ARRM staff Bruce Nelson, Barb Turner, and Barb Brynstad sat down with Minnesota Public Radio reporter Madeleine Baran Wednesday, May 30 to offer the private provider perspective on an upcoming MPR story about group homes.
We learned that at this point, the story is still in its very beginning stages with no angle or focus. Baran is gathering information from a variety of sources to see where it will lead her. So far, she’s talked to ARRM, DHS, mental health providers, and family members of people with disabilities. With over 100 responses to MPR’s May 11 Public Insight Network query, Baran has received loads of insights about group homes -- both pro and con.
During our 90 minute conversation with Baran, we discussed the following topics:
- The history of disability services in Minnesota;
- The range of needs adult foster care fills;
- ARRM’s response to an unsustainable model and our Blueprint for Reform wins from the legislative session;
- Why ARRM’s approach is better than de-licensing, cuts, and a moratorium.
We also touched on licensing issues, monitoring technology, and ARRM’s vision for the future: providing services based on outcomes and quality rather than compliance. We emphasized that by offering people a range of choices rather than a “one size fits all” model, individuals can live up to their full potential.
Baran will let us know when she’s getting ready to publish a story, and we’ll pass that information on to you. Meanwhile, if you have any questions about the piece or media relations in general, please contact Barb Brynstad at bbrynstad@arrm.org or 651-291-1086, ext. 4.
-- Barb Brynstad, Communications Director