Programs and
Services for Adults
with Disabilities
Massachusetts Rehabilitation
Commission
May 2014
Independent Living Centers
Description
Agencies run by and for persons with
disabilities, providing individual and
community services to people of all
ages regardless of the type of
disability.
Population Served
All ages
Eligibility
Must have a severe disability
Qualifications/Rules
Contact
Independent Living Center
2
Independent Living Services






Individual
Peer Counseling
Skills Training
Advocacy
Information & Referral
Emergency
Intervention
Service Coordination
Community services





Community
Education
Outreach
Community Advocacy
Collaboration
Technical Assistance
3
Supported Living Program
Description
Supports adults with severe physical
disabilities, age 18+ to live in the community or
move into the community from nursing homes
and other institutions. Provides a Case
Manager to assist with PCA program
management, financial management, personal
health care management, adaptive equipment,
housing, transportation and more.
Population Served
Adults
Eligibility
Severe physical disability accompanied by a
sensory, cognitive or interpersonal functional
limitation. Ineligible for a similar state funded
service. Have the ability to tolerate the
emotional stresses of community living, with
reasonable supports, and have the cognitive
ability to direct their case coordinators.
Contact
MRC: (617) 204-3851
4
Assistive Technology - IL
Description
•
•
•
•
•
Provides low and high tech solutions to increase
independence in major life functions such as
seeing, hearing, manual dexterity, mobility,
communicating, learning, working or self-care
Provisions of and training in use of AT
www.massmatch.org
www.getatstuff.com
www.dmerequipment.org
Population Served
All Ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Individual with a severe physical or mental impairment
whose ability to function independently is substantially
limited, and for whom services and training will
improve the ability to function, continue functioning or
move towards functioning independently.
Contact
MRC: (617) 204-3851 or local provider
5
Home Modification Loan Program
Description
Serves people with disabilities who need access
modifications to their primary residence - such as
ramps, bath or kitchen adaptations. Homeowners
or landlords may borrow up to $30,000. Loans
are made at 0% or 3% interest, and may be
deferred or amortizing.
Population Served
All Ages
Eligibility
Homeowner who has a disability, has a
Qualifications/Rules household member with a disability, or rents to an
individual with a disability. The modification must
relate to the functional limitations of a disability.
Income less than 200% of median income. The
unit requiring modifications must be the principal
residence of the individual with the disability
Contact
Susan Gillam at 617-727-5944
6
Assistive Technology Loan Program
Description
Provides reduced-rate loans to individuals with
disabilities or their families to purchase assistive
technology and services to be more independent.
Minimum loan amount is $500.
Population Served
All Ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Serves individuals of all ages with all types of
disabilities who have resided in the
Commonwealth six months or more and meet
bank partner’s (Sovereign Bank) credit standards.
Contact
MRC: (617) 204-3851
One of the 21 Access sites in MA.
or Easter Seals Massachusetts: 800-244-2756
7
Statewide Head Injury Program- SHIP
Description
Supports individuals with traumatic brain injury
and their families to access services in the
community that maintain or enhance
independence in the home, community or at
work.
Population Served
All ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Documented externally caused Traumatic
Brain Injury with resulting impairments in
behavioral, cognitive and/or physical
functioning. Able to participate in communitybased services.
Contact
MRC/SHIP: (617) 204-3852 (voice); (800)
223-2559 (toll free); (617) 204-3817 (TDD)
Email: shipu@mrc.state.ma.us
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SHIP Services
Service Coordination
Information and referral
Advocacy
Regional Head Injury Centers
Case Management
Companion Services
Individual skills training and
support
Residential and Supported
Living Services
Specialized Substance Abuse
Treatment
Outreach to veterans with
brain injury
Family Support Services
Clinical Services
Assistive Technology
Respite Services
Survivor and Family Educational
Programs
Outreach to homeless people with
brain injury
Consultation and Technical Assistance
to Public and Private Agencies and
Schools
Specialized Evaluations
Social and recreation programs
9
Home Care Assistance Program
Description
Provides homemaker services to individuals with
disabilities, age 18-59 years. (Grocery shopping,
meal preparation, light housecleaning, laundry).
Individual can hire person, or use provider
agency
Population Served
Disabled adults under age 60
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Disability/functional limitations, at risk of
hospitalization, living situation such that no
others in household are capable of performing
tasks, financial eligibility, not legally blind
Contact
MRC: 1-800-223-2559/617-204-3853
10
Community-Based Employment
Services and Project Impact
Description
Assists individuals with severe disabilities to
identify, obtain, and maintain long term
competitive employment in integrated settings
and Benefits Counseling for individuals
interested in going to work.
Population Served
All Ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
MRC Vocational Rehabilitation clients
Contact
MRC (617) 204-3854
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Money Follows the Person
Demonstration and Waivers
Description
Community-based services to help persons with a wide
range of disabilities to transition into the community
from nursing homes, rehab hospitals and other
institutions. This program is jointly managed by MRC,
MassHealth and DDS.
Population Served
Elders 65 +
Adults with disabilities age 18 – 64
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules





Contact
Residing in an inpatient facility for 90 or more
consecutive days (excluding Medicare-funded
rehab days)
Resident of Massachusetts
Eligible for Medicaid + at least 1 Medicaid-paid
inpatient day
Consented to the program
Transitioning to an eligible residence
UMass Medical School @ 855-499-5109
Money Follows the Person
Populations Served
 Elders
65 +
 Adults with disabilities age 18 – 64

People with intellectual and developmental
disabilities

People with physical disabilities including
acquired brain injury

People with mental illness (cannot be sole disorder or
disabling condition)
Money Follows the Person:
Qualification Criteria

Residing in an inpatient facility for 90 or more consecutive days
(excluding Medicare-funded rehab days)

Nursing facility

Chronic or rehabilitation hospitals

State psychiatric hospitals (for specific age group)

ICF/MR

Resident of Massachusetts

Eligible for Medicaid + at least 1 Medicaid-paid inpatient day

Consented to the program

Transitioning to an eligible residence

Home / apartment owned or leased

Community-based residential setting
MFP: Applications

The MFP waivers are separate from
enrollment in the MFP Demonstration
(done by the Transition Entity). To apply
for a waiver, submit an application to U.
Mass. Call 855-499-5109 for information.
15
Home and Community-Based Waiver Services (Adult Waivers)
ABI –
Residential
Habilitation
Waiver
(DDS)
Adult
Companion
ABI –NonResidential
Waiver
(MRC)
MFP
Residential
Supports
Waiver (DDS)
X
MFP
Community
Living
Waiver
(MRC)
DDS
Community
Living
Waiver
DDS
Intensive
Supports
Waiver
DDS Adult
Supports
Waiver
Frail Elder
Waiver
(EOEA)
Traumatic
Brain Injury
Waiver
(MRC)
X
X
X
X
X
X
Alzheimer’s/
Dementia
Coaching
Assisted
Living
Services
X
X
X
Behavioral
Supports and
Consultation
Chore Service
X
X
Day
Habilitation
Supplement
Day Services
Family
Training
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X1
X
X
X
X
X
X
Grocery
Shopping and
Home Delivery
1
2
DDS waivers provide Center Based Day Supports and Community Based Day Supports
Supportive Day Program for Frail Elder Waiver
X
X
X2
X
X
16
Home and Community-Based Waiver Services (Adult Waivers)
ABI –
Residential
Habilitation
Waiver
(DDS)
Home/
Environmental
Accessibility
Adaptations
ABI –NonResidential
Waiver
(MRC)
MFP
Residential
Supports
Waiver (DDS)
MFP
Community
Living
Waiver
(MRC)
DDS
Community
Living
Waiver
DDS
Intensive
Supports
Waiver
DDS Adult
Supports
Waiver
Frail Elder
Waiver
(EOEA)
Traumatic
Brain Injury
Waiver
(MRC)
X
X3
X
X
X
X
X
X
Home Delivery
of PrePackaged
Medication
X
Home Health
Aide
Homemaker
X
X
X
X
X
HomeDelivered
Meals
X
Independent
Living
Supports
X
Individual
Goods &
Services
Individual
Support
&Community
Habilitation
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Individualized
Day Supports
X
X
X
X
17
3
Available only in Shared Living
Home and Community-Based Waiver Services (Adult Waivers)
ABI –
Residential
Habilitation
Waiver
(DDS)
ABI –NonResidential
Waiver
(MRC)
MFP
Residential
Supports
Waiver (DDS)
MFP
Community
Living
Waiver
(MRC)
Individualized
Home
Supports
DDS
Community
Living
Waiver
DDS
Intensive
Supports
Waiver
DDS Adult
Supports
Waiver
X
X
X
Laundry
X
X
Peer
Counseling/
Peer Support
Personal Care
Physical
Therapy
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pre-vocational
Services
Residential
Habilitation
Traumatic
Brain Injury
Waiver
(MRC)
X
Live-In
Caregiver
Occupational
Therapy
Frail Elder
Waiver
(EOEA)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Home and Community-Based Waiver Services (Adult Waivers)
ABI
Residential
Habilitation
Waiver
(DDS)
Respite
ABI NonResidential
Waiver
(MRC)
MFP
Residential
Supports
Waiver (DDS)
X
Shared Home
Supports
Shared Living
24 Hour
Supports
MFP
Community
Living
Waiver
(MRC)
DDS
Community
Living
Waiver
DDS
Intensive
Supports
Waiver
DDS Adult
Supports
Waiver
Frail Elder
Waiver
(EOEA)
Traumatic
Brain Injury
Waiver
(MRC)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Skilled Nursing
X
X
X
Specialized
Medical
Equipment
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Speech
Therapy
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X5
X
X
Stabilization
Supported
Employment
Supported
Home Care
Aide
X
X
X
X
X
4
5
X4
X
X
X
X
This service in Frail Elder Waiver is defined as Home Based Wandering Response System and Medication Dispensing System
DDS Waivers provide both Group Supported Employment and Individual Supported Employment Services
19
Home and Community-Based Waiver Services (Adult Waivers)
ABI –
Residential
Habilitation
Waiver
(DDS)
ABI –NonResidential
Waiver (MRC)
MFP
Residential
Supports
Waiver (DDS)
MFP
Community
Living
Waiver
(MRC)
Transitional
Assistance
Services 6
X
X
X7
X8
Transportation
X
X
X
X
DDS
Community
Living
Waiver
DDS
Adult
Supports
Waiver
X
X
24- Hour Self
Directed Home
Sharing
Support
Vehicle
Modification
DDS
Intensive
Supports
Waiver
X
X
Frail
Elder
Waiver
(EOEA)
Traumatic
Brain
Injury
Waiver
(MRC)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
Transitional Assistance Services are non-recurring personal household set-up expenses that do not constitute room and board and may
include: security deposits, set-up fees and deposits for utilities, essential furnishings, pest eradication, one-time cleaning, moving expenses,
environmental adaptation, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, activities to assess need, arrange for and procure needed resources.
7 Transitional Assistance Services are provided to MFP Waiver Participants through the MFP Demonstration grant.
8 Transitional Assistance Services are provided to MFP Waiver Participants through the MFP Demonstration grant.
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MFP: Demonstration

To receive transition services under the
Demonstration, a Transition Entity
determines eligibility and enrolls
consumers. The Demonstration assists
consumers to leave institutions and follows
them for the first 365 days that they are in
the community. Most ILC’s and ASAP’s
are Transition Entities.
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Programs and
Services for Adults
with Disabilities
Other Agency Programs
Department of Mental Health Services: Brief Descriptions
SERVICES
DESCRIPTION
Inpatient/Continuing Care
System
DMH-operated psychiatric inpatient facilities: two psychiatric hospitals; psychiatric units in two public
health hospitals; five community mental health centers that promote treatment, rehabilitation, recovery.
Community Based Flexible
Supports (CBFS)
The DMH community service system: Rehabilitation, support, and supervision with the goal of stable
housing, participation in the community, self management, self determination, empowerment, wellness,
improved physical health, and independent employment.
Respite Services
Respite Services provide temporary short-term, community-based clinical and rehabilitative services that
enable a person to live in the community as fully and independently as possible.
Program of Assertive
Community Treatment (PACT)
A multidisciplinary team approach providing acute and long term support, community based psychiatric
treatment, assertive outreach, and rehabilitation services to persons served.
Clubhouses
Clubhouse Services provide skill development and employment services that help individuals to develop
skills in social networking, independent living, budgeting, accessing transportation, self-care, maintaining
educational goals, and securing and retaining employment.
Recovery Learning
Communities (RLCs)
Consumer-operated networks of self help/peer support, information and referral, advocacy and training
activities.
DMH Case Management
State-operated service that provides assessment of needs, service planning development and monitoring,
service referral and care coordination, and family/caregiver support.
Emergency Services (ESP)
Mobile behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention, stabilization services, 24/7, 365 days per year.
Services are either provided at an ESP physical site or in the community.
Homelessness Services
Comprehensive screening, engagement, stabilization, needs assessment, and referral services for adults
living in shelters.
Child/Adolescent Services
Services include case management, individual and family flexible support, residential, day programs,
respite care and intensive residential treatment.
Forensic Services
Provides court-based forensic mental health assessments and consultations for individuals facing criminal
or delinquency charges and civil commitment proceedings; individual statutory and non-statutory
evaluations; mental health liaisons to adult and juvenile justice court personnel.
23
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Treatment

Covered by MassHealth through
individual’s Managed Care Organization
OR through Mass. Behavioral Health
Partnership for those on PCC Plan
24
Mental Health Resources: Internet Links
DMH Internet Page
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dmh/

DMH Resource Guide
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/provider/guidelinesresources/clinical-treatment/mental-health/dmhresource-guides.html

List of RLC’s
 http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dm
h/recovery-learning-communities.html
25
Massachusetts Substance Abuse
Information and Education Helpline
Description
Provides free and confidential information and
referrals for alcohol and other drug abuse
problems and related concerns. Links
consumers with information about treatment and
prevention services. Services are available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. Language
interpreters are always available
Population Served
All Ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Contact
800-327-5050 or
www.helpline-online.com
26
Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Description
Technical Assistance, Case Management, DHILS,
Interpreters, Assistive Technology
Population Served
All ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Deaf and Hard of Hearing who: require
assistance from more than one agency and need
help coordinating, having difficulty accessing state
services, particularly due to communication
issues, want to live more independently, have
legal issues, are in crisis, or are in hospitals, jails
or homeless.
Contact
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing (617) 740-1600 (voice) and (617)
740-1700 (TTY)
27
Services for Legally Blind
Description
Vocational Rehabilitation; Homemaking services
to individuals under 60 with multiple disabilities;
Independent living social services; Rehabilitation
teaching; Orientation and mobility training,
Assistive technology
Population Served
All Ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Determined Legally Blind by Eye Care Provider
and reported to MCB
Contact
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
800-392-6450 (voice) and 800-392-6556 (TTY)
28
MS Homelinks Program
Description
Short term care management that provides
information and referral, hands on assistance
with applications, and financial assistance with
some services. The goal is to help stabilize
individual with MS and their families during
difficult times/crises
Population Served
All Ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
People with MS
Contact
MS Society: 1-800-344-4867
29
Veteran’s Services
Description
Massachusetts Department of Veterans'
Services website provides information on state
and federal benefits, including details about
where and how to apply as well as resources for
veterans and their families
Population Served
All Ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Veteran
Contact
Each city and town has a Veteran’s Agent.
(www.mass.gov/veterans/veteransagents)
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DD - Specialized Services
Description
An array of services and supports for eligible
adults, including day, residential, individual
support, transportation, and services for children
with autism.
Population Served
All ages
Eligibility
Qualifications/Rules
Have an intellectual disability as defined in DDS
regulations
Contact
DDS – 617 -727-5608 or www.mass.gov/dds
31