Good Afternoon,
Thanks to our Association leaders for pledging to vaccinate! They have also been hosting regular Statewide Provider calls to help providers across the state. Many thanks!
.
Submit your photo or video (either YOUR PLEDGE or actual vaccination) by texting "SELFIE" (English) or "SPASELFIE" (Spanish) to 552020. Then upload your photo. You can also email it to DHS.COVID19@Illinois.gov. If you want to be in the DDD Comments you can also email it to me directly!
QUICK NOTES
OFFICE OF THE STATE GUARDIAN (OSG) CONSENT FOR VACCINATIONS
We have been advised by OSG that they will sign COVID-19 vaccine consents without altering or striking waiver language. If there are further questions, please contact OSG Director Barry Lowy at Barry.Lowy@illinois.gov
CDS OPERATIONS UNDER COVID-19 GUIDANCE
I wanted to remind CDS providers about the DDD CDS Operations Under COVID-19 guidance: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=125473. We've received some questions about group sizes and other modifications. Please be advised that our guidance has not changed. We will be reevaluating as the vaccination process unfolds. In addition, providers should continue to use the Illinois Risk Benefit Discussion Tool to help make decisions about the safety of return to community day services.
The Division worked with Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to issue billing guidance for our ICF/DD providers to allow them to temporarily provide Day Program services in the event residents cannot go off-site or a Community Day Services program (CDS) AND the CDS provider cannot go to the ICF/DD. You can find the HFS notice here: https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalProviders/notices/Pages/prn201124a.aspx
ROCS VERSION 6.09
DoIT is releasing ROCS Version 6.09. This update has the new HBS allowances beginning January 1, 2021. Providers billing anyone for HBS services should download this version before billing January 2021 services.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CONSUMER STIPEND PROGRAM
The Arc of Illinois, through a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, administers the Consumer Stipend Program and distributes consumer stipend funds to enable people with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences of their choice that are directly related to developmental disability issues. Due to the pandemic, there is a need for trainings, important meetings and conferences to be virtual. This program will now allow stipends to pay for the assistive technology needed to attend virtual events. You can find the application here.
SEX EDUCATION WEBINAR
The Institute on Public Policy is hosting a webinar, Overview of the Illinois Sexual Education for People with Disabilities Law and CQL Sex & Relationship Conversation Cards, that I highly encourage providers to attend. The webinar is Wednesday, February 3, 2021 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. Webinar topics include the requirements for Illinois I/DD organizations outlined in IL PA 101-0506 and an overview and use of the Sex and Relationship Conversation Cards to promote healthy learning and understanding of topics related to sexual activity and relationships. This webinar is open to all Illinois I/DD organizations; to purchase the CQL Sex and Relationship Conversation Cards visit Cherry Hill/High Tide Press.
Thank you for all you do. Pledge to get vaccinated!
Warmly,
Allison V. Stark
Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities
Illinois Department of Human Services
600 East Ash-Building 400, Springfield, IL 62703
Tel: (217) 782 -6803
The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.
To request to be added to our email database, or to update your contact and service information, please complete our Contact Survey at the following link:
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=17&item=110637&surveyid=1458.
Information provided will help us to better tailor communications to you in the future.
