Thanks Beth, we are not at a point where we have budget authority for individuals…..the wheels move slowly here. At this point, we are just trying to increase self direction within our DD waiver which in the redesign is going to be built on levels and services packages (we are all still trying to wrap are heads around the new proposed system which seems to change daily)
Heidi Lawyer
Executive Director
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)
1100 Bank Street, 7th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
804-786-0016
800-846-4464
Hi Heidi,
Yes, WI has a self-directed waiver in which individuals have full budget authority and can hire their own workers for all services, which include the ones you list below. Currently, they do not have to choose from agencies, but can hire individuals as well. Particularly in rural and under-served areas, the ability to hire and train your own supports has been a very effective way to meet needs where typical agencies may not be available or close by.
Beth
Good morning, we are undergoing significant waiver redesign as part of our DOJ settlement agreement. One of the desires among advocates (including us) is to infuse more consumer direction into services. Right now there we have consumer directed personal care, respite, and companion. Stakeholders are asking for additional CD services (I know some folks call them self directed), in Virginia it is CD, such as transportation, employment, and in home residential. There is some push back because many of these services now require licensed providers so providers are not necessarily supportive nor is our DD agency due to liability, training and other issues. Polling to see if any of your states have self/consumer directed services in these areas, have they worked, what have been the pitfalls. THANKS!
Heidi Lawyer
Executive Director
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)
1100 Bank Street, 7th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
804-786-0016
800-846-4464