ILRU

This first brief, which is part 1 of a 3 part series, aims to provide information to state policymakers on the two prominent models of peer support services (COSPs and peer providers). The brief discusses each model, provides examples of programs for each model, and offers a discussion of how policymakers might assess which model is right for their jurisdiction. In addition the document sets forth key questions for policymakers who are interested in developing and supporting these models.

This guide is a supplement to ABCs of Nursing Home Transition: An Orientation Manual for New Transition Facilitators. The two guides are meant to be used together. This second guide, gives greater detail on one of the most challenging aspects to the transition process—locating and securing housing that meets the individual’s needs and preferences so that the transition can be completed. The Appendix offers tools for housing specialist and consumers including checklists and how-to fact sheets.

This guide offers a quick reference on housing resources that can be used to create integrated, affordable, and accessible housing and basic information on how to use these resources. Including community strategies that increase the amount of integrated, affordable, and accessible housing units that usually fall into three general categories: development of housing units; access to existing housing units; and asset development.

The guide is based on the lived experiences of consumers who participated in uncharted waters with States during the Real Choice Systems Change initiative. It was written to demonstrate that partnerships can and do work effectively.

For over a decade, Pennsylvania's Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has been developing products and supports that address the needs of people with disabilities of all ages. Listen as they discuss rental housing initiatives, developments in tenant-based rental assistance, and home ownership. Representatives discussed cutting edge approaches and unique responses to the challenges of working to build inclusive communities, while steadily improving the state level partnerships and leveraging resources.

This study guide is a companion piece to the DVD, IL History and Philosophy: Orientation for IL Staff. The intent is to enable those involved in systems change and home- and community-based services to reflect the lessons learned from the IL History and Philosophy DVD, and to apply these principles to their own work.

This paper presents the perspective that options counseling is a pivotal function of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) and its essential elements are counseling and decision support. The diverse array of definitions currently in use runs the risk of diminishing the importance of options counseling, which is a key function of a comprehensive long-term care system.

This report describes examples of more narrowly focused state legislation that is setting the policy and infrastructure for consumer direction, expanding the direct care workforce, and supporting persons who return to the community after living in institutions. The Appendix includes the specific legislative language of selected bills covered in the report.

ILRU hosted a webcast where Bob Kafka, from ADAPT of Texas and Gwen Gillenwater from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) offered ideas about how policy planners, agencies, states and advocates can promote Money Follows the Person. There are a number of elements to consider including systemic issues, service coordination, housing, mental health, consumer involvement, quality and accountability. Listen to the presentation, review the transcript or read the handouts.

This self-study guide is offered as an orientation manual for new transition facilitators. Materials were developed with input from Centers for Independent Living and a variety of other organizations. A facilitator is somebody who aids or assists in the transition process. The manual helps new facilitators understand and apply the principles plus resources found useful by successful transition facilitators.