Intellectual Disability Services Guide and Supplement to Service Map
Introduction
You have been through the evaluation process and now you know that your child or loved on has an intellectual disability. It doesn’t matter if you have always known this to be true or if you are learning about the diagnosis for the first time. You are entering a new and complex system designed to help you and your family. You may also feel overwhelmed. We are here to help.
There are various disabilities that also carry the intellectual disability label, and many people struggle with how to respond once that label is connected to a loved one. Different families will make different decisions. Some may not want access to support, some may want to explore support options for the future, and some will want immediate support.
Lycoming/Clinton JOINDER works collaboratively with a provider network to deliver a wide array of services. Local advocacy groups can offer advice, encouragement, and other support. This service map and the supplemental information will help you get started or help you continue this journey.
As you explore service options, please remember that you will be supported along the way to become an informed consumer. We strive to provide services and supports to foster independence, and to reduce or eliminate dependencies that might hold an individual back from having an “everyday life” in his/her community. It is our expectation that every person will be encouraged to reach his/her maximum potential.
Important to Know
Seek Help Promptly – Enrolling in the Intellectual Disability system is a process that will help you plan for the future. It is especially critical for young people transitioning to adulthood. Because specific services may not be available immediately, families should complete registration and determine eligibility at least 2 to 3 years in advance to support need.
Limited Resources – Regardless of the funding source for Intellectual Disability supports and services, resources will always be limited by budgets and the number of people already enrolled. Please note that Lycoming/Clinton counties are only permitted to enroll the number of individuals approved by the Office of Developmental Programs into waiver programs.
Individual Rights – Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities have the right to choose the services they need and choose willing, qualified, and contracted service providers.
What to Expect – When you call this office to determine eligibility, you will be asked to provide copies of school records and documentation of psychological testing. You will want to have as much relevant information as possible. Staff will tell you what information you need to submit. They may ask to contact the school on your behalf. If you agree to this, you will need to sign a consent form. You may do this on your own if you prefer. If you are not able to reach someone immediately when making the original call, you can expect a return call within one business day.
You Have Choices – Once the eligibility process is complete, staff will help you with registration and choice of Supports Coordination Services.
Questions Are Welcome – If you are unsure of any information, please ask! We are here to help!
Explanation of Support Services
Supports Coordination – A Supports Coordinator assists with locating and coordinating supports and services which are then outlined in the Individual Support Plan (ISP). The Supports Coordinator also provides ongoing monitoring of services when they are delivered, as well as monitoring the general health and welfare of the person using the services.
Family Driven Resources – These are limited resources such as respite camp, vehicle and/or home adaptations, and support needed to participate in integrated recreation. These may be paid directly to the vendor or as a reimbursement to the family.
Companion – Provides for supervision and basic care as needed for individuals who are over the age of 18.
Respite – Overnight and/or interim respite may be available to provide periodic relief to the caregiver. This is not intended to be a regularly scheduled event and does have annual service limits.
Supported Employment – Provides for all aspects of job finding as well as job training and follow-up once a person has exhausted funding through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Licensed Day Program – Facility and Community based program that provides supervision, training, and support in general of self-care, communication, community participation and socialization.
Habilitation – A face-to-face mentoring and support service. Habilitation assists participants in acquiring, maintaining, and improving self-help, domestic, socialization, and adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in home and community-based settings.
Residential Supports – Provider operated residential homes that protect the health and welfare of the residents while assisting them in acquiring, retaining, and improving self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in home and community-based settings. This service includes licensed, unlicensed, and Life Sharing options.
Behavior Support – This service offers functional assessment and development of strategies to support the participant. Family and staff/caregiver training is also provided.
Home Accessibility/Adaptation – Modifications to the private home of the participant which are necessary to ensure his/her health, security, and accessibility, or which enable the participant to function with greater independence in the home.
Vehicle Adaptations – These are modifications to the individual or family vehicle that is used for the individual’s primary means of transportation.
Assistive Technology – This technology includes any item, piece of equipment, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve a participant’s functioning. Assistive technology devices must be recommended by an independent evaluation of the participant’s assistive technology needs.
Therapy Services – This include occupational, speech, physical, vision, and mobility therapy and they must be medically necessary to assist participants in the acquisition, retention, or improvement of skills necessary for the participant to live and work in the community. ***
Nursing Services – Diagnosing and treating human responses to actual or potential health problems through such services as case finding, health teaching, health counseling, providing care supportive to or restorative of, life and well-being. Medical regimens are executed as prescribed. ***
***Must be prescribed as medically necessary and requires an insurance denial.***