Envoy On-Line Archives
Resource Advocates:
Providing the
Information YOU Need!
by Andrea Amaya and Annaliza Torres
September 29, 2003
When people call WPAS
looking for information on how to solve a problem, it is a Resource Advocate who
is on the other end of the phone. Resource Advocates provide information and
referrals over the phone to people with disabilities. Armed with critical
information, the callers are often able to solve problems on their own.
Resource Advocates take hundreds of calls every month
from people with disabilities and their families. Below are some of the stories
that resulted from those calls.
Eastern State Hospital
WPAS has received complaints from patients at
Eastern State Hospital about how they were treated by staff. Some patients
sustained injuries when staff performed "take downs" – a procedure where staff
physically control the patient. Several patients sustained injuries during
“take-downs” and WPAS was concerned. Anytime a person is injured at the
hospital, staff is required to document the injury and file a report, and it
appeared that this was not being done. As a result of WPAS intervention,
Eastern State Hospital has taken pictures of injuries, ensured that medical
attention was received, and completed the necessary documentation.
Access to Justice
An individual called WPAS with a complaint
against an attorney who had represented him. A Resource Advocate suggested that
the individual might want to file a grievance with the Washington State Bar
Association. The individual contacted the Bar Association and was initially
told that they cannot assist with the grievance. The Resource Advocate
contacted the Bar Association and informed them that the individual needed
reasonable accommodations in accessing their program due to his disabilities.
Following this phone call, the Bar Association provided accommodations that were
satisfactory to the caller.
COPES Services Reduced
An individual who receives
services from the state called WPAS when she was told that her services were
being reduced. The state had sent her a notice that here COPES services were
being cut, and she didn’t know what she could do. to obtain information and
referrals in regards to a notice she had recently received about her COPES being
cut. A Resource Advocate suggested that she appeal the Department of Social
and Health Services’ (DSHS) decision immediately. The Resource Advocate mailed
the caller detailed publications that pertain to the COPES program, Fair
Hearings, and the DSHS appeal process. The Resource Advocate also referred
client to appropriate legal assistance agencies in the event that she needs
legal representation.
No Job, No House, No money
WPAS received a call from a
person that had been fired by her employer after disclosing that she had a
disability. She requested information and referrals for herself as a person
with no current income. The Resource Advocate discussed financial assistance
options with the caller over the phone, and then sent her public housing contact
information for her area as well as detailed instructions on obtaining
subsidized housing. The Resource Advocate also sent her SSI/SSDI information
and referred her to the Social Security Advocacy Project. Additionally, the
caller was referred to local Community Services Office (DSHS) and various
utility and rental assistance options in her area. The Resource Advocate also
suggested that client think about whether or not her employer had discriminated
against her. Advocate provided caller with referrals to appropriate legal and
civil rights entities in the event that she believes that she was wrongfully
fired.
In debt
An individual called WPAS
because she had taken out a loan that she could not repay. The caller informed
had a limited income and received SSDI. The Resource Advocate suggested she
call the loan company to ask for all paperwork and documentation regarding her
case. The Resource Advocate also suggested that caller contact the Social
Security Administration to get information about her rights pertaining to SSDI
garnishment. Finally, advocate referred client to appropriate legal agencies in
case she later needed legal assistance and/or representation.
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