade for people who need champions. You can make it up, but time is running out. In the 2016 legislative session disability service providers and their advocates asked for a hand up – not a handout. You said all the… Read More
May 24, 2016
A Challenge
A Challenge What we need: Radical collaboration. Civic engagement. Civil discourse. Relationships and partnerships. Support for people with disabilities and their families. What We’re Facing The Minnesota Legislature refuses, again, to put people with disabilities and the people who support them on an equal footing with other service recipients. The U.S. Read More
April 22, 2016
What Keeps me Awake at Night
What Keeps me Awake at Night Honestly, there are several work-related issues that keep me awake at night; the changes in how we provide services and support isn’t one of them. Although some of those changes are significant, we know that people need to be able to live the lives… Read More
March 22, 2016
Supporting People With Disabilities and Their Caregivers
Supporting People With Disabilities and Their Caregivers Several months ago, my blog post addressed adequate compensation for our amazing caregivers. I’m not done talking about it yet. I pledge to continue talking about it until people with disabilities and their caregivers receive the respect and compensation they are due. You may… Read More
February 23, 2016
Reading Mind Maps
Reading Mind Maps Do I Know What You Want? Recently, I spent time in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore to listen and contribute to the development of national public policy for people with disabilities and their families. While the policy discussions and determinations are vital, understanding and changing our human behavior… Read More