Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

This press release, dated May 2008, summarizes a collection of data related to American’s living with disabilities. This information is released each year in advance of the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Use this guide as quick reference to data and statistics.

Charts and data illustrate health-related differences between disabled and non-disabled noninstitutionalized adults in this report. Data are from the National Health Interview Survey. One section illustrates differences in access to care and health insurance coverage. Numbers on the prevalence of disabilities, demographics, and health behaviors and risks are also given.

This is a marketing plan developed by the Kansas ADRC to describe their program. They use the message, "Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Connection offers a starting point for access to person-centered information and assistance that supports independence." Review their ideas on how to reach partners. A sample of their logo is also attached.

This is a presentation hosted by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and their TA providers, BETAH Associates, which includes a discussion of emergency preparedness, with a focus on individuals with disabilities. The presentation was given by Patricia A. Morrissey, Commissioner of the federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The last few slides contain a list of additional resources.

Presentations from NASHP’s 21st annual state health policy conference are now available. The conference is planned by state health policymakers for state agencies' staff, legislators, and legislative staff. Review the presentations to learn how others are improving and innovating healthcare through state-level policy.

Watch employers attest to how their business’ needs are met by skills that workers with developmental disabilities have brought to the workplace. The five firms included in the video found that those skills are crucial as they convert to computerized record systems in order to increase efficiency and drive down record keeping costs.

In an effort to address integration across CMS Home and Community-based Services Programs, CMS worked with its National Quality Contractor to develop an this matrix. The Grid highlights specific quality requirements across HCBS program authorities that include program standards, measures, accountability, and sources of financing for quality activities. The tool is expected to be a helpful resource for planning purposes and for providing technical assistance to states and researchers.

The GAO conducted a study in which they examined the extent to which states (1) include, as a critical incident, deaths among individuals with developmental disabilities in waiver programs; (2) have basic components in place to review such deaths; and (3) have adopted additional components to review deaths. The report outlines six basic mortality review components. Review the two key recommendations offered to CMS.

This letter is another in a series of CMS communications that support state efforts to improve the quality of services and supports provided through the Medicaid Home and Community-based Services waiver program. This communication announces three new items designed to assist states in enhancing oversight and operations: GAO Mortality Study in Developmental Disabilities, HCBS Quality Requirements Grid: A Technical Assistance Tool and the National HCBS Quality Enterprise award to Thomson Reuters.

This document includes the “Arizona Links” common intake form as well as the instructions for completing the form. This common intake is intended be filed on behalf of a consumer, who is a resident or intends to become a resident of Arizona, and who is seeking or requiring direct services in the state.