Good Afternoon,
One of the initiatives the Division is undertaking in FY22 is a renewed focus on thinking about the support needs of individuals with I/DD and behavioral health needs. We wanted to provide the following resource developed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Social Work. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Social Work website provides information and resources for families, providers and others whom live with and care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are also experiencing mental illness. It is a great resource!
QUICK NOTES
* Per IDPH, the preliminary seven-day statewide COVID positivity for cases as a percent of total test from July 30-August 5, 2021 is 4.6%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from July 30-August 5, 2021 is 5.2%. However, as of August 3, 2021, regional 7-day test positivity averages range from 3.1% to 10.4%. IDPH's Illinois Regional COVID-19 Webpage
SUPPORTING SEX EDUCATION: WHAT PROVIDERS NEED TO KNOW WEBINAR
The Division of Developmental Disabilities will be providing a fall training series for our community-based, waiver funded providers. These webinars will provide an opportunity to learn more about Division expectations for provider operations, system and policy changes, as well as best practices. The Division requests that at least one individual staff member attend from each provider organization. The first will occur on September 9, 2021. See below for more details and to register.
Supporting Sex Education: What Providers Need to Know
Presenters:
- Diana Braun, Self-Advocate
- Kathy Carmody, CEO, Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities
- Teresa Parks, Deputy Director & Human Rights Authority Director, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
- Linda Sandman, Co-Director, Blue Tower Solutions, Inc.
- Cynthia SchierlSpreen, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Quality Management, DDD
This webinar will review what providers need to know about the amendment to the Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Code that requires access to sex education and related resources and support for interested individuals with I/DD living in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA), State Operated Developmental Centers (SODC) and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/DD), as well as Community Day Services. The webinar will include an overview of provider responsibilities, guardian roles and online resources developed to assist agencies and families including Train the Trainer curricula, FAQs for guardians and agencies and IDHS-approved sexual education materials. Expectations from the Division for providers will also be discussed and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a self-advocate on the importance of sex education and support in her life.
EARNED INCOME INFORMATION BULLETIN UPDATE
The Division recognizes we did not address the potential need for a residential provider to collect income (earned and/or unearned) from an individual to apply to rent. We updated the current IB Collection of Earned Income Information Bulletin to note that it does not apply beyond DDD-funded services and supports. In instances where an individual is enrolled in other federal, state, or local programs (i.e. HUD, Section 8 Rental Assistance, etc.) which require a portion of an individual's income (earned and/or unearned) be applied to the program, the individual continues to be responsible for paying their required portion of income to maintain eligibility in the non-DDD funded federal, state, or local program. The portion owed by the DDD waiver participant will be collected by the residential provider.
HRST REMINDERS
As a reminder, all providers are required to have a Clinical Reviewer to provide clinical reviews for individuals who have a Health Care Level of 3 or higher. The next Clinical Reviewer training is August 24 at 9 am Central time. Please be aware that IntellectAbilty (formerly known as HRS, Inc.) is based in the Eastern Time zone and the training is 10 am EST and 9 am CST.
Additionally, there are a few providers who have not paid their HRST bill. Providers who have outstanding balances were sent certified letters informing them that they are at risk of their accounts being terminated. This will result in a reinstatement fee of $250. If you have questions about your balance, please reach out to IntellectAbility directly.
Thank you for all you do!
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.
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