Lincoln, Neb. – On Wednesday, families of adults with disabilities converged on the Nebraska State Capitol to protest the state’s recently adopted interRAI assessment system. The group, representing parents from across the state, argued that the new tool could lower care levels for their loved ones without any change in the individuals’ needs.
Personal stories highlight concerns
Lehn Straub, a Lincoln father, spoke about his 45‑year‑old son, Doug, who has required one‑on‑one assistance for decades. Under the new assessment, Doug’s classification dropped from “high” to “intermediate.” Straub warned that the change could shift Doug from a dedicated caregiver to sharing one caregiver among four or five people, despite no change in his condition.
Vicki Stopak shared a similar experience with her 38‑year‑old son, Chad, who needs round‑the‑clock care. “My life revolves around this boy,” Stopak said. She recounted being told that a 24‑hour care recipient should be placed in an institution, a suggestion she rejected, stating that Chad would not survive such a move.
State response and next steps
In response to the outcry, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced an independent review of the interRAI system. Officials estimate the review will take about four months and will examine how the assessment impacts funding tiers and service delivery.
Advocates emphasized that while the review proceeds, families cannot afford further reductions in care. They plan to continue lobbying legislators and agency officials until the assessment accurately reflects the needs of disabled Nebraskans.
Broader implications
The interRAI tool is part of a national effort to standardize disability assessments, but critics argue that a one‑size‑fits‑all approach can overlook individual circumstances. Nebraska’s families fear that the system could set a precedent for other states, potentially reshaping how disability services are funded and delivered nationwide.
Stakeholders, including disability‑rights organizations and health‑care providers, are watching the review closely. Their input could influence future policy adjustments and ensure that care levels remain tied to actual need rather than solely to assessment scores.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
