Day Support services include structured activities which address training, self help, and therapeutic needs for individuals with disabilities.  Employment services include sheltered and supported employment, providing paid work.  Supported employment can be provided as part of a group or individually based.  These services are provided under contract with several private non profit agencies.  Fairfax County contract management staff monitor these services, as well as providing guidance, direction, and technical support. 

Self-Directed (SD) services are an alternative to, not a replacement for, traditional day support and employment services. The individual/family is ultimately responsible for determining services needed (with input from the individual’s Community Services Board case manager and Interdisciplinary Team), identifying a service schedule, and selecting individual service providers. SD services increase and expand individualized service options and plans, bring greater control and supervision of services to the individual/family, allow greater flexibility in scheduling and receiving services, and can be provided in the community closer to the individual’s home. 

SD services hold significant potential to further individualize service plans so that services are, better suited to meet a particular individual/family’s determination of needs and circumstances, build upon an individual’s and community’s natural supports, and reorient service use and expenditures toward services individuals and their families generally prioritize as most needed.

SD services are non-specialized services that are typically, but not exclusively, provided during the day on week days. SD services can include, but not be limited to, training in functional self-help and daily living skills, task learning skills which improve motor and perceptual skills, community integration, awareness, and safety skills, work and work environment skills, and social and interpersonal skills. SD services may also facilitate the individual’s participation in community based recreational activities, work or volunteer activities.

SD services are available to individuals with intellectual disabilities who meet CSB service eligibility requirements, currently receive or who will be authorized to receive day support or employment services funding (including students with intellectual disabilities graduating from public and private school systems in Fairfax County in June 2007), and currently receive “local” funding from Fairfax County.

Transportation Services
Transportation services for persons with disabilities can be arranged directly through WMATA for MetroBus and MetroRail. Riders may use the fixed bus and rail routes at a reduced rate with proper documentation. In addition, eligible riders may use MetroAccess for door to door service for specific times. For further information please access http://www.wmata.com and click on the Accessibility tab for further information. FASTRAN is the paratransit system for Fairfax County human services. Individuals should contact case management for further information about eligibility for FASTRAN services.

Family Support Program
The Family Support Program is a program in which families can apply for a grant up to $1000 per year to pay for disabilities related expenses. Further information about the Family Support Program can be found here.

Respite
The Respite Subsidy Program offers assistance for families in need of temporary relief or assistance. All respite services are provided under a contract with Hartwood Foundation, Inc.

Community Outreach
Mental Retardation Services offers presentations and trainings on relevant topics to any interested person, family member or community groups about our services and how we deliver the service to the individual. Let us know if you would be interested in a presentation.

Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance provides oversight and works with program staff to better monitor what is happening in the various service areas (Case Management, Residential, Day Support/Employment, Transportation) for directly operated and private providers. Individuals who receive services are to be assured of freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They are to be provided a safe and healthy environment where they live and work. Quality Assurance will work with staff members to ensure this happens and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and that the services are person-centered and support individuals in making choices and achieving their personal goals. Services shall provide individuals opportunities to participate and build and maintain relationships in their community.

Training
Training is mandated for all personnel working with individuals receiving services. The trainings are to improve staff knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to best support individuals whether they are being served at home or at work. Mental Retardation Services offers a variety of trainings to its staff and to the private provider network.