Dear Friends and Colleagues:
The 1115 People First Waiver is about strengthening our system now and for the future, allowing supports to be more flexible and person-centered and ensuring that they are based on the needs of every individual we serve.
We are committed to keeping people as engaged, involved and informed as possible of the progress being made on the waiver. Since I was confirmed as commissioner last April, we have held more than 60 public events and meetings so that individuals, family members, employees and other stakeholders could provide input on the waiver’s development.
Because the amount of written information available on our website and elsewhere is vast, in recent months we have begun utilizing video recordings to share information, invite feedback and answer specific questions and concerns that you have brought to our attention.
In addition, we have recently launched monthly videoconference updates on the waiver with regional discussion boards, and will be posting videos of these presentations each month. I hope you will check out the first edition, which is now live.
I would also like to draw your attention to the nine-part series of short videos we have recorded. The final video, Why the Waiver is Necessary, discusses the need for a significant change in how we operate, because we cannot sustain the current system as we continue to grow. We also explain what a DISCO is and how care coordination will occur under the new system, among other topics.
I hope you find these video resources helpful. Your participation will continue to be critical in the coming months.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Burke
P.S. For regular updates about the waiver and other OPWDD initiatives, follow us on Facebook.