CPASS

This policy development paper was written as part of the C-PASS demonstration project. The paper offers an overview and definition of self-determination plus three overall recommendations that are critical to making self-direction a reality. The challenge of moving self-direction from a relatively small scale to the foundation upon which all services to people with disabilities and older persons are built remains but the MASS-CPASS initiative, along with others, will help create that path.

These position papers completed by a work group result from the Real Choice Consumer Work Group's determination to improve the lives of people with disabilities in West Virginia and to contribute to their own recommendations and strategies on major issues. This compilation of papers address: Waiting Lists; Strengthening Personal Assistance Programs in West Virginia; and Expanding the Horizons of Employement Options for West Virginians with Disabilities.

The National Health Policy Forum Issue Brief provides information about Systems Change grants and the kinds of activities state Medicaid agencies have undertaken to transform their institutionally based systems. This brief raises critical policy questions related to public spending for long-term care in different settings that might be considered in tandem with future grant funding decisions.

The Colorado Dept. of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) developed a program that enables people with disabilities to manage their own attendant services. In the CDAS, people hire, train, supervise and fire their own attendants. They set their own attendant schedules and to a degree they determine what services the attendants provide. HCPF is not accepting applications for the CDAS at this time however, the forms provide an overview of the program and serve as templates for similar programs.

The information included in this booklet is a starting point in educating and informing caregivers of children with disabilities about their rights and creating early expectations and models for self-determination. Also listed are a number of non-profit, cross-disability organizations offering emotional support and a wealth of information on how to get the services you need for your child in Arkansas. This user-friendly guide also includes a dictionary plus a glossary called Alphabet Soup.

This report provides an overview of 35 states’ initiatives to improve their LTC systems and includes lessons learned and recommendations that can guide states undertaking similar initiatives. Despite accomplishments and improvements, Grantees described continuing barriers including insufficient funding for home and community services; workforce shortages; lack of affordable and accessible housing and transportation; and outdated or inflexible administrative, statutory, and regulatory provisions.

This manual talks about the steps that need to be taken in order to hire and manage a personal care attendant. Topics that are discussed in the manual include knowing what you need and want, the hiring process, tax considerations, what being an employer involves, stress management, communication skills, plus additional resources.

Completed over an 18 month period in 2004-2005, this project was conceived of as an activity that met the objectives of the Maine Real Choice Systems Change grant and the mission of the Maine Personal Assistance Services Association to build recognition and opportunity for the direct care, direct support, and personal assistance workforce through education, public awareness and professional development. Each story evolves out of a series of in-depth interviews and is told in the worker’s voice.

The Compendium contains basic information about each of the Real Choice Systems Change Grant awards in FY03–FY04 plus the Family to Family and Systems Transformation Grantees awarded in FY05 and FY06. The Compendium will help Grantees identify others with similar goals and activities. Learn more about how the grants will be used to allow more people of all ages with a disability or long term illness to live and participate in their communities. The sixth edition replaces all previous editions.

This is a planning document developed by the Ozaukee County Aging Services Department that helps individuals gather thoughts and discuss them with their family by asking, What Do You Want? This document, subtitled “Your Personal Guide for Planning a Happy Healthy & Independent Long Life” helps individuals take an inventory of the values and preferences. The guide recommends recording what you want and reviewing the list periodically with those closest so they can carry out the plans.