Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

This report discusses the options for expanding home and community based services in the state of Maryland as required by Bill 594. Should Maryland elect to expand access to Medicaid home- and community-based services(HCBS), it has several possible approaches. This report discusses these options for Maryland in detail; ideas other states designing similar programs might find useful.

Disclosing a disability during a job search may be a major cause of anxiety or concern for people with disabilities and their supporters. Guidance is offered here for questions regarding whether, why, and how a disability should be disclosed to a potential employer in such a way that an applicant’s strengths are emphasized.

This report summarizes available research to date regarding the effectiveness of peer support and presents State examples of peer support within three different Medicaid authorities (State Plan, 1915(b), and 1915(c)). State Medicaid Agencies and their partner mental health agencies can find guidance here for efforts to incorporate peer support into Medicaid programs.

What significance does employment hold for women with disabilities? What is known and unknown about these women? This issue of “Impact” answers these questions with articles by women with disabilities and researchers. Issues covered include self-employment, mentoring, transition planning, disparities across ethnic groups, and career development. Several women with disabilities who are successful artists, scientists, educators and entrepreneurs are profiled.

Life is complicated; systems supporting people with developmental disabilities are even more complex. This guidebook is intended to help understand the many systems that may be encountered as a self advocate or someone involved in the life of an individual with a developmental disability. Like a car manual; some of this information may never be needed but if something happens the information is available. Other state programs can use this guidebook as a template to create a similar manual.

How do you explain the long-term system and benefits available in your state to consumers? Use these resources from Arizona as examples of how to communicate to people with developmental disabilities their choices, rights, and responsibilities. Also covered are eligibility requirements, application instructions, and contact information of local offices.

Tips on how to develop successful relationships with independent providers are offered here for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The tool box provides advice around establishing relationships and expectations, recruiting and hiring workers, and problem solving.

This presentation on Medicaid Infrastructure Grants (MIG) presents information regarding what ADRCs need to know about work incentive programs for individuals with disabilities. The presentation was part of the ADRC TA program and was delivered in November 2008. Additionally, a link is included to an informational website for the Ticket to Work Incentives Improvement Act.

The U.S. Department of Labor has joined with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to launch a Web-based directory to help wounded warriors identify resources available to assist them in transitioning back to civilian life. The National Resource Directory encompasses more than 10,000 services and resources, including information on benefits and compensation, education, training and employment, family ad caregiver support, health, housing and transportation, service and resources.

In Empowering Arizona’s Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (EAzI), consumers actively contribute to quality improvement as interviewers, interviewees, and focus group participants. Four focus groups were used to learn what criteria consumers use to judge the quality of HCBS. Aside from the report, there is also a flyer and website used in recruiting EAzI participants. The website has a way to get information in Spanish and an online application.