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While Ohio shows an increase in the number of people served in the community, it still ranks among the bottom 10 states in community inclusion, according to a report issued by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). The report, "The Case for Inclusion 2009," ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia on how well they are providing community-based supports to Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities being served by Medicaid.
Although the report showed only a slight overall increase (two percent) in the number of people served in the community, several states had a larger percentage increase. Five states, including Ohio, had at least a five percent increase in people served in the community through a Home and Community Based waiver. However, Ohio still ranked 45th in the overall scoring of states. Ohio was also one of eight states that reported a large number of residents — more than 2,000 — living in large public or private institutions.
The report applied sub-rankings in four key areas: allocating resources, supporting individuals in home-like settings, family support, and supporting meaningful work. Ohio ranked just above the national average for supporting individuals in home-like settings (24th) and meaningful work (22th) but below average in allocating resources to those in the community (36th) and keeping families together through family support (30th).
Overall, Ohio dropped in its ranking from 44 in 2008 to 45 in 2009. Ohio was ranked 48th in 2007.
UCP issued the 4th annual report in August. Go to the UCP Web site to read the Ohio report and to review the complete Case for Inclusion 2009 report.
Article posted August 6, 2009