A Guide to Accessing Waiver Services Striving to provide maximum opportunities for growth, independence, and success. Tailored Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Sweetwater County A Guide to Accessing Waiver Services

126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org What is the Waiver? The DDD Waiver is a division of the State of Wyoming, Department of Health. The Waiver exists to provide home and community based training and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. The Waiver’s main function is keeping people in their homes and communities by providing them with the supports they need to succeed. 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

Who provides Waiver services in Rock Springs and Green River? There are three CARF Accredited service providers in Sweetwater County. There are many independent service providers who contract directly with the state. We are the only CARF Accredited Waiver provider in both Community Housing and Integration in Sweetwater County. 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org By having choice of service providers participants in Waiver services are assured of the highest level of service, opportunities, support, and training is available to individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries in our community. 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

How do you apply for Waiver services? 1: Contact your Participant Support Specialist (PSS) to schedule a time to discuss the application process. Our PSS is Bonnie Laird. Her phone number is 307 789 0618. 2: Ms. Laird will provide you with information about comprehensive and support Waiver options. She will help you complete and turn in your “Application for Home and Community Based Services Medicaid” form. 3: Ms. Laird will give you a list of case managers to interview. 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org Next Steps? 4: You will call and interview case managers from the list Ms. Laird provided. Suggested Questions: 1. Do you have any openings on your case load? If so, how quickly can you get started? 2. How long have you been a case manager? 3. Would you describe your experience working with persons with disabilities? 4. Are you available to meet with me outside of normal business hours? 5. Communication and confidentiality are important to me, would you provide examples how you would honor both of these concerns? 6. Is your current case load manageable so that you can take on a new participant? 7. Are you committed to helping me access other services that I need while waiting for waiver approval? (i.e. social security application, DVR, DFS, etc.) 8. When funding is made available to me, will you continue to provide case management services? 5: Once you pick a case manager for “Targeted Case Management Services”, you will sign the “Notice of ISC Selection” form and return it to Ms. Laird. 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org Next Steps? Continued. 6: Your new case manager will complete a Level of Care Criteria for Intermediate Care Facility for persons with Intellectual Disabilities (LT-104) form. 7: Your new case manager will complete an Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) form. An employee of WIND will contact the listed respondents to interview them. 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org Next Steps? Continued. 8: Your new case manager will schedule a psychological evaluation with you. Why all of these steps? 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

What do the assessments mean? To have Waiver services, you must meet some eligibility standards. 1: Be a U.S. citizen and Wyoming resident, 2: Meet the level of care criteria, 3: Meet financial eligibility as determined by Medicaid’s Long Term Care unit, 4: Meet clinical eligibility determined by a licensed psychologist, 5: Meet functional limitations measured by the Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) . Don’t worry, your new case manager will help you every step along this path. 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org Funding. Now what? 1: The path you have just read takes an average of six-months to complete. 2: If you met all of the eligibility standards, you will receive a funding or waitlist letter. This letter means you are eligible for Waiver services. 3: Depending on many things, including the severity of your need, you could be on the waitlist from one day to over five years. 4: If you receive a funding letter, you will discuss service options with your case manager, select a provider, and decide on what your services will look like. 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org

126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org Going forward. With your case manager, services, and service provider or providers selected, you will work with your team to maximize your growth and development. All providers should work to make sure you spend as much time as you want working in your community and living in the least restrictive environment possible. Thank you for participating in this presentation. If you have any questions or ever need help with this process, please contact us at your convenience. Josh Bellamy 307 371 6666 Max Mickelson 307 389 9169 126 Elk Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901 http://ablehands.org