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Community Services supports individuals with MR/DD and their families in choosing services and service providers that will best meet the needs of each individual. Services begin with an eligibility determination. A person is linked with a Service Facilitator once it is determined that the child or adult is eligible for services. The Service Facilitator role is that of helping with planning, implementing individual goals, and monitoring resources and services.
A vast array of services can be designed to support the individualized needs of each person served. The process begins with a “My Plan” which is developed by a team chosen by the individual or family, and coordinated by the Service Facilitator. The most important team members are always individuals served and their families or guardians. During the planning process, hopes and dreams, interests and talents, skills for learning, or job possibilities are identified. All of this is written in the My Plan, which then begins a series of choices related to who, what, when, where, and how much. The outcome is a plan with an individualized budget that balances choices that are life enhancing and a wise use of public dollars. The Service Facilitator may simply link a family to a specific service when a full plan is not needed. Children who live with families may have plans and be linked to resources that provide advocacy in schools, assistance with summer needs, respite, special equipment, accessibility or mobility needs, medical specialties, and supports in the home through waiver services.
Many provider partners assist in supporting adults and families in making the My Plan a reality. The options for adults are varied and cross every arena of life, including home or apartment selection, residential supports, employment and supported employment, interesting day activities and enrichment, self advocacy and learning, and making one’s way in the community at large.
An eligible individual or family who is experiencing an emergency situation may get immediate assistance by contacting the Service Facilitator. An aging parent who needs help at home to care for a son or daughter with MR/DD may get assistance in the home. Individuals and families are helped through many emergency situations as they occur.
The Community Services Department manages the enrollment and funding functions that support these choices. It is important that families and individuals understand options that are available to them and seek the support of the Service Facilitator, who can connect them to the funding sources.
Contact your Service Facilitator |
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