Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Information Bulletin
DD.22.010
Purpose:
This Information Bulletin informs Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) stakeholders that Independent Service Coordination (ISC) Agency staff will begin providing outreach to individuals who reside in Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DDs) and State Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs) to ensure individuals with I/DD are aware of all options for their support needs starting July 1, 2022.
Background:
The Division has responsibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and specifically the Olmstead vs. L.C. U.S. Supreme Court decision, that all individuals who reside in ICF/DDs and SODCs should be aware of community-based services and other living options and the process for getting access to those services to make informed decisions about their services.
Process:
Annual Outreach to an Individual without a Guardian
- Annually, the ISC will visit the ICF/DD and/or SODC to engage with the individual living there.
- The ISC should arrange the meeting with the facility to ensure the individual will be present and that any family members or other identified supports can also be present to support the individual. a.Note: if the ISC becomes aware of the fact that the individual has a guardian they should follow the steps outlined for Annual Outreach to an Individual with a Guardian. If the individual has a guardian, permission from the guardian is required prior to the meeting.
3.During the meeting, the ISC should share information on Developmental Disability services available to the individual, including Home and Community Based Waiver Funded Services (HCBS) and offer to register the individual on PUNS if the individual is currently living in an ICF/DD and interested in HCBS. a.Note: SODC residents are allowed automatic waiver funding and should not be placed on the PUNS.
- During the meeting, the ISC will complete the Outreach Visit Form (IL462-5525) (Spanish Form).
- The ISC will complete the PUNS registration as applicable or requested.
- In the event the individual living in an ICF/DD enrolls in PUNS, the ISC should follow the PUNS process for follow-up and the individual will be removed from the institutional outreach process.
- In the event the individual living in an SODC would like waiver funded services, the ISC should begin working on a transition plan with the individual. The individual should be removed from the institutional outreach process as long as they are working on community placement.
Annual Outreach to an Individual with a Guardian
- Annually, the ISC should connect with the ICF/DD and/or SODC to ensure they have accurate contact information for individuals with guardians.
- The ISC will send a letter to the individual's legal guardian with the following information: a.Information on Developmental Disability services available to the individual, including HCBS.
b.Date and time that the ISC will be onsite at the facility
c.Offer an alternate day and time for an in-person, virtual or telephonic meeting to discuss service options with the individual and/or guardian if they cannot make it during the ISC's regular visit to the facility.
d.Offer to register the individual on PUNS if interested in HCBS and living in an ICF/DD. i.Note: SODC residents are allowed automatic waiver funding and should not be placed on the PUNS.
- The ISC will call or send email or text to the individual or guardian two weeks after the letter is sent to ensure receipt. The follow up communication will alert the guardian to the date and time the ISC will be visiting the facility.
- If the guardian responds that the individual is not interested in learning more about the availability of different services, in a meeting or in being registered on the PUNS list (ICF/DD only), the ISC should document the response. If the response is in writing, the ISC should keep a copy for the file.
- If the guardian responds that the individual is interested in learning more about the availability of different services, in a meeting or in being registered on the PUNS list, the ISC should schedule a time with the guardian to discuss their interests. The discussion may be scheduled during the regular visit to the facility or at a separate time agreed upon with the guardian.
- In the event the guardian and the individual decide that they would like the individual who is currently living in an ICF/DD to enroll in PUNS, the ISC should follow the PUNS process for follow-up and the individual should be removed from the institutional outreach process.
- In the event the guardian and the individual decide that they would like the individual who is living in an SODC to be in waiver funded services, the ISC should begin working on a transition plan with the individual. The individual should be removed from the institutional outreach process as long as they are working on community placement.
Effective Date:
This information Bulletin is effective 07/01/2022