DARS is a State agency proving rehabilitation service and not an ongoing support service and their budget provides resources to help individuals “get on their feet” but not offer sustained support to keep them there.

Other states, such as Vermont, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have more options because they direct more money toward services for individuals with disabilities than Virginia does.

This would be a great topic- and a potential subgroup for WIN- to research as part of the work we are doing with WIN.

You can learn more about what other states are doing at https://www.statedata.info/data-sets/state-idd-agencies (copy and paste this link in your browser).

Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates all reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Hotline: 1-888-832-3858 (toll free).

Other quality assurance activities or investigations may be conducted by:

• Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDS) Office of Licensing or Human Rights
• Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) performs routine quality reviews on all waiver service providers which include evaluation of health, safety, and satisfaction. In addition, DMAS has a Provider Review Unit and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit that monitor and investigate any potential fraud issues.
• All employees of state and community agencies are mandated reporters, meaning they are required to report any suspicions, witnessed incidents, or being informed by others of abuse and neglect.

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Office of Licensing has a listing of DBHDS-licensed providers. There are approximately 1,046 licensed providers in the Commonwealth. The agency routinely reviews events that occur in facilities and community programs and alerts are posted monthly on the DBHDS website and sent out via email.

CSB support coordinators work closely with individuals and families to ensure a good program fit and encourage consumers to visit sites, ask questions, ask for referrals from other program participants/families, do a “trial” run with the program, and know that you can ALWAYS change your mind and choose other available programs if you are not satisfied or the program does not fit your needs.

As more and more individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities are included in schools, jobs, churches, housing options, and communities, this challenge becomes more apparent. We have to focus on true inclusion rather than mere participation and attendance. As we do this in various environments, we are educating individuals without disabilities so that they feel more comfortable and at ease interacting on a daily basis with children and adults with disabilities.

This is a great topic for WIN to examine as we work on building inclusive networks in the community.

We must look at places this is being done well and learn from them.

The WIN includes ALL people.

Providers are already working closely with many employers across a large scope of worksites and environments. The WIN will look for ways to do even more of this. There will be presentations to highlight successful worksites, as a part of the WIN meetings.

Apprenticeships are recognized by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) as a way to connect employees with job skills. Many adults with DD/ID learn best in an authentic environment and would benefit from working side by side with experienced employees in the job setting. Apprenticeships also promote inclusive practices but there are potential drawbacks to apprenticeships such as transportation issues, lack of pay, and lack of community awareness that should be carefully examined on an individual basis.

Get more information about ODEP’s use of apprenticeships.

WIN is connecting with employers who also provide internships and will be investigating opportunities to expand.

Most participants arrange for and support their own transportation. This includes:

• Families
• Car pooling
• Metro Access
• Other public transportation
• Uber
• Lyft

Related “Travel Training” services may be available

For day support a substantial number of participants are transported by Medicaid arranged and sponsored transportation. This includes Logisticare or Managed Care Organization Transportation.

A small percentage of persons are transported by Fastran which is subsidized by Fairfax County. This modality is only used if there are no other transportation options available and there is capacity.

At any given time, many do but some may not. People select services and may change their minds and move onto other services from time to time. Openings vary.

All have access to these opportunities independent of where they live.

The Self-Directed Services program was designed and approved to both increase service options, service design, and improve efficiency. Many of the services available through Self-Directed Services are of the same or higher quality than more traditional contracted services but at a much lower cost. There are numerous related examples. Thus there is equity in services available while conserving resources realizing improved efficiency and allowing for more persons to receive services. The WIN initiative in part has the goal of service equity and service or program sustainability. Self-Directed Services assists in realizing this goal.