You Asked and We Answered
What about those who can’t work in the community?
For a small percentage of individuals, community employment may not be a possibility. Every
person should be provided with the opportunity to make an informed choice to decide if
community employment is a good fit for them. This not just about community jobs. Integration
is about what a person experiences, it is not defined by a physical setting. An individual can
remain in their current setting as long as the setting does not isolate them from the broader
community.
I heard that services will no longer be funded, is that true?
The proposed changes do not eliminate day services. People will have the opportunity to spend
their days integrated in and with full access to the greater community. Services in settings that
do not isolate individuals from the broader community will continue to be funded. All providers
have the same obligation to ensure that an individual’s experience is one that does not isolate
them from the broader community.
Are services going away?
No, Summit DD will support providers to create new service models that promote community
employment and integrated day services will be developed. We will continue to honor the
choices of individuals and offer more community options for individuals who want them, and
allow those who wish to remain in their current setting to do so – as long as that setting does
not isolate them from the broader community. Our plan is to develop and offer more inclusive
options, a plan that we have been working on for the past decade.
Will Summit DD continue to be my provider if they are now?
Conflict of interest continues to be an issue that DODD and CMS are in conversations about and
we can’t say with any certainty the outcome or timeframe of those discussions. In Summit
County there are a variety of choices with more than 200 providers currently providing services.
Transition will occur over a period of time to give families and individuals time to carefully
review their service options. All providers of day programs will work under the same
requirements for integration that the transition plan requires.
How will Summit DD ensure that individuals receive the same quality of service?
Summit DD already has several processes in place to build quality services, regardless of who
provides that service, including ongoing monitoring by service coordinators, compliance
reviews, and investigations of unusual incidents. We work as a team with our providers to
ensure the individuals we support receive the best care possible. Additionally, the Governor’s
proposed budget includes several initiatives related to funding and training for providers of
home and community-based services that are intended to improve the stability of the direct
support workforce. This is one area where Summit DD’s role will grow over the next several
years.
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What happens to independent providers?
Subject to great debate and feedback, officials have removed this from the CMS transition
discussions. The DODD is developing more self-directed options for a number of waivers that
would allow families to keep their independent caregivers. This provision is part of the
Governor’s 2016-2017 biennial budget and not part of the CMS transition plan.
How will you determine what is a safe environment for my loved one?
Through a person-centered planning process you and your team determine the best
environment for your loved one. Person-centered planning ensures that people are not forced
into options they do not want. Teams use assessments to help make sure that services and
supports are in place to ensure health and safety, regardless of the setting that the service is
received.
What if I disagree?
As always, if you disagree with your service, you are entitled to due process.
What happens if my loved one goes into that setting and doesn’t do well? How long
before we have to wait to change it?
Person-centered planning ensures that the individual is the lead on each team. Our service
coordinators are here to help you through the provider selection process. We encourage you to
visit providers and interview them before making a decision, and will be here to help you with
that process. As always, if you are unhappy with your provider, or would like a new setting, you
can revise your service plan at any time. Your team will meet with you, at least annually, to
determine what is important to you to help build your individual service plan.
What happens to transportation?
Non-medical transportation, or transportation to your day program or work, will continue to be
funded. If you are eligible for transportation services you will be able to choose from a variety
of willing providers and can change providers at any time.
Will my loved one’s SSA continue to be a part of the process? How will it look
different?
Your SSA will continue to coordinate services with the team. SSAs create Individual Service
Plans (ISPs) after getting information from you about what is important to you and for you, and
what your goals are.
Will this cost me anything?
Waiver services will continued to be funded using federal and local funds to provide needed
services and supports.
When does this begin?
There is a lot about future changes that we just don’t know yet, but we will continue to be
transparent and provide information as we know it. CMS announced that states needed to be in
compliance by 2019, and Ohio asked for a plan that spanned until 2024. We expect CMS to
respond to Ohio’s transition plan by late summer and will provide you with the details as we
know them. Summit DD will continue our plans to support providers while they develop more
inclusive opportunities for individuals to choose from.
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When will I know if my loved one’s current situation will be permissible under the
new initiative?
Integration is about the experiences that one has and not about the setting itself. Once CMS
and Ohio agree to a transition plan, current sheltered settings will be reviewed to determine if it
needs modifications to come into compliance with the new rule. Providers will have a period of
time to make adjustments to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to experience
integration in the broader community.
How can I be sure we don’t get pushed into a decision we are not comfortable
with?
Person-centered planning provides choices to individuals about what they do and do not want.
Our goal is to make sure that more integrated experiences are available to those who want
them.
Who decides and what does it look like when you say “as long as it does not isolate
them from the broader community.”
This means that those with disabilities are able to experience the same things as people who do
not have disabilities. When settings are reviewed, they will seek input from the individual or the
family to determine if the settings isolates them from the broader community.
What happens if my provider(s) of choice are phased out? My loved one built a
relationship with them and now they are left to start all over again.
As always, you have a choice on who provides services. You will work with your team to choose
among several quality providers who are uniquely trained to care for your loved one.
How is Summit DD prepared to handle these changes?
Summit DD has always worked to connect individuals to full equitable lives that achieve their
personal vision of health, happiness and success. That will not change. We work with each
individual and their family throughout their lifetime to connect you to needed services and
supports.
How will Summit DD communicate with me about these changes?
We believe in being transparent and want to continue to be a resource for families. We will
host community meetings when new information is available, provide information at
SummitDD.org, use direct mailings, provide monthly email newsletters (sign up online) and mail
quarterly printed newsletters to your house. We encourage you to connect with us on
Facebook as well to stay current.
During this transition period, will my needs or the needs of my loved one still be
met?
Yes. Summit DD will continue to make sure everyone receives the services they need. No one
will fall through the cracks. Services may be delivered in a different way in the future, but
Summit DD’s SSAs and other coordinating staff will continue to make it their priority to connect
each person to the right services that meet their needs through person-centered planning.
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Will Summit DD still offer support if a provider decides to no longer provide
services?
Absolutely. Summit DD partners with more than 200 service providers in Summit County. We
will continue to be the resource that connects people back to the appropriate services and
providers they need. Should you want to or need to choose a new provider, we will be there to
help you along the way and connect you to providers as well as coordinate meetings so that you
can choose the provider that is right for you.
What if my loved one isn’t ready for employment after high school? What does the
transition from school-age services to adult services look like?
Every person we serve will work with their SSA and their support team to create an
individualized plan and will receive services based on their needs. There are many individuals we
support that are not ready for employment. It may take a lifetime and they may never be ready
for employment. Summit DD is committed to providing opportunities for individuals to receive
more training and gain the skills they need. We are not sure what that setting may look like as
individuals embark on the path to employment, but we will make sure those needs are met in a
safe, high quality environment.
How do I find or contact elected officials if I want to voice my concerns?
Several people have asked about how to contact their elected officials for comment. To find and
contact your senator or representative, visit Whoismyrepresentative.com. This site will allow
you to find your elected officials by ZIP code as well as give you a link to each official’s website
where you can find contact information or fill out their online contact form.
Questions? Call our information hotline at 330-634-TALK (8255) or visit
SummitDD.org and “Contact Us”.
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