Toolkit

FCA launched this online community promoting professional knowledge around families in their caregiving role. The site offers resources to help policymakers, professionals and family caregivers develop caregiver-friendly legislation or initiatives, implement caregiver support programs or services, and access information to enhance the delivery of quality care. Interactive site features include an online forum and user submissions.

With the issuance of revised Ticket regulations, State VR agencies and ENs have expanded options for meeting the employment and training needs of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities and new options for seeking financial compensation from SSA. This Toolkit provides information and tools that will help agencies successfully implement the Ticket program and take advantage of new options. It also provides examples to the new regulations and changes to VR Provider Handbook.

The purpose of this toolkit (consisting of a DVD and guidebook) is to illustrate the importance of the perspectives that youth and young adults bring and to provide information and tools that help to effectively include them in addressing the challenges of transitioning to adulthood and increased independence. The DVD provides human stories regarding key components of living independently in the community. The Guidebook provides discussion questions by topic for each of the target audiences.

The Demonstration aims to provide 75 to 100 low-income residents with rental assistance for up to 3 years as they wait for permanent housing assistance. A process map showing how a subsidy is provided, marketing materials, sample contracts, and several worksheets for gathering unit and participant information and determining assistance eligibility and amount are given here.

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.

Use the resources on this site for evaluating and making housing policies and strategies. It contains examples of proven solutions, easily accessible information on state and local policy tools, and guidance on how to put them together to form a comprehensive, effective housing strategy. The site is run by the Center for Housing Policy.

The Handbook was developed to provide state staff, policymakers, service providers, program participants, and other stakeholders with a comprehensive source of information about participant direction programs and policies. Its primary purpose is to explain how States can increase program participants’ choice of and control over their services and supports. In addition to providing detailed information, the Handbook also provides links to additional web resources on the selected topics.

Help family caregivers better manage transitions in care with these guides. Available in English and Spanish, they help determine what issues to consider, how to seek assistance, how to manage medications, and how to better communicate with physicians and other health care professionals. The site, developed by United Hospital Fund, has resources for professionals as well.

AARP offers a list of resources to help plan for long-term care. Especially helpful is the “Staying in Your Home” section. Here you can find tools on preparing homes for aging in place, locating quality home and community-based services, and hiring home care workers.

Tips on how to develop successful relationships with independent providers are offered here for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The tool box provides advice around establishing relationships and expectations, recruiting and hiring workers, and problem solving.