DDD COMMUNICATION | November 22, 2024
DIGNITY IN PAY PASSES!
The Dignity in Pay Act (House Bill 793) has taken a monumental step forward. After passing the Illinois House of Representatives in May, the bill was approved in the Senate on Thursday, 11/21, with a decisive 43-11 vote. This landmark legislation channels funding, training, and other vital supports into the disability community, paving the way to phase out subminimum wages for persons with disabilities while enhancing integrated community services.
With this law, Illinois joins 18 other states in ending the outdated practice of subminimum wage. A milestone for disability rights, the outcome of the Illinois Legislature's votes reflects a commitment to equity, inclusion, and dignity for all. The passage of the bill is also a call to action to remain focused on the important work ahead: ensuring critical human services are accessible, robust, and of the highest quality for those who need them. The Division of Developmental Disabilities looks forward to collaboration with all involved partners.
DUE TODAY!!! REQUIRED FY24 ICF/HCBS WAIVER DSP WAGE ATTESTATION
On 10/25/2024, DDD sent a communication with links to the FY24 Wage Attestation Forms. All attestations should be completed by 11/22/2024. They can be accessed at the following links:
IDHS: Fiscal Year 2024 ICF and MC/DD Wage Attestation Form (7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024)
IDHS: Fiscal Year 2024 Waiver Wage Attestation Form (7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024)
The full communication can be read here: IDHS: UPDATED - DDD COMMUNICATION - REQUIRED FY24 DSP/ICF AIDE WAGE ATTESTATION
DE-ESCALATION REIMBURSEMENT TRAINING UPDATED
As part of the efforts to support individuals with high behavioral health needs in communities across Illinois and resource front line staff with training, providers of CDS and CILA waiver services are now eligible to be reimbursed up to $16,500 per fiscal year, per organization, for expenses related to de-escalation training and re-training. The de-escalation training curriculum must be provided by a nationally recognized organization that provides training to organizations serving individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities. The training curriculum must be in accordance with best practice standards as determined by the training organization. The training curriculum must use positive behavioral supports and not rely on punishment or restrictive measures. As of November 15, 2024, you must contact the Bureau of Clinical Services (BCS) to receive approval for the specific training your agency will use. Please contact BCS at: DHS.ClinicalServices@illinois.gov and provide the name of the training you will be using and a contact name for the agency.
The following items are eligible for reimbursement:
- The cost of the initial train the trainer class for the trainer(s); $2,200 per trainer
- The cost of renewing/retraining the trainer(s); $800 per trainer retraining
- The cost of the initial training for the frontline staff training; $400 per frontline staff
- The cost of renewing/retraining frontline staff; $200 per retraining of frontline staff
A Draft Information Bulletin (IB) on this topic can be found here: IDHS: DRAFT - De-Escalation Training Reimbursement. Comments on this bulletin are being accepted through 11/26/2024. For a link of all Draft IBs, please click here: IDHS: DDD Draft Information Bulletins.
HBS RATES INCREASE DRAFT BULLETIN POSTED
A Draft Information Bulletin (IB) has been posted to discuss HBS monthly and annual maximum amounts that will take effect on January 1, 2025. Comments on this bulletin will be accepted through 12/6/2024 and can be sent to DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov. The bulletin can be accessed here: IDHS: DRAFT - HBS Rates Increase 2025.
To view all Draft IBs, you may do so here: IDHS: DDD Draft Information Bulletins
EDUCATION ON PUNS FOR ILLINOIS SCHOOLS
In partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and in accordance with Public Act 103-0504, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has made available PUNS training and education intended specifically for use in schools around the state.
The presentation video is available now on the DHS website here, and the slides will be available in a click through training soon.
The collaboration between DDD and ISBE is intended to educate designated school employees on PUNS, Independent Service Coordinators (ISC) and how to locate them, and the different DDD programs and services available to those eligible.
RESOURCES
NADRC OFFERS SPECIALIZED AGING SUPPORT WEBINAR
The National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center (NADRC) is offering a webinar, titled Specialized Aging Support: Providing Care for Those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at High-Risk and Living with Dementia, on Monday, 12/9/24 from 2:00pm-3:00pm. A description of the webinar follows:
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face lifelong battles of access to and inclusion in services. Throughout the aging process, even more significant needs for support present as they experience Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias (ADRD) at a staggering rate. As individuals with Down Syndrome and other IDD diagnoses face everyday challenges associated with the onset of ADRD, they also face struggles of providers and caregivers who are unsure of future supports. Through their Specialized Aging Support Program, ARC of Jacksonville launched services in support of their community, to include: development of an interactive day center for those living with and at high-risk of dementia, caregiver support and education, and trainings focused on IDD and dementia. This program establishes a more dementia-capable workforce that is equipped for this next phase of life in individuals living with IDD.
Additional information about this webinar and the registration form can be found here: 12-09-2024 NADRC Webinar-Specialized-Aging-Support-IDD-and-Dementia
Please note:
- National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center (NADRC) webinars are free of charge and open to the public.
- NADRC webinars are recorded and will be available for viewing: NADRC Resources.
- Pre-registration is required to attend the live webinars.
- Closed captioning is available during the live event and is included in the recording for all NADRC webinars.
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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