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del.icio.usFunds scant for disabled services
BY DION LEFLER
Eagle Topeka bureau
TOPEKA - It was a loud day at the state Capitol Tuesday as people with disabilities and their supporters tried to shout their way to additional funding.
Faced with a possible freeze on funding for services that keep the disabled out of nursing homes, about 60 to 70 people lined hallways into the House and Senate for a noisy protest.
The group alternated between chants such as "Kansas is watching, shame on you!" and "What do we want? Funding! When do we want it? Now!"
The issue that sparked their frustration and passion was the chance they would get no new funding to reduce waiting lists for disability services.
In addition, people with disabilities were facing a potential $375,000 loss in the Assistive Technology for Kansans program.
ATK provides medical and occupational equipment to people with disabilities. It also maintains an exchange system for used equipment.
Kirk Ford, a 50-year-old resident of Pittsburg who is blind, said he would be unable to work without help from the assistive technology program.
He said ATK provided him with an electronic Braille display that allows him to read a computer screen by touch.
ATK also arranged for him to get training without having to go to Topeka for it.
"I was able to stay home and continue to work, which was better for everyone involved," he said.
As budget negotiations between House and Senate leaders continued through the day, it appeared increasingly likely most of their requests would hit the cutting-room floor.
Late Tuesday, House and Senate negotiators appeared to have settled on $5.6 million in extra funding for disability services.
That was $5.6 million more than the Senate's opening offer. But it was about a third of the $15.1 million the House had approved.
"We need to put aside personalities and parties and do what's right for the people," said Rep. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita, told some of the protesters.
