History Repeats Itself When We Stop Paying Attention
Medicaid isn’t just a government program—it’s a lifeline. Even while decisions are being made at the federal level to cut funding, the people supported by Community Vision continue to depend on Medicaid daily. It funds healthcare as well as home and community-based services for people with disabilities. Sometimes in the political debates, the real impact of the critical services funded by Medicaid is lost.
However, it is not lost on Laddie.
Laddie lived through the old model of institutions. He recently presented his powerful story that can be viewed below.
His final paragraph is worth repeating:
“Now I’m free of that place. I’m happily in my own home. I’m happy I’ve been able to advocate for people. The scary part ended, but I bring it up to you as a warning. We are looking at cuts to our support systems by a political movement aiming to reduce government spending. If we aren’t vigilant, if we don’t hold the people with power accountable, we could move backwards. Horror stories about places like Fairview Home will come back.”
As he reminds us, history has a way of repeating itself when we stop paying attention. Medicaid home and community-based services are the reason people like Laddie are no longer locked away in isolation, but living in freedom, dignity, and safety within their communities.
We cannot afford to go backward. We must continue to fight for the deeply held belief that every person deserves to live with dignity. Community Vision remains steadfast in our commitment to support people with disabilities to have full lives, and we ask you to join us.
Together, we can keep our communities safe, supported, and forward-moving—for everyone.
Watch the video below to hear Laddie’s perspective.
