DDD Communication
February 9, 2024
QUICK NOTES
- The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has released DRAFT Information Bulletins for public comment. Please use the below links to review and submit comments by emailing DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov.
- DDD continues to meet with the Ligas Rates Oversight Committee to discuss implementation of the rate calculator. During the January 2024 meeting of the Committee, DDD presented a new scenario for consideration that is a redistribution of the hours resulting in no loss of hours to the overall system. Information on that scenario as well as the slides presented at all Committee meetings to date can be found on the DDD Guidehouse webpage.
SAVE THE DATE: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FY2025 BUDGET BRIEFING
Deputy Governor Grace Hou and leaders from the Departments of Human Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Public Health, Aging, and Children and Family Services will be providing a brief overview of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 proposed budget on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. via online live web stream (through Cisco Webex). The briefing will take place after Governor J.B. Pritzker's FY2025 Budget Address and will include a Q&A session. Links will be sent in the future. If accommodations are needed, please notify the Bureau of Accessibility and Job Accommodation: Phone: (312) 793-0034; TTY: (888) 614-2385; Fax: (312) 793-2406; or DHS.AuxillaryAids@illinois.gov. ASL interpreters will be provided with the Live Stream.
DDD GRANT PROGRAMS - NOFO UPDATE
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) plans to extend the grants for all DDD grant programs that went through the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 (services beginning in FY2023). That includes Dental, Latinx Outreach, Epilepsy, Respite (In-Home/Residential, Group, Voucher), and Family Advocate. Per the requirements under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA), grants can be extended by one (1) year for up to three (3) years' total. This means all current grantees will receive a new grant contract in the coming months to be signed and returned to continue providing services and being funded to provide those grant services in FY2025 (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025).
Again, per GATA requirements, DDD will be required to NOFO all above-mentioned grant programs for services to begin in FY2026 which means DDD will issue NOFOs in FY2025. In FY2025, DDD will provide information regarding the NOFO process via the DDD website IDHS: Grant Funded Programs (state.il.us) or the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance CSFA | GATA | Illinois.gov. Any questions regarding upcoming NOFOs can be directed to DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov.
REMINDER: HCBS SETTINGS QUARTERLY OFFICE HOURS
The quarterly Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule office hours will be held next Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. HCBS Settings Rule Office Hours Webinar Link.
REMINDER: POCA OFFICE HOURS
Thank you to all who joined last week's first Plan of Corrective Action (POCA) office hours! The office hours provided information and answered questions regarding the POCA process. The recording of the webinar can be found here: POCA Office Hours recording.
The next office hours for Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agencies and provider agencies is being held Wednesday February 14, 2024, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Register here: POCA Office Hours Registration Link.
REMINDER: DDAC APPLICATIONS DUE TODAY!
As a reminder, applications for membership to the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee (DDAC) are due this Friday, February 9, 2024.
DDD created the DDAC to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to give advice and recommendations on the activities of DDD and Illinois' intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) service system. DDD is looking to prioritize new engagement and a variety of experience across the state with an emphasis on families and individuals receiving services. The DDAC meets once every 2 months via Webex with options to meet in-person in Springfield and Chicago.
DDAC members can expect to:
- Provide feedback on policy and processes DDD is implementing.
- Participate in the development of new policies, processes, trainings and/or other deliverables. that will positively impact the service system.
- Assist DDD in obtaining feedback from individuals with I/DD in order to better inform services.
The application was sent with the January 23, 2024, DDD Communication. If you are in need of the application or are submitting your completed application, please email megan.brennan@illinois.gov.
The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.
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