Disabled Minnesotans continue to struggle with long wait times for essential disability services. This is the third time this month I’ve written about issues facing disabled people, and yet, the problems persist. I felt frustrated after reading another article in the Star Tribune. I was frustrated enough to once again lend my voice to this conversation.
I’m fortunate that I rarely face issues accessing the services I need to live a successful life. But hearing about the struggles others endure just to receive basic support is deeply upsetting. No one should have to fight this hard for the help they desperately need.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies, workforce shortages, and inadequate funding continue to create unnecessary delays. Many disabled individuals remain stuck in limbo, unable to access services they’ve already been approved for. These delays aren’t just numbers on a report—they are real people, facing real consequences.
Real People, Real Consequences
Pamela Thomas, a Hutchinson, Minnesota, resident, has been waiting months for care. She qualifies for a waiver that covers personal care assistance. However, she remains without support due to workforce shortages and bureaucratic hurdles.
The Star Tribune recently covered Thomas’ story. They reported that she remains on a waiting list. There is no clear timeline for when she will receive the care she needs. Minnesota’s Medicaid system has left thousands in similar situations. It forces people into an exhausting battle to get services they have already qualified for.
Families across Minnesota are facing similar challenges as they wait for essential services. Many disabled individuals have had to reduce their work hours. Parents of disabled children have also needed to cut back on work. Some have even left their jobs entirely to provide necessary care. Others cannot work at all. They lack the critical supports needed to maintain employment. They are often waiting on county funding that has yet to arrive. Some rely on family and friends for assistance. Many others face increasing financial strain. They continue to wait for the services they desperately need.
Addressing the Crisis: Key Reforms Needed
- Streamline the Waiver System: Cutting administrative delays by simplifying paperwork and hiring more staff will speed up approvals.
- Increase Workforce Support: Providing better pay and benefits for caregivers will reduce staffing shortages.
- Ensure Long-Term Stability: Disability services need stable funding rather than last-minute budget decisions.
Success Stories in Advocacy
Advocacy works. In 2024, disability rights advocates in Kansas praised a budget provision. It was aimed at shortening wait times for disabled Kansans in need of services. This legislative effort was viewed positively.
It represents a step towards addressing the backlog. It also ensures timely support for those in need. By organizing rallies, meeting with legislators, and sharing personal stories, they created real change. A similar movement in Minnesota could lead to the reforms we need.
How You Can Help
Advocacy plays a crucial role in fixing delayed disability services. Here’s how you can help:
- Contact Your Legislators: Call or email your state representatives and demand action on disability service delays. Find your representative here.
- Share Your Story: If you or a loved one has experienced delays, share your experience on social media.
- Sign Petitions: Support initiatives pushing for policy changes. Consider signing petitions advocating for streamlined services.
- Join a Local Advocacy Group: Organizations like the National Disability Rights Network are leading efforts to fix service delays.
More on the Challenges Disabled People Face
- How Policy Changes Could Impact Disability Support Services
- The Cost of Love: SSI, Marriage, and Disabled Individuals
Sources
- Mipro, R. (2024, May 3). ‘Incredibly positive’: Disability advocates commend Kansas Republicans’ effort on waitlists. Kansas Reflector.
- Walsh, J. (2025, February 23). Hutchinson woman’s struggle to navigate Minnesota’s Medicaid system highlights long wait for aid. Star Tribune.
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