SUPPLEMENTAL PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK
FOR MSS PROGRAMS:
DT&H
CARES
AUTISM
EMPLOYMENT
This handbook belongs to:
__________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 3
SERVICES PROVIDED ................................................................... 4
PROGRAM HOURS ...................................................................... 5
ADMISSION ACCEPTANCE ........................................................... 6
ACCOMMODATIONS................................................................... 7
PROGRAM STAFF QUALIFICATIONS ............................................ 8
CSSPA.......................................................................................... 9
BEHAVIORS ................................................................................. 1
DISCIPLINE .................................................................................. 2
MEDICAL INFORMATION ............................................................ 3
TRANSPORTATION ...................................................................... 4
YOUR RIGHTS .............................................................................. 5
Service-Related Rights.............................................................. 5
YOUR RIGHTS .............................................................................. 6
Protection-Related Rights ........................................................ 6
YOUR RIGHTS .............................................................................. 7
Protection-Related Rights (Cont.) ............................................ 7
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................. 8
CONFLICT OF INTEREST .............................................................. 9
VULNERABLE ADULT ACT .......................................................... 10
SUSPENSION ............................................................................. 11
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DISCHARGE ............................................................................... 11
Voluntary Discharge ............................................................... 11
Involuntary Discharge ............................................................ 11
Discharge Planning ................................................................. 11
ATTENDANCE ............................................................................ 12
HOLIDAYS ................................................................................. 13
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION .............................................. 14
Personal Belongings ............................................................... 14
Meals...................................................................................... 14
Worker Representative Committee ....................................... 14
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION (cont.) .................................. 15
Civil Rights .............................................................................. 15
DRESS CODE.............................................................................. 16
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE .......................................................... 17
CONCLUSION ............................................................................ 18
CONTACT INFORMATION ......................................................... 21
COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE RESOURCES .................................. 22
2
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Midwest Special Services (MSS).
MSS provides services to adults, age 18 or older,
who have intellectual disabilities, Autism
Spectrum Disorder, or are medically fragile.
This supplemental handbook will help you
understand your rights and responsibilities as a
participant at MSS. This handbook should be used
in addition to the Midwest Special Services, Inc.
DT&H Participant Handbook. Please read both
handbooks and keep them at home to use if you
have any questions about your program.
3
SERVICES PROVIDED
You can expect to receive instruction in the following areas:
Creative Arts
Vocational Skills
Adaptive Living Skills
Community Resources/Volunteering
Sensory Integration
Recreational Skills
4
PROGRAM HOURS
Many participants attend MSS Monday through Friday
for about 6 hours per day, unless part-time hours have
been agreed upon.
BUSINESS HOURS ARE FROM
7:30 AM TO 4:00 PM.
5
ADMISSION ACCEPTANCE
MSS tries to serve everyone who would like to
benefit from our programs. There are a number of
criteria that need to be met and the center you
choose to attend must have openings.
The capacities of our centers are:
St. Paul: 110
Eagan: 80 Brooklyn Park: 52
Apple Valley: 60
Shoreview: 72
Oakdale: 40
You can read the full DT&H Participant Handbook
for more information.
Your County Case Manager, guardian, and MSS will
help you through this process.
6
ACCOMMODATIONS
MSS wants each of their facilities to meet your needs and be
fully accessible. All of the MSS centers have:
Power assisted entrance doors
Full kitchens
Accessible bathrooms
A place to keep personal items
MSS has a manual no-lift policy and will use mechanical lifts or
other safe and comfortable ways if you need help transferring
out of your wheelchair.
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PROGRAM STAFF QUALIFICATIONS
Each participant will be assigned to a Designated
Coordinator (DC). Your DC will help advocate for you,
and help you with your goals and daily needs. Your DC is
also the main person you should call or talk to if you have
questions or concerns about your program.
Every day, you will also work with several Direct Support
Professionals (DSP) who are trained to work with you
specifically.
MSS also works with a Nurse Consultant to help with
your daily medical needs.
ALL MSS staff meets the education and experience
requirements required by the State of MN.
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CSSPA
Everyone at MSS has a CSSPA (Coordinated Services and
Support Plan Addendum). This is a written plan outlining
your goals and objectives. A meeting will be held once a
year (or more if requested) to review your CSSPA. This
meeting should involve you, your County Case Manager,
your MSS Designated Coordinator, your legal guardian,
and your residential provider. Your goals and objectives
will focus on your areas of need and interest and may
include things like:
Employment
Independent Living
Leisure/Recreation
Sensory
Creative Arts
Volunteerism
If you have any questions or complaints about your
services, you should speak with your DC as soon as
possible. If you are unable get your questions answered
and/or your complaints resolved with your DC, follow the
steps outlined in the Grievance Procedure, the Appeal
Procedure, or the Data Privacy Statement which are
found in this handbook.
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BEHAVIORS
MSS provides reasonable accommodations for
participant behavior patterns. All MSS staff
members are trained to help people with a
wide range of behavior challenges.
If you display inappropriate behavior prior to
admission or develop behavior challenges while
you are at MSS, a plan of intervention may be
developed with you and your team to help you
learn new ways to manage challenging
behaviors.
MSS may also help find resources and referrals
to help arrange more support for your behavior
needs.
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DISCIPLINE
Examples of behaviors which may be a problem are:
*Verbal Abuse
*Physical Abuse
*Stealing others’ property
*Property Destruction
*Repeated refusal to work with staff
*Hurting yourself
*Violating the rights or dignity of others
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
All MSS staff members are certified to help you with
your medications, but you will need to bring in a
prescription from your doctor and a supply of any
medication you need to take.
Every year, you will need to give MSS a copy of your
physical exam, a list of medications you are taking,
and a seizure protocol, if applicable.
There are a few medical procedures MSS will not be
able to help you with, so please talk to your DC as
soon as possible about all of your medical needs.
3
TRANSPORTATION
MSS will arrange for your transportation every day. If
you know you are going to be absent, please let MSS
know as early as possible.
MSS will provide transportation for all outings, mobile
work crews, and other program activities. MSS does
not provide transportation to medical appointments
or non-program related activities or appointments.
4
YOUR RIGHTS
Service-Related Rights
You have the right to:
 Let MSS know what services you need and want, and how we
can modify existing services to meet your needs. Your team
is available to help you get and keep these services.
 Participate fully in developing your service plans (your
CSSPA) according to MN law
 Refuse or stop receiving services provided to you through
MSS and know the consequences
 Know before you come to MSS any limitations we have to
serve you or services we cannot provide.
 Know the MSS admission, suspension, and discharge criteria,
and, if applicable, why MSS isn't able to serve you
 A well-planned and smooth transfer to another provider if
MSS isn't able to continue your services
 Know what the cost is for services and if that cost changes.
 Know before you come to MSS who is paying for your
Services. If you have to pay for some of the services, MSS
will work with you and your team on the payment process.
 Receive services from staff that are trained to keep you safe
and healthy. If you think our staff needs more training or if
additional training is in your CSSP, MSS will make sure staff
receives that training.
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YOUR RIGHTS
Protection-Related Rights
You have the right to:
 Have your personal, financial, services, health and medical
information kept private. You also have the right to know when MSS
is sharing your information, why they are sharing it, and who they
are sharing it with.
 See your records and recorded information, and have copies made
free of charge according to MN state and federal laws.
 Be treated nicely by all staff. Staff are never permitted to be abusive
(hitting, yelling swearing at you), neglectful (such as not giving you
your lunch or medication or not giving you the supervision that you
need). Staff are trained in preventing these things from happening
and how to report it if it does.
 Be free from restraint, time out, or seclusion procedures except for
in an emergency to keep you safe from yourself or others. Staff
members are trained to help support you in challenging situations
and will follow all reporting procedures according to MN law.
 Receive services in a clean and safe environment to promote health
and well–being of all persons served.
 You and your personal property/belongings being treated with
respect.
 To observe and participate in cultural, ethnic, and/or religious
activities. Please let MSS if you need any accommodations in this
area.
**Please refer to the DTH Participant Handbook for a more thorough
list of your rights**
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YOUR RIGHTS
Protection-Related Rights (Cont.)
You have the right to:
 To live, work, and be in a place without bias and harassment regarding your
race, gender, age, disability, spirituality, and sexual orientation.
 Know about MSS’ grievance policy and procedures, how to contact persons
responsible for addressing problems, and how to appeal if you are not
happy with your services or need to make a formal complaint.
 Know the name, phone number, website, email, and street address of the
state, county, or advocacy agency to contact for additional information or
assistance in filing a complaint or grievance.
 Assert your rights or have your family, authorized representative, or legal
representative assert your rights for you on your behalf.
 Decide whether or not you want to participate in any research or
experimental treatment and consult with your support team before making
a decision.
 Spend time with persons of your choosing and have private visits with them
unless your health, safety, or well-being is at risk.
 Spend time alone and close your door for privacy, unless your health,
safety, or well-being is at risk.
 To participate or refuse to engage in activities planned by you, your family,
your support team, staff, and other people.
 Receive and send mail. Staff will not look at your mail if you do not want
them to.
 Marital privacy at your home for visits with your spouse or domestic
partner.
 Choose your friends,
 Personal privacy. If you need assistance with personal care, our staff will
help you and they will do everything they can to respect your right to
privacy.
 Engage in activities that you choose.
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YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
It is your responsibility to:
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Treat other participants and MSS staff in a respectful manner
Be as active as possible in planning and creating your support plan
Observe all rules and safety practices at MSS
Keep all appointments scheduled with MSS or notify MSS as soon as
possible if you need to change an appointment
Approach all tasks and testing with a “willingness to try” attitude and to
provide the staff with honest feedback
Bring problems that are affecting you to the attention of the staff
Use the Grievance and Appeal Procedures appropriately and in the steps
outlined
Respect the privacy of other participants
Help with your medical matters
Keep MSS informed if your medical status changes or if you change the
type, dosage, or schedule of any medication even if you do not take this
medication at MSS
Alert a staff person if you have concerns about any suspected maltreatment
of yourself or another participant
If you feel that someone has violated your rights, we will investigate your
complaint and will talk you about what we found out during our
investigation. We will work with YOU to answer your questions and solve
any problem we found to make sure that your rights have been respected.
**Please refer to the DTH Participant Handbook for a more thorough
list of your rights**
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CONFLICT OF INTEREST
All staff members of MSS are expected to maintain a
relationship free from conflict of interest that may
negatively impact the services you receive.
MSS employees must disclose to their supervisor the
following information:
 When they work with you at home and at work
 If they are socializing with you during non-work hours
 If they serve as your guardian or other type of legal
representative while employed at MSS
 If they are related to you
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VULNERABLE ADULT ACT
If you feel you have been treated unfairly or poorly tell any
member of MSS’ staff and they will assist you in making a
formal report when needed. If you speak with someone at MSS
your conversation will be kept confidential. You may contact
the Common Entry Point for your county without anyone else’s
knowledge.
Ramsey County:
651-266-4012 (Day)
651-291-6795 (Evening)
Hennepin County:
612-348-8526
Dakota County
651-554-6000 (Day)
952-891-7171 (Evening)
Anoka County:
763-422-7070
Washington County:
651-430-6484
You will need to give as much information as possible. Again,
the information will be kept confidential.
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SUSPENSION
MSS has the right to suspend you from the program if you display
behaviors that are not safe for you or others, or if there is a
communication problem/breakdown with your support team. If
you get suspended, MSS will tell you and your team and will give
you a copy of our Service Suspension and Discharge Procedure.
MSS will help you take the necessary steps so you can come back to
the program.
DISCHARGE
Voluntary Discharge
You can leave MSS services at any time. We ask that you give us a
30 day notice so we can help you transition into your new program.
Involuntary Discharge
MSS may choose to discharge you from your program for a variety
of reasons such as funding issues, behavioral issues, or
communication issues with your support team. If MSS is
considering this, we will tell you and your team and work with you
to resolve the problem. If we are unable to resolve the problem,
we will provide you with recommendations for other service
providers that may be better able to meet your needs.
Discharge Planning
After you are discharged from MSS, a summary report will be
written and we will complete follow-ups at 30, 60, and 90 day
intervals to see if we can be of any further assistance.
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ATTENDANCE
 MSS is open Monday through Friday, and most centers
provide services from 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM.
 Your schedule will be discussed at your Intake Meeting. You
will be expected to attend on a regular basis so you can make
progress on your goals and participate in activities. If you
need to be absent for a vacation, illness, or appointment
please let your center know right away.
 Please try to schedule your medical and dental appointments
for early morning or late afternoon, if possible. It is
important that you come to work for the remainder of the
day, even on days you may have an appointment. If you are
absent a lot, it may lead to suspension or discharge.
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HOLIDAYS
Midwest is closed on the following days:
(Some of these days may change, depending on the
calendar, but you will be given a schedule at the
beginning of each year informing you of the days MSS is
closed)
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
& the day after
Christmas Eve
& Christmas Day
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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Personal Belongings
Please bring a clean change of clothing and personal
hygiene products (briefs, etc.) to MSS every day and label
everything with your name.
Meals
You need to bring your own lunch to MSS every day
prepared especially for you (chopped, pureed, etc.).
Staff can help if you need assistance eating. All MSS sites
have refrigerators and microwaves.
Worker Representative Committee
This committee is made up of people from each MSS
center, and is a chance to share ideas and information,
and improve communication between workers and
management. Someone from the Executive Team may
attend as well as staff from your center.
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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION (cont.)
Civil Rights
If you feel you have been discriminated against because of your
race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age,
marital status, sexual preference, membership or activity in a
human rights commission or status in regard to public assistance
you can file a complaint to:
Department of Human Rights
190 E. 5th St, suite 700
St. Paul, MN 55101
- or Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, DC 20201
Specific information about getting data, contest accuracy and
completeness of data, etc. is available upon request.
Harassment
If someone says or does something to you that you do not like, talk
to an MSS staff person. We want MSS to be a comfortable place
for you and everyone else.
Conflict Resolution
If you are having problems with your co-workers or a staff member,
please talk to your DC about it. If your DC is not able to help you,
talk to the Program Supervisor or Program Director. From there, if
necessary, talk to MSS President Lyth Hartz at 651-778-1000.
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DRESS CODE
 Wear clothing that is clean and fits you properly
 Do not wear clothing with writing, symbols, cartoons,
or anything that might offend, ridicule, or criticize
someone else because of their race, gender, religion,
nationality, sexual orientation, disability, age, income,
etc.
 Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles. Sandals
are ok in summer as long as they stay on your feet and
have non-slip soles. PLEASE NO FLIP-FLOPS!
 Dress appropriately for the weather.
 If you work in the community, your DC will talk to you
if you have a special work dress code.
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GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
If you have a problem, dispute, or difference of opinion
about something in this handbook or with an MSS
employee you must follow these steps:
Step 1
Speak to your DC, who will get back to you in writing
within 5 program days.
Step 2
If Step 1 does not resolve the situation, talk or write to
your Program Director
Step 3
If the grievance is not resolved in Steps 1 or 2, you or
your representative must put your grievance in writing
and submit it to the MSS President within 10 days
following the decision in Step 2.
Step 4
If you are not satisfied with the decision in Step 3, you or
your representative can appeal to the Board of Directors
within 10 days following the decision in Step 3.
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CONCLUSION
Thank you for choosing MSS to meet your
needs!! Please refer to this handbook if you
have questions, otherwise MSS staff members
are always happy to talk with you about your
questions and/or concerns.
We hope that you will be pleased with the
many opportunities we are able to offer you.
Please feel free to contact your DC or Program
Director with any questions or concerns you
may have. We look forward to having the
opportunity to work with you.
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I HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF THE MIDWEST
SPECIAL SERVICES, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL
HANDBOOK FOR PARTICIPANTS OF THE DAY
TRAINING & HABILITATION PROGRAM.
__________________________________________
Participant’s Signature (Or your guardian, if you are unable to sign)
_____________________
Date
_________________________________________
MSS Designated Coordinator Signature
_____________________
Date
19
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CONTACT INFORMATION
We can be contacted at:
Apple Valley
Brooklyn Park
Eagan
Oakdale
Shoreview
St. Paul
952-891-5345
763-557-1231
651-454-9010
651-777-7220
651-483-3000
651-778-1000
or on the Internet at:
www.mwsservices.org or www.facebook.com
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COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
DMR Supplies
www.dmrsupplies.com
Arc Greater Twin Cities
www.arcgreatertwincities.org
8823 Zealand Ave N, Suite O
Minneapolis, MN 55445
P: (763) 420-7828
F: (763) 420-7892
Email: info@dmrsupplies.com
2446 University Ave. W., Ste 110
St. Paul, MN 55114
P: (952) 920-0855
F: (952) 920-1480
Email: info@arcgreatertwincities.org
Innovative Therapy
Mary Danielson
PACER Center
www.pacer.org
1696 7th St NW
Buffalo, MN 55313
P: (612) 597-2975
F: (763) 682-1668
Email: mary@innovativetherapy.net
8161 Normandale Blvd
Bloomington, MN 55437
P: (952) 838-9000
F: (952) 838-0199
Metro Crisis Coordination Program
www.metrocrisis.org
Key Medical Supply, Inc.
www.keymedicalsupply.com
18986 Lake Drive East
Chanhassen, MN 55317
P: (612) 869-6811
F: (612) 869-6743
5910 Rice Creek Parkway, Ste 1000
Shoreview, MN 55126
P: (651) 792-3860
F: (651) 792-3867
Stephen Antonello, Ph. D.
Licensed Psychologist
Family Psychological Services
750 South Plaza Drive, Ste 104
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
P: (651) 688-2335
F: (651) 688-2669
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