Preparing for transition housing

OUR GOAL To meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in ways that are person centered and community based Supporting individuals as they strive toward living in the home of their choice, working or otherwise contributing to the community, and having meaningful relationships Helping individuals and families through the process of transition

objectives What is changing in housing? Why are these changes taking place? When will the changes happen? Where do you begin?

THE TRANSITION Campus-based developmental centers are closing. Individuals with disabilities will have an opportunity to move from Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and nursing homes into private homes, apartments, or community residential settings. Some ICFs may convert to Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) so individuals can experience greater community integration.

WHY THE CHANGE? Americans with Disabilities Act Olmstead Decision Health System Transformation for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Agreement

NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNTIES Ensuring full access to the benefits of community living Meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a more person-centered way Promoting better outcomes for individuals with disabilities

THE TIME FRAME BY 2018, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities will . . . . . .rely less heavily on ICFs. . . .close all but two developmental centers.

Housing options Living independently For More Information Family care OPWDD Living independently Family care IRAs Home ownership Supportive housing Market rate or subsidized apartments Public housing Shared living arrangements Customized residential options For More Information Call 1-518-473-1973 Email housing.initiatives@opwdd.ny.gov Go to http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd _services_supports/residential_opp ortunities

enrollment For More Information Call 1-866-946-9733 OPWDD Individuals must be enrolled in both Medicaid and the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver to be eligible for most OPWDD programs. HCBS is OPWDD’s largest Medicaid program. It offers many services that allow individuals with disabilities to live and fully participate in communities. Residential services Community and day habilitation Medicaid Service Coordination Respite To get started with OPWDD, sign up to attend a Front Door information session. For More Information Call 1-866-946-9733 Download Front Door Welcome: Access to Services from http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/ welcome-front-door/resource- booklet Register for a Front Door information session at https://opwdd.ny.gov/welcome- front-door/information_sessions

Medicaid service coordination OPWDD Care Coordinators, formerly known as Medicaid Service Coordinators (MSCs), help eligible individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid-funded OPWDD services with many activities. Developing, implementing, and maintaining the Life Plan, formerly the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) Engaging the individual’s Circle of Support & Interdisciplinary Team For More Information Download the name and contact information of the person at your regional OPWDD office who can best answer your questions about Medicaid Service Coordination at http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/node/ 534 Finding and maintaining housing

A place of one’s own Community habilitation For More Information OPWDD Community habilitation Assistance with activities of daily living Training and support in transportation Development of social skills Individual Supports and Services (ISS) Provides funding for housing costs, food, transportation, and clothing Includes opportunities for individuals to self- direct For More Information For community habilitation, go to http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_s ervices_supports/supports_for_inde pendent_and_family_living/day_ser vices For ISS, go to http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_s ervices_supports/supports_for_inde pendent_and_family_living/individu al_supports_and_services

Self-direction For More Information OPWDD Designed for individuals eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in HCBS who: want more flexibility with services and scheduling; are ready to make decisions, on their own or with help; and welcome more responsibility in choosing services and in hiring and supervising staff. Support might come from a paid neighbor or live-in caregiver. For More Information Talk with your Care Coordinator (formerly MSC) Watch Choosing Self-Direction at http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/self direction Download OPWDD’s brochure on self-directed services from http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/self-direction/self-direction-brochure

Family Support Services OPWDD Information and referral Family and individual counseling Family-member training Service coordination After-school programs Recreation Camps Transportation Sibling services Support groups For More Information Go to http://www.opwdd.ny.g ov/opwdd_services_sup ports/supports_for_inde pendent_and_family_livi ng/family_support_servi ces

Family Care program For More Information OPWDD Community-based residential housing in certified private homes Caring and stable home environment Support, guidance, and companionship of a family For More Information Go to http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/residential_opportunities/family_care

Individualized residential alternative OPWDD Room, board, and choices for individualized services Supportive IRA: for up to three individuals who do not require 24-hour support and supervision Supervised IRA: for up to 14 individuals who need 24-hour support and supervision For More Information Go to http://www.opwdd.ny .gov/opwdd_services_supports/residential_opportunities/individualized_residential_alternative

Self-determination Housing goals are based on what the individual wants and needs. Encourage the individual to think about housing preferences. Help the individual share his or her thoughts with the people who can help. For More Information Watch Larry’s Story, Person Centered Planning at http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/person_centered_planning

Explore local options Compile a list of housing providers. Visit residences or take virtual tours. Map distances to important places. Grocery stores Medical offices Public transportation For More Information Both OPWDD and CP of NYS offer interactive directories of services available in your area. Go to OPWDD’s directory at http://providerdirectory.opwdd .ny.gov/ Go to CP of NYS’ directory at http://www.cpofnys.org/affiliates/ Banks Churches Friends’ and families’ homes Recreational areas (gyms, parks, etc.)

Other ways to prepare Expect disruption. Manage concerns Recognize that change can be hard for individuals and their families. Seek the support of others who have gone (or are going) through similar transitions. Accept risk. Manage concerns Break the process down into small steps. Communicate often about what is going to happen. Practice advocacy. Know the individual’s rights and responsibilities. Understand the individual’s needs and wishes for the future. Work with the Care Coordinator (formerly MSC), Circle of Support, and Interdisciplinary Team.