Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

One of two mini-projects aimed at engaging Medicaid-eligible consumers in an experiment with options of self-direction, the purpose of Community Access was to test creative methods that increase the opportunity of children and adults with disabilities to exercise self-determination. The project met the three objectives of supporting at least 12 individuals, develop a community advisor model to identify core competencies, and to identify barriers to full responses for requested services.

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.

This unique and innovative handbook is a guide for educators, providers, support people and/or family members to use as they work closely with youth and adults with significant disabilities, mentoring them as they develop and practice self-advocacy skills that will promote the highest level of independence and success in life activities.

This trainings series was developed in the Fall of 2006 by DATA of Rhode Island. The goals are to provide a foundation of behavioral health care knowledge and skills for human service workers who work with adults with a range of disabilities, with an ultimate goal of human service workers helping to affect better outcomes for the persons they serve. Each of the 14 training seminar ranges in duration from 3-6 hours. Review each training curriculum module which contains the outline and slides.

This final evaluation report reviews the Maine ADRC project which began with three sites designed to demonstrate the \"no wrong door\" concept. Part I of this report describes the experience of, and recommendations from, the DASH Network in Bangor. Part II of the report focuses on the experience of the 3 local coalitions and their member organizations and highlights coalitions' community development activities and recommendations for future development.

ADRCs have used a number of strategies to streamline access to long-term services and supports. One key strategy, used by many ADRCs, is to provide online applications for Medicaid or screening tools to assess eligibility for benefits. This issue brief provides details about ADRC grant efforts related to online applications. The report details both advantages and challenges plus provides a case example for South Carolina.

Whether by establishing strong referral protocols with local or state veterans agencies or by serving veterans directly, ADRC staff should be trained to assist veterans who come to ADRCs for information, assistance, or referral. This Issue Brief includes an overview of veterans, the services and benefits offered by the VA, examples of productive collaborations between veterans agencies and ADRCs, and resources for ADRCs.

The Michigan Nursing Facility Transitions Initiative (NFTI) produced both a brochure and video to offer first hand accounts of their program. Meet a few of the people who the program has helped transition. View consumer stories as well as testimonials from their support specialist.

The manual is subtitled the Long-Term Care Options Counseling Tool Kit: A Professional’s Guide. It describe the four parts of Medicare Part A, B, C and D; describes who is eligible for Medicare Coverage; explains the roles of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration and private companies as they relate to Medicare; and explains the concepts of deductibles, coinsurance and premiums.

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.