OMAHA, Neb. — A fear that has been growing among families of developmentally disabled individuals became a reality for one Omaha family this summer, after a funding tier change left their son without the level of supervision his parents say he needs.
Peggy and Peter Stone take their 15-year-old son Paul to a day service provider several days a week during the summer. This year, the Stones say Paul had a day where he did not receive all of his medication or sunscreen, and staff did not ensure he ate his lunch. His parents say the blame does not rest solely on the provider; it also falls on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for placing Paul in a funding tier that does not cover the 1-on-1 supervision they say he requires.
“He’s nonverbal, so he requires one-on-one attention just to pick up on his cues. He will put non-edible objects into his mouth, which is an increased risk of choking. He also elopes. So, especially under stress, he will run away from his caretaker. Paul has self-injurious behavior. He has caused multiple hematomas,” said Peggy Stone, Paul’s mother…