MOHR survey: thousands without vital services

A questionnaire sent to about 100 MOHR members resulted in 67 responses and paints a more accurate picture of the staffing crisis and its negative impact on Minnesotans with disabilities.

More than 3,500 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are on waiting lists because contracted service providers cannot find staff, reports MOHR President Julie Johnson.

“They simply cannot say when or if they will have the staff to support these very basic desires of Minnesotans with disabilities to access employment and day activity supports,” said Johnson in a letter to Governor Tim Walz and DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead.

Providers are relaying this information over and over again to individuals and family members who call daily to see if services are available. “This has a devastating impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

Johnson and other MOHR leaders have been in conversations with DHS for months pushing for solutions to the staffing crisis. While they are grateful for funding increases recently announced for residential staff, the group asserts that there is more work to be done.