Grantee produced

WV Real Choice worked in collaboration with other agencies and organizations to create improvements in long term support systems so persons with disabilities and/or long term illnesses can make their own choices and have the necessary supports to live and work in their communities. The grant worked on many housing activities. Their products include a housing guide, information briefs, brochures, press release and PSA created by the program to explain and address housing needs.

WV Real Choice worked in collaboration with other agencies and organizations to create improvements in long term support systems so persons with disabilities and/or long term illnesses can make their own choices and have the necessary supports to live and work in their communities. One way the grant accomplished systems change at a grassroots level is by funding innovative community-based model projects. Review program materials including the RFP flyer and a project process questionnaire.

Transition can be defined as a continuing process toward independent adulthood. This paper illustrates the time line and products developed to foster improvements in the transition process for students with disabilities as partial fulfillment for the WV Real Choice Systems Change grant. In February 2005, an initial summit was held on youth transition to accurately assess the stance of educators, other professionals and parents. The results of this and future meetings can be found in this report.

This grant provided people with knowledge and resources concerning their rights and choices and educated key agencies throughout the state. This report provides an overview of grant activities include the Real Choice Speaker’s Bureau, training sessions and conferences. Trainings were conducted at over 40 Department of Health and Human Resource offices and 20 for the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Three conferences (Transitions, PATHS and People First) were also conducted.

The Real Choice Systems Change grant created a turn-key curriculum to promote inclusive community support for West Virginians of all ages and all disability types. Accessible curriculum addressing advocacy, community living, self-determination and transition was developed for the public, health care and social service providers, administrators and policymakers. A writing retreat was held to create the document and the outcomes and curriculum index were made available in electronic format.

The Oregon Dept. of Human Services, Division of Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD) contracted with Human Service Research Institute to develop a consumer survey exploring the satisfaction of people served by SPD in-home Waiver programs (seniors, people with physical and developmental disabilities). The project team worked collaboratively with SPD staff and Stakeholder Group to develop a survey instrument and process that adequately addresses the interests and concerns of all involved.

As part of their 2004 Real Choice Systems Change Grant: Integrating Long-Term Supports with Affordable Housing, North Carolina developed this application for their one-time $1,000 awards. Grants can assist with security deposits, moving expenses, set up fees or health and safety assurances.

The West Virginia Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver Program developed a number of provider audit tools. Monitoring Tools include: Site, Homemaker, Case Management, Personnel Files and Quality Assurance.

West Virginia has chosen to modify the PES E/D to capture both the experiences of participants in the Personal Options waiver (who are able to self-direct a portion of their services), as well as those in the traditional waiver program. WV added an additional domain for Personal Options participants that addresses the adequacy of support staff, resource consultants and financial management services. The survey and training manual are attached.

Minnesota has shared two of their protocol surveys created as a follow-up to a more extensive, detailed gap analysis completed statewide in 2001. This update has been completed in 2003 and 2005, and will continue to be part of HCBS capacity assessment and HCBS capacity building. The analysis looked at the availability and demand of specific services, including long-term care supports, senior housing and long-term care beds. The 2001 Bulletin is also included for historical information.