Family and Friends, Ben recently turned 21 one years old and is now considered an adult by the state of Nebraska. Since becoming an adult, Ben was re-evaluated to establish the level of funding he will need for his care moving forward. The State has determined that Ben needs about half of the funding that is currently provided for his care. This determination is inaccurate. The State uses a “level” platform to determine funding for individuals with disabilities. According to the State, Ben has moved up 2 levels since first entering the system as a teenager. From the information we have gathered about the level they are placing him under, individuals at this level should possess basic survival skills. For example, individuals at this level can cook themselves a meal and get a drink if they are thirsty. Individuals at this level can also communicate verbally and have alone time in the community.

Based on the level of support Ben requires, we are fighting this decision through the appeals process. We reached out to several resources including Integrated Life Choices, the company that supports Ben, Disability Rights Nebraska and a number of personal contacts in our field and all have suggested we get a lawyer to fight the appeal. The funding that is set for Ben’s care is what he will receive for the rest of his life. Whether Ben lives in our extended family home or somewhere else it is important that we fight to maintain his quality of life. We are fighting for Ben, to ensure that he continues to live a happy and fulfilled life.

Based on the recommendation from our contact at Disability Rights Nebraska, we have been in touch with a Disability Lawyer named Seamus Kelly. Seamus Kelly specializes in cases such as this and also has 2 children of his own with disabilities. He is well educated in this field both personally and professionally. Seamus has informed us that this case will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $2,500 as he charges an hourly rate. We cannot afford to pay this amount for Ben’s representation and need the help of his family and close friends. We have set up a GoFundMe account for Ben and any donation of any amount will truly be appreciated. Ben has many loved ones and we strongly feel that coming up with $2,500 is an achievable goal.

With that being said, we do not want this GoFundMe for Ben to be posted on any social media sites. Not only does this email contain some personal information about Ben, we feel that this is a matter for family and close friends and would prefer to keep it between all of us. So, instead of posting this on Facebook, Twitter etc., please forward this email to Ben’s loved ones or anyone else that you feel might be interested in helping ensure that Ben will have proper representation at his appeal.

Thank you very much for your time and help with this. Please keep Ben in your thoughts and prayers as he moves forward with this process.
                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                         Sincerely, 
                                                                                                                                         Klaye and Sam Rowe on behalf of Ben Hauptman