The information below is for individuals and their families or guardians that reside in Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD) or State Operated Developmental Centers (SODC).
Annually, DDD funded Independent Service Coordination Agencies (ISCs) will be reaching out to all individuals or their guardian(s), that are currently residing in an ICF/DD and/or SODCs, to ensure awareness of all options for services and supports offered by the State of Illinois. This is being done to satisfy requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Olmstead. The outreach will specifically provide:
- Information on all Developmental Disability services available to the individual, including Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver funded services.
- Offer of an in-person, virtual or telephonic meeting to discuss service options
- Offer to register the individual on PUNS list if interested in HCBS if the person lives in an ICF/DD. Note: SODC residents are allowed automatic waiver funding.
ISCs will complete the Outreach Visit Form (PDF) (IL462-5525) Outreach Visit Form Spanish (PDF) during the Outreach process.
Additional Resources:
You can locate your ISC using the IDHS Office Locator
Here is where you can find more information on the PUNS list and our PUNS brochure (in multiple languages).
Frequently Asked Questions - ICF/DD & SODC Outreach
Questions about the Communication
- I received a letter about developmental disability services. Why?
You are receiving this letter because the DDD has responsibility under the Americans with Disability Act, and specifically the Olmstead case, that all individuals that reside in institutional settings like Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DDs) and State Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs) should be aware of community-based services and other living options and the process for getting access to those services.
- What is Olmstead
Per: Americans with Disabilities Act and Olmstead
The story of the Olmstead case begins with two women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, who had mental illness and developmental disabilities, and were voluntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit in the State-run Georgia Regional Hospital. Following the women's medical treatment there, mental health professionals stated that each was ready to move to a community-based program. However, the women remained confined in the institution, each for several years after the initial treatment was concluded. They filed suit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for release from the hospital.
On June 22, 1999, the United States Supreme Court held in Olmstead v. L.C. that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Court held that public entities must provide community-based services to persons with disabilities when (1) such services are appropriate; (2) the affected persons do not oppose community-based treatment; and (3) community-based services can be reasonably accommodated, taking into account the resources available to the public entity and the needs of others who are receiving disability services from the entity.
- What do you mean when you say "other living options"?
In Illinois, individuals with developmental disabilities who live in ICF/DDs and SODCs and meet certain eligibility criteria, have the option to remain in their current ICF/DD or SODC, transition to another ICF/DD, or receive residential and other services (e.g., employment, day services, personal support services) through Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBS) funding. Under the HCBS Waiver, DDD offers a variety of living options. As an example, there are three types of CILAs (Community Integrated Living Arrangements) that would be considered "other living options", or alternatives to ICFs/DD. They include 24-hour CILAs, Host Family CILAs, and Intermittent CILAs.
- What is an ICF/DD?
ICF/DD is a shortened way of saying Intermediate Care Facility for individuals who have a Developmental Disability. An ICF/DD is a place where someone with a developmental disability can live and receive 24 hour per day support from staff. These services are paid for by Medicaid State Plan.
- What is a HCBS Waiver?
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers are another way to pay for services, but in community-based settings. HCBS Waivers can provide an array of service options including Community Integrated Living Arrangements.
- What is a CILA?
Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILAs) are small group homes, up to 8 individuals, where someone with a developmental disability can live and receive up to 24 hour per day support from staff. These supports are paid for by HCBS Waivers.
- What are some of the differences between the different services?
A Setting with Waiver Funding An ICF/DD
|
A Setting with Waiver Funding |
An ICF/DD |
| My Home |
I live in my own home, my family home or a small group home, called a CILA, with roommates. CILAs can allow up to 8 individuals to live together (range 1 to 8). If my provider owns my home the home is licensed by the Department of Human Services Bureau of Accreditation, Licensure and Certification (BALC) |
I live in an ICF. Most ICF/DDs are 16 beds (range 4 to over 200). ICFs are licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health; SODCs are certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health. |
| My Supports |
Through a Discovery Process my ISC Case Manager helps me develop a Personal Plan that will focus on my identified goals and needs. My ISC Case Manager continues to monitor my supports and ensure I am happy with my services and goals. |
ICF QIDP staff develop my Individual Service Plan with feedback from me and my interdisciplinary team. My QIDP monitors my plan and ensure progress on my goals. |
| My Day |
I can choose to attend any Community Day Service program, get a job in the community or stay at home with supports. |
My ICF will contract with a day program to provide day services, or I will attend a program at my ICF. |
Questions about ISCs
- Do Independent Service Coordination Agencies work for the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)?
Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agencies are contracted with DDD to assist individuals and families in obtaining and maintaining developmental disability services in the State of Illinois.
- How can I verify that the ISC is affiliated with DDD?
There are 12 regions and 8 ISC agencies in the State of Illinois. You can verify your ISC agency by county through using the IDHS Office Locator.
- I have some questions about my, or my loved one's current services, who do I talk to?
It's usually best to start with the facility that provides the support, perhaps a staff person or supervisor.
You may also reach out to your local ISC using IDHS Office Locator.
If you'd like to talk with someone at DDD you can reach out to Janet Rolling at (217) 782-5900 janet.rolling@illinois.gov who can help you or direct you to the right person.
Questions about meeting with an ISC
- Do I have to meet with the ISC in person?
No, the ISC can call you on the phone or arrange a virtual meeting.
- What if I want to meet in person?
The ISC will be visiting all facilities and can schedule a time to talk to you then or they can schedule a meeting at a location of your choosing which may include your current residential facility.
- How long will the meeting take?
The meeting may be short (less than 30 minutes) if you have just a few questions or longer if you would like to learn more (up to 1 1/2 hours).
- I/my family member needs an interpreter (non-English, sign language, etc.) Will these be available?
Yes. Our ISCs have interviewers who speak English and Spanish. They may need to arrange for an interpreter as needed. Written materials will be available in several languages.
- What happens during the meeting?
That depends on your goals for the meeting. The ISC will learn more about you, share more about developmental disability service options and the process for you to be added to the PUNS registration list for Waiver services if you choose. They will also complete the following forms:
- Form [ ] - This form will document the meeting and will document if you and your guardian decide that you want to: 1) continue living in an ICF/DD; or explore moving to another living option
- PUNS - This form will be completed if you and your guardian (as applicable) decide you want a different living option that is funded by an HCBS waiver and you currently reside in an ICF/DD.
- What is the PUNS
The PUNS is a database that registers individuals that want or need HCBS waiver funded services. Your ISC can share a brochure with you that explains this process fully or you can find more information on the PUNS list.
- Do I have to make a decision right away? How long do I have to make a decision?
No, you may take time to think about it. You can always change your mind.
- What happens if I don't meet with the ISC?
If you choose not to meet with the ISC, we will simply document that you are not interested at this time. We will plan to reach out again to you next year to see if you have changed your mind.
- Who do I call if I have a complaint about this process, or about services in general?
Please contact:
Janet Rolling
Operations Specialist
Phone: (217) 782-5900
Email: janet.rolling@Illinois.gov
