Options provides safe environment

Ethical and legal rights are violated when government eliminates funding programs for adults with disabilities.

Options of Linn County is confronted with restructuring and potential closure due to legislative and financial issues.

Options provides a safe and intellectually stimulating environment supporting people who would be at risk of injury if forced to be fully integrated into the community.

Many programs for people with disabilities lack professionally trained staff to meet the intense medical needs that Options' staff fulfill.

I believe that, like every citizen, people with disabilities should have the right to choose their service providers. People receiving Options' services are at risk of losing their rights to self-determination, the pursuit of happiness and enhanced quality of life.

It is my privilege to be employed for more than 27 years with Linn County working with adults with disabilities.

Options had the best of times when government funded supported employment choices for people with disabilities. At our peak, Options had 20 supported worksites for more than 100 people. The worksites ended when told that our costs were too high despite staff support. Many employers gave our consumers respect and opportunities to earn a good paycheck. Options isn't allowed to have retail stores to provide extra revenue funding work programs.

Please contact your legislators to express your opinions about keeping the right to choose Options' services available for our most vulnerable citizens.

Rachel Pettit

Atkins