Families fear loss of disability services as Nebraska moves to cut League of Human Dignity

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Families caring for disabled relatives say they are terrified and confused about changes coming to Nebraska’s disability services as the state moves to eliminate the League of Human Dignity.

The League of Human Dignity, which has operated for 26 years as the main service provider for families with disabilities, would lose its role under the current state budget plan.

Starting April 1, all service coordination for Aged and Disabled Waiver families will be handled by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Tricia Gushard has been caring for her son Elijah for 25 years. Elijah had his first surgery while still in his mother’s womb and has had more surgeries than birthdays, Gushard said.

“What they are trying to do is take the funding away from the people who are the most vulnerable population,” Gushard said.

The family received a letter from DHHS stating that Elijah’s care outside the home will no longer come from the League of Human Dignity starting April 1.

Families question state’s ability to provide services

Many families say they do not trust the move to transfer services to DHHS.

“If you’ve ever needed to contact the DHHS for something, you would understand the frustration,” Gushard said. “With the League of Human Dignity, I have a direct line to that person, I also have a cell phone that I can text.”

The decision leaves the future of Elijah’s care uncertain, particularly during medical emergencies.

“When he has to go into the hospital, they have to come see him there,” Gushard said. “Is the state going to be able to come see him within 24 hours of being admitted?”

Randi Ross, whose 20-year-old son Paul has uncontrolled seizures, shares similar concerns.

“I think that the governor and the people inside that network right now do not have the skillset to make that decision,” Ross said.

Both Paul and Elijah require nurse-level care.

“To train somebody else to do this care, that is not where we should leave these people,” Ross said.

Tricia has a message for the state.

“You come take my place here for 24-hours and tell me this is a good idea,” Gushard said.

A statement from the DHHS

“DHHS has decided to bring Aged and Disabled Waiver service coordination in-house as part of our commitment to delivering efficient, high-quality services to Nebraskans.

The transition will be completed by April 1, 2026 and participants will continue receiving uninterrupted services. DHHS will hire experienced League of Human Dignity team members to ensure continuity of care.

This move is also expected to generate $7.4 million in total savings to taxpayers while maintaining top level services."