Links / Websites

Use these attached outreach materials to learn more about QSPAND, a network of quality service providers working to improve their abilities to provide client-centered services in the least restrictive environment possible. Members act as peer supporters as well as advocates for critical issues and policy changes through educating legislators and policymakers. Please access QSPAND's website, as well as newsletters and a brochure for more information.

How does North Dakota ensure that all individuals have access to a decent, safe, affordable, and accessible place to live? Navigate the attachments to learn more about their Housing Alliance program, a statewide organization of individuals and housing and client service professionals, working to identify and address unmet housing needs in the state. Attached is their website and other outreach materials.

Review this benefits planning calculator for individuals with disabilities who want to know what will happen to their income, benefits, and health coverage if they go to work as well as young people who want to find out how a job or staying in school can affect their cash benefits and health coverage. This may be a helpful template for states hoping to provide similar services for consumers.

How is Massachusetts educating young people with disabilities and their families on employment and disability benefits? Work Without Limits created "Going To Work," a booklet designed to educate this population on issues involving employment, Social Security disability, and health benefit programs. Individuals, employers and providers can visit the Work Without Limits website to find additional resources and information.

How is Maine disseminating information related to the employment of workers with disabilities? This website is a portal page for job seekers and workers with disabilities, Maine employers, as well as organizations that provide services for workers with disabilities and job seekers with disabilities. Visit the site to find resources and consider ways you states might share more information electronically.

A vast majority of Americans age 50 and over would prefer to live independently in their own homes and communities as long as they can, rather than relinquish control over their lives in a nursing facility. In this brief video, AARP provides an overview of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program, i.e., how it works, what it covers and how it can be beneficial.

Looking for information and resources to help families plan for future long-term care? Explore this web site, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, geared toward helping individuals review their options before making decisions. It is primarily intended as a planning resource for individuals who don't yet require long-term care, but includes information on services and financing options that can be helpful to all.

A newly enhanced, person-centered call center that will serve as a link to information and services for older adults and caregivers across the United States has been introduced. Callers will speak with an Information Specialist who will help connect them to a local agency in their area for information and assistance. The service also features a newly re-designed website for boomers and older adults.

In June 2008, Tennessee passed legislation restructuring LTC service delivery, including the expansion of HCBS services by integrating LTC within a managed care environment and providing consumer direction options. In March 2010, the state implemented the CHOICES program, wherein persons enrolled in TennCare that needed LTC services would receive them through a managed care organization. Review a presentation given at the 2010 HCBS conference and the CHOICES website.

PSWH is a person-centered planning process that looks comprehensively at a person’s health life-style, focuses on a person’s strengths, interests and natural supports, stresses creating new health life-style habits and disciplines, and provides peer support delivered by peer specialists to promote self-directed whole health. Attached find a presentation given at the 2010 HCBS conference and an information sheet.