Oklahomans with Disabilities Face Long Waitlists for Services
Ask students: When did Oklahoma pass a law to address its disability services wait-list? Why are Medicaid home and community-based services important for individuals with disabilities?
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November 9, 2023
Ask students: When did Oklahoma pass a law to address its disability services wait-list? Why are Medicaid home and community-based services important for individuals with disabilities?
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This lesson is based on NewsHour's Disability Reframed series with Judy Woodruff.
More than half a million Americans are on waiting lists to receive long-term care in their homes. Most people on these lists have intellectual and developmental disabilities and sometimes need help with daily activities like cooking, maintaining a job or getting around town. Judy Woodruff spoke with families in Oklahoma waiting for the help they need.
For a transcript, click here.
What is the primary issue discussed in this story regarding long-term care for people with disabilities?
Media literacy: Have students find their local news and look up what bills may have been signed into law regarding aid for those individuals with a disabiility.
Discuss as a class: Why are states like Oklahoma facing difficulties in providing Medicaid home and community-based services to individuals with disabilities?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.