Physical Disabilities

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Division of Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD) contracted with HSRI to assist in improving the processes for assuring quality in SPD in-home waiver services. Drawing from HSRI's experience in quality assurance, SPD identified a number of states which have been particularly successful in conducting consumer surveys. At the same time, the project team explored in greater detail what was currently happening in Oregon around consumer surveys.

The Real Choice System Change project at the University of Connecticut’s Center for Disabilities administered a Community Inclusion Assessment to determine the level and quality of inclusion. The papers in this series are based on a sample of 250 individuals with disabilities. Briefing Paper #3 explores a gap between the level of involvement and feelings about involvement. Findings suggest that assuring the opportunity of participation is only one step in making communities more inclusive.

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for home and community services; workforce shortages; lack of affordable and accessible housing and transportation; and outdated or inflexible administrative, statutory, and regulatory provisions.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.

CMS was soliciting proposals to develop the infrastructure to support competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Funding is intended to facilitate enhancements to state Medicaid programs and services, to promote linkages between Medicaid and other employment-related service agencies, and to develop a comprehensive system of employment supports. The demonstration period runs Jan–Dec 2007. This prior solicitation acts as a resource for terms, conditions and guidance.

CMS solicited proposals for this demonstration, created by section 204 of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. It allows states to provide benefits, equivalent to those provided by Medicaid, to the categorically needy, to workers who have physical or mental impairments that, without medical assistance, will likely result in disability. The Demonstration period runs July 2006-June 2009. This prior solicitation acts as a resource for terms, conditions and guidance.

This report summarizes the research findings of a 2006 questionnaire disseminated to gather information about choice and access to continuum of care services. The survey gained information from consumers regarding services they are using, services needed, and barriers encountered. Data was gathered regarding how consumers learn about available services and suggestions to guide the development of a single point of entry (SPE) system, also called an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).

This report describes the hospital discharge planner (HDP) survey conducted in the beginning of 2006. The HDP questionnaires were disseminated to gather information about the awareness of choice and access to continuum of care services for the elderly and people with disabilities as well as to gather ideas about how to optimize choice and improve access to these services. Review the results and read about the barriers faced by discharge planners.

Interviews were conducted to identify current perceptions, patterns, themes, and suggestions for improving the choice and self-direction, quality and access to long term care supports. This research also identified ways to develop a mechanism to balance state resources for services, and to identify elements for the design and structure of a single point of entry mechanism. Groups included: consumers of HCBS, elderly and younger nursing home residents, family members of consumers, and providers.

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.