Dear Friends and Family Members,
Over the next few years, OPWDD will be working to help more people live in small, more homelike settings and have a greater say in how they live and participate in their communities. Through a five-year ICF Transition Plan agreed upon by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, OPWDD has committed to offering this opportunity to persons now living in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF).
OPWDD has released guidance for ICF service providers that explains how they can provide home and community-based services to people who want them. For some people, this change in how services are planned and provided will mean they stay in their current home and have more opportunities for involvement in the community. However, whether a person decides to remain in their current home or move to a new place, every person living in an ICF will have a say in his or her community-based supports and services and have help to develop a plan for services to address his or her individual needs and wishes.
OPWDD understands that the decision to move or be supported in a different way does not happen overnight. People you know and work with at your agency will take the time to meet with you, discuss what you want, and to plan carefully. You will make decisions such as where to live, with whom to live and what activities you might want to do in the community.
This is what you can expect:
· You will have a place to live where your needs will be met, even if those needs are medical or behavioral. You will not lose your services, but may find different ways to be supported.
· Your agency will take the time to listen to you and to help you or your loved one decide where you want to live.
· Staff will talk with you and your family members and other advocates about these changes and will make sure you will be directing the changes that occur for you.
· OPWDD will still have opportunities available for intensive treatment for those who may need it before moving into the community.
· OPWDD will oversee all of the changes and will make sure agencies are seeking the best opportunities for each person.
I hope this information is helpful. I will continue to communicate with you about these residential changes, and I hope you will join OPWDD and our provider agencies as we help people with developmental disabilities explore these new opportunities.
Sincerely,
Kerry A. Delaney
Acting Commissioner