Manuals

On January 1, 2009, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 2008 went into effect, making some major changes to the way the definition of disability has been interpreted in the past. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has released this document to outline these changes clearly and thoroughly. This includes the modified definition of disability, the definition of reasonable accommodation, a listing of publications to help employers understand reasonable accommodation and practical tips.

The Alzheimer's Association, through its Campaign for Quality Care, recently released Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Professionals Working in a Home Setting. This report is Phase 4 of the Campaign and it covers the topics covered in Phases 1-3. The evidence-based recommendations in Phases 1-3 covered good dementia care, food and fluid consumption, pain management, social engagement, wandering, falls, physical restraints, and end-of-life-care practices and issues.

Looking for ways to help consumers start planning their futures? Review this self-guided program. The Arizona ADRC has completed and implemented an online Options Counselor module, as part of the state's main ADRC web site. The Options Counselor content was crafted through the cooperation of a multi-organization committee. The site function and design was developed and implemented by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Risk management embraces all the decisions we make and activities we undertake with the intent of improving our health and safety and the environment. This document consists of excerpts from the 2007 Michigan Department of Community Health Contract Requirements for Care Management Performance Criteria and Waiver Program Operating Standards. Review this protocol as an example.

Review guides that help people be prepared for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. There are separate guides for service providers, case managers, and people with disabilities. Each of the guides covers the steps of: 1) Being prepared for emergencies; 2) Responding at the time of an emergency, and; 3) Recovering after an emergency.

A new first-of-its-kind e-manual has been published about improving practices and informing policies in assisted living communities through the use of a collaborative method of research – community-based participatory research (CBPR). The manual serves as a “how-to” resource for researchers, practitioners, advocates, policy makers, and community members and explains the principles and methods of community-based participatory research with actual examples from the medication management research.

STEPS teaches employer skills to people who receive in-home services through eligible programs in Oregon. Training modules go over the preparation for and completion of the hiring process. One covers communications skills and safety considerations. There are also examples of eligibility requirements, marketing materials, and referral forms.

Meant for individuals with disabilities and entities that have obligations under disabilities law, the handbook provides basic information about disability rights and resources for finding out more. The book is in a Q and A format while the website is organized by topic. Employment, services and programs, public accommodations, housing, education, transportation, and technology and communications are all discussed.

CA’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) aims to keep people in their homes by paying for personal care services approved by social workers. SB 1104 was introduced in 2004 to ensure and measure delivery of services and program integrity. The report examines whether the elements of the bill were enacted. It also describes alternative models for in-home service delivery, including the Cash & Counseling model and one wherein private companies provide IHSS. Sample timecards and handbooks are given.

The NQE provides free technical assistance on quality to states operating Medicaid HCBS programs. States can use the site to request technical assistance, pose questions to staff, engage online with other HCBS staff, and learn about upcoming events and NQE publications.