When the needs of the person are met, the entire community has the opportunity to thrive!
March 2023 marked a historic month for the Intellectual and Developmental (I/DD) community. As an organization, SafeinHome wants to highlight the significant milestones achieved and what it means for this deserving community and disability support services across the country.
HCBS is Finally Here
After nine years of development and planning, the HCBS Settings rule finally became the presiding guideline on March 17, 2023. This rule guarantees the right of people receiving HCBS Waiver services to choose where they live, what services they receive, where those services are provided, and who provides these services.
With person-centered planning at its core, the HCBS Settings rule is already delivering on its promise of freedom of choice for people with disabilities nationwide.
At SafeinHome, we celebrate this watershed moment in the history of service and support. The HCBS Settings rule is a community-embraced mandate that ensures people with disabilities have a choice. This marks a significant milestone in the disability rights movement and a major step towards creating a more inclusive society.
Coinciding with the implementation of the “settings rule” was the publication of a new guide on expanding the use of Remote Supports by a multi-disciplinary working group consisting of influential figures in the I/DD service and support industry. The guide provides for a comprehensive set of best practices and guidance for stakeholders in adopting Remote Supports as the new standard of support.
ANCOR is among the organizations endorsing the principles outlined in the guide, promising generations of people with I/DD an opportunity to live their best life. The guide is expected to inspire continued growth in the adoption of Remote Supports, resulting in a brighter future for those in the I/DD community.
Synergistic Partnerships
The recently published white paper by the multi-disciplinary group has highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships. In March 2023, the State of Indiana launched an innovative program utilizing funds allocated to the Bureau of Developmental Disability Services (BDDS) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This program is addressing one of the most daunting challenges for I/DD support communities: the Waiting List for waivers.
In partnership with SafeinHome, Indiana BDDS is making use of these once-in-a-lifetime funds to immediately offer Remote Supports services to those on the waiting list for an HCBS Waiver. This public-private partnership model is a promising avenue for overcoming the obstacles facing the I/DD support community.
Indiana is taking an innovative approach to I/DD support services that could revolutionize the industry. By partnering with SafeinHome, they are addressing the shortage of direct support professionals and seeking the least-restrictive support options for those in need. This approach aligns with the goal of supporting independence and self-determination for the person served. We are excited to see how this new model develops and how it could benefit the I/DD support community.
Leading and Expanding Support
Finally, as a leading provider of support in this community, we are thrilled to announce that SafeinHome has achieved yet another milestone! In March 2023, we crossed the 2,000 active persons being supported threshold. This would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our internal and external stakeholders.
Together, we share a belief that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. It is an honor to be part of such a compassionate community that puts the needs of individuals with I/DD first. We are proud to play a role in helping people achieve success, one person at a time, and to see our community thrive.
Best Regards,
Don Shirley, President
SafeinHome