We recently published a free resource guide titled "Planning a Trip to Disney for a Child with Disabilities or Medical Needs", which I thought would be useful for your readers who are planning a trip to Disney.

Disney strives to provide a memorable experience for every child, and has been consistently ranked as the most accommodating theme park in the U.S. for families of children with special needs.

Our guide provides information on the types of accommodations and services Disney provides for each type of disability such as:
  • Cognitive Disabilities
  • Visual Disabilities
  • Behavioral (ADD/ADHD)
  • Health (Diabetes)
We also included updated information about the Disability Access Service pass, and the required steps to obtain one.

You can view the guide here: https://millionmilesecrets.com/guides/planning-a-trip-to-disney-for-a-child-with-disabilities-or-medical-needs/

Julia Dunlap
Million Mile Secrets
1101 Red Ventures Drive | Fort Mill, SC 29707
Click here for the update Maine Disability Campaign Questionnaire, circulated to candidates running for office in 2018, organized/compiled by Disability Voters of Maine (formerly Disability Activists and Allies of Maine).
Maine Association For Community Service Providers (MACSP)
2018 Technology Conference
for Inclusiveness & Excellence
October 24th and 25th
SPACE IS LIMITED! 
Learn More About Our Keynotes
AGENDA OVERVIEW
BOOTS ON THE GROUND LEVEL
Finding the Right Keys…Opening the Door to an Independent Life!!! and The Future is Now! Hints for Using Apps and Alexa for an Independent Life
Alice Brouhard, R.N., Parent
 
Switching it Up! A Rhode Island Success Story
Joanne Heffernan, Augmentative Assistive Technology, Amanda Robidoux and Parents; Kerry Birchall, M.Ed., Vision Specialist
 
One Family's Story
Dan Habib, Filmmaker; President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Practical Assistive Technology
Connie Melvin & Richard Harrington, Trinity Services
 
Using Technology to Increase Employment
Than Johnson, CRSI

Assistive Technology for Living & Working
Kathy Adams, Maine CITE
Overview of Remote Support Technology and Real World Successes  
Dustin Wright, Rest Assured
 
BACK OFFICE AND EHR LEVEL

Innovations at Therap Services: Electronic Billing and Business Intelligence Dashboards
Therap Services
 
Simply Home: Best Practices in Assessment & Service and Enabling Technology
Cameron Kempson, Simply Home
 
Removing Obstacles: An Innovative EMR System
Ashley Dooley, Remarkable Health
 
HIPAA Compliance, Not Compromise and Cybersecurity in the Workplace
Scott MacDonald & Michael Campbell, MTG
 
Mission Driven Technology: A Path through the Clutter
Le'Ann Milinder, Institute of Professional Practice

What is Trending in Agency Workforce Management
Kristen Redwine, MiTC

POLICY LEVEL
Technology Initiatives at the Federal Level
Esme Grant Grewal, ANCOR
 
Disabling Segregation - A Family's Fight to Ensure an Inclusive Education for their Son
Dan Habib, Filmmaker; President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities 
 Disability Cocoon: Lessons learned, opportunities, challenges, and anticipated regulatory changes in the area of Remote Supports
Dustin Wright, Disability Cocoon
 
Status of EVV in Maine
Sam Senft, Office of MaineCare Services
 
Across State Lines - Experiences with Technology
Than Johnson, CRSI and Le'Ann Milinder, Institute of Profes­sional Practice
 
Policies, Payment, Promotion: Expanding the Use of Technology in Services to Individuals with Disabilities
Barb Turner, Former Senior Director of External Affairs, ARRM  

SPECIAL OFFER (EXTRA FEE)
4 hours Hands-On Assistive Technology Training. All supplies will be provided. Connie Melvin & Richard Harrington, Trinity Services
REGISTER NOW
$159-$199/person includes two-day conference, continental breakfast, snacks, and lunch each day
$69/person optional 4 hour hands-on assistive technology workshop on Day 1 
During this hands-on event, attendees will be guided through the process of creating five different pieces of assistive technology using supplies that are available from their local hardware store. All of the supplies needed to build these items will be provided to you. Connie Melvin & Richard Harrington, Trinity Services/ Joliet, Illinois

BOOK A ROOM: Block Reserved until 10/2/18 Use code: MAC for discounted rate.Check out MACSP's events page for more information on this rare opportunity to see national speakers here in Maine. http://meacsp.org/macsp-events/

Rule Adoption: Chapter III, Section 21, Allowances for Home and Community Benefits for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder

Notice of Emergency Major Substantive Agency Rule-making Adoption 
AGENCY:  Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services 
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE:  10-144 C.M.R., Chapter 101, Chapter III, Section 21, Allowances for Home and Community Benefits for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder 
ADOPTED RULE NUMBER: 
CONCISE SUMMARY:   This emergency major substantive rule is adopted in accordance with P.L. 2017, ch. 459, An Act Making Certain Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government (“Act”). The Act gave notice that the Legislature determined that “these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety….”  Pursuant to this Legislative determination, the requirements of 5 M.R.S. § 8054(1) are satisfied.  
The Act provides funding to increase reimbursement rates for specific procedure codes in Chapter III, Section 21.  The legislation directed the Department to increase the rates by rulemaking for the specific procedure codes in equal proportion to the funding provided for that purpose. 
In addition to the 33 rate increases required by P.L. 2017, ch. 459, the Department has also increased the rate for a 34th procedure code – T2017 QC (Home Support, Habilitation, residential, waiver – Remote Support – Monitor only). In accordance with 5 M.R.S. Sec. 8054, the Department has determined that this rate increase needs to be done in this emergency rulemaking for it is necessary to avoid an immediate threat to public health, safety or general welfare. 
These increased rates will be effective retroactive to July 1, 2018, as directed by the Act.  The retroactive application of this rule comports with 22 M.R.S. Sec. 42(8) which authorizes the Department to adopt rules with a retroactive application for a period not to exceed 8 calendar quarters and there is no adverse financial impact on any MaineCare member or provider.  In addition, the Department sought, and obtained, approval by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) to be able to submit a waiver amendment that will make the rate increases for these Medicaid waiver services retroactive to July 1, 2018.  
In creating the increased rates, the Department examined utilization of these services, and then calculated rates to ensure parity between Section 21 and Section 29, to lessen administrative complications for providers. 
The Maine Legislature has designed the Ch. III, Section 21 regulation as a major substantive rule.  Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. §8073, this emergency major substantive rule may be effective for up to twelve months, or until the Legislature has completed its review.  The Department intends to proceed with major substantive rulemaking, which will be provisionally adopted, and then submitted to the Legislature for its review. 
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents. 
EFFECTIVE DATE:                           September 11, 2018 
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:      Trista Collins, Comprehensive Health Planner [email protected]
AGENCY NAME:                             Division of Policy
ADDRESS:                                       242 State Street, 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE:                                  (207)-624-4094   FAX: (207) 287-1864 TTY users call Maine relay 711
Click here for a Bangor Daily News article regarding the lack of crisis beds and services for people with disabilities in Maine: "The 'complete nightmare' of 2 men who lived in Maine emergency rooms"
Click here for a Bangor Daily News article regarding the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board: "Group monitoring services for Mainers with disabilities down to 5 of 15 members"
Work and Benefits Navigator Training - an upcoming training that is open to parents, teachers, any supporters of individuals receiving Social Security disability or SSI benefits for disability.  
 
The goal of this training is to help individuals who support people/families receiving Social Security disability or SSI benefits to develop an awareness of Social Security’s generous work rules and employment resources that are available.  The outcome will be that individuals are better equipped to encourage employment and debunk myths about receipt of disability benefits and work – and make connections with Benefits Counseling Services for individualized, accurate information.  
 
The first session is in Lewiston in September, but we are offering the training in Bangor, Augusta, and Portland later in the year.  It is only $25 for the day and people receive 5.5 CMEs(CEUs).

For more information on this training and to register:  https://www.mh-edu.org/WBNT.  
 
Department of Vocational Services, Maine Medical Center

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2018
Contact: Kathleen Connery Dawe/Jeff Sobotko (202) 224-5344
 
King Backs Resolution to Defend Constitutionality of Pre-Existing Conditions Protections
Resolution authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to participate in the Texas vs. U.S. lawsuit; the Department of Justice has refused to defend the law
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined a group of his Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution that would authorize Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in the Texas vs. United States lawsuit, which is challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) provisions protecting people with pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is a disease or other illness that started before a person sought medical insurance. The ACA required insurance companies cover everyone no matter their medical history. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it won’t defend that guarantee in the ACA; this resolution would allow the Senate Legal Counsel to defend people with pre-existing conditions on behalf of the United States Senate.
 
“People living with medical conditions should be able to obtain health insurance, rather than being charged astronomical prices or barred outright from purchasing a plan. That’s not just common sense – it’s the law of the land,” said Senator King. “However, the DOJ is refusing to defend these protections for those with pre-existing conditions. This decision is as shocking as it is cruel; not only does it ignore the DOJ’s constitutional duty, but it does so in order to advance a policy position that will harm the health of our citizens. Someone should be defending the millions of Americans living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, diabetes, pediatric cancer, or even a concussion sustained during high school sports. This provision in the ACA has given millions access to insurance and has saved lives – not to mention the livelihoods – of millions of Americans. That’s why I’ve joined my Senate colleagues in this effort, and why I’ll keep fighting to defend health insurance for Maine people, however, whenever, and as strongly as I possibly can.”
 
Senator King has been outspoken in opposition to Administration moves and legislative proposals that seek to undermine the Affordable Care Act. Earlier this month he published a post on Medium highlighting the Administration’s efforts to weaken the ACA. Last month, he hosted a conversationwith Maine people with pre-existing conditions, health care advocates and medical professionals focused on the importance of these protections, andreleased a video on his social media accounts criticizing the DOJ’s “downright cruel” decision. In October, he spoke on the Senate floor in advance of ACA Open Enrollment Period regarding the “sabotage” efforts underway from the Administration. At the same time, Senator King has pursued agreements that would improve the Affordable Care Act to protect coverage for the millions who rely on it for affordable health care, and has developed several proposals to make common sense fixes to the legislation. During the health care debate last summer, Senator King outlined a roadmap of health care priorities to stabilize the health care marketplace and lower the underlying costs of treatment and health coverage for people in Maine and across the country.
 
###
On July 18th, Senator Collins chaired a U.S. Senate Aging Committee hearing examining how people aging with disabilities and their families can achieve economic security as they plan for retirement and ongoing disability-related expenses. 
A video of Senator Collins' opening remarks can be found by clicking this link. 
Click here to read the Senator's full opening statement.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) 

This message is being sent on behalf of the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS).

OADS Quarterly Stakeholder Meetings

Currently, the OADS meets with multiple individual stakeholders and coalitions of stakeholders on a quarterly and sometimes monthly basis. These meetings are to answer questions and take feedback regarding services and reimbursement. We understand that this can often seem burdensome to stakeholders and providers as well, our goal is to change that. The majority of stakeholders represent similar populations and services, and quite often these questions are duplicative. Effective August 2018, OADS will be instituting a new process around stakeholder communication, with the goal of improving efficiencies internally and externally; as well as, to ensure all interested parties have access to information. Similar to the MaineCare Advisory Committee, OADS will now hold quarterly stakeholder meetings where stakeholders, families and members can collectively hear the Departments responses to questions received from the community. Questions that arise during this forum will be documented and responded to in the next quarterly meeting.

OADS is committed to being responsive and transparent. We believe that this new process will help to ensure consistency and efficiency for all parties involved, which will allow us all to work more seamlessly together.

Meetings will be held the last Friday of every month, with the first meeting on August 31, 2018, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, in the Main Conference Room, DHHS, 221 State St. Augusta, ME. 

Please submit questions at least 2 calendar weeks in advance. Any questions received after the 2-week mark will be held for the next meeting agenda. Questions can be submitted to [email protected]

​Thank you for the work you do, and your willingness to engage collaboratively with the Department to improve services to those in needs.
A Forwarded Action Alert from the Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP) regarding urging the Legislature to convene a Special Session to address unfinished business can be found below.  The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee convened on 5/30, and unanimously approved funding for increased DSP rates.  Although the funding was approved by the Committee, it will not be actualized unless the Legislature convenes for a Special Session.  If the Legislature does not convene a Special Session and pass funding for the DSP rate increases, the rates will revert back to the previous, lower rates on 7/1/2018.  The effect to the system of care should the rate increase not be actualized was discussed in more detail at the May 14th Coalition meeting (click here for the minutes), and more information can be found in previous action alerts, and in the forwarded action alert below.  Thank you.  Cullen
 
Please see this forwarded message by Lydia Dawson, Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACP)
Forwarded Action Alert from MACSP:  Call legislators and urge them to convene a Special Session
 
TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO CALL A SPECIAL SESSION. WE NEED THEM BACK NOW BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.
 
WE NEED TO KEEP CALLING. We are 24 days from June 30th and a 12% cut to services for Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Legislative leadership needs to begin pulling legislators together NOW for a special session to ensure this issue can be voted on in time to prevent a devastation of services.
 
CALL YOUR LOCAL LEGISLATOR NOW AND ASK THEM:
 
1) Are you willing to come back for a special session to vote for the funding approved by Appropriations for direct care workers?
2) Will you contact your caucus leadership and ask them to set a date?
 
**If your legislator is a member of Appropriations (http://legislature.maine.gov/house/jt_com/afa.htm) thank them for approving funding for direct care workers, then ask questions #1 & #2!
 
Contact info:
 
I know everyone is tired and has called many times.
 
Please, keep calling. Please keep calling this week and every single day until we have answers. Ask everyone you know to call too. Don’t let these days slip through our fingers without knowing we have done absolutely everything we can.
 
Lydia Dawson, Esq.
Executive Director
Maine Association for Community Service Providers
PO Box 149 | Hallowell, ME 04347
(207) 623-5005
www.meacsp.org
TWO ACTION ALERTS:  Below is an ​Action Alert from the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, and a Forwarded Action Alert from the Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP), both regarding ways in which you can take action to respectfully urge the Legislature to convene a Special Session to see through legislation left on the Special Appropriations Table (“the Table”), much of which has broad bipartisan support.  This was discussed in more detail at the May 14th Coalition meeting (click here for the minutes), and more information can be found in the action alerts below. 
 
Thank you for taking action!  Cullen
 
*****************************************************************************************
ACTION ALERT: Contacting Legislative leadership, asking them to convene a Special Session to address unfinished business in the Legislature
The Legislature adjourned on 5/3, leaving numerous bills (about 100) on the Table, including bills the Coalition has been following.  It’s possible the Legislature could convene a Special Session to address the unfinished business – it would take the Governor or Legislative leadership to do so.  There are many critical bills on the Table and there is a need for the Legislature to go back in session.  One of the bills on the Table, for example, is LD 976, the DSP rate increase bill (more information on this can be found in the Forwarded Action Alert below).  If this bill is not enacted the rates will revert back to the previous, lower rates on 7/1/2018. 
 
I have sent a letter on behalf of various groups, including the Coalition, to the Legislative Leadership, urging them to reconvene to address the bills on the Table, which have broad, bipartisan support, and for which there is money available for funding.  Copies of these letters can be found here and here, and you can use these to create your own letters urging the Legislature to reconvene.  Contacting Legislative leadership is easy – you can email your messages/letters to:  
Your message can be simple:
  • Please convene a Special Session of the 128th Legislature to ensure people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Maine have access to the services they need in order to be included as part of their communities.
  • Please convene a Special Session of the 128th Legislature in order to address the unfinished business on the Special Appropriations Table. 
  • There are many bills on the Table that relate to services for very vulnerable populations, including people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.  These bills have broad, bipartisan support, and there is money available with which these bills could be funded.
 
Thank you for raising your voice.  Cullen

Forwarded Action Alert from MACSP:  Petition requesting the Legislature convene a Special Session to fund LD 967
Please see this forwarded message by Lydia Dawson, Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MEACP) - Wednesday, May 23, 2018.
 
CALLING ON ALL MAINERS!
 
Sign this petition to ask legislators to come back for a special session to support Maine's direct care workers and save services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ("IDD"): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X9T2VHD 
 
Mainers with IDD are in danger of losing critical services provided by direct care workers. Due to underfunding, direct care workers currently make pennies above minimum wage to provide this vital support. If the legislature doesn't come back and fund LD 967, rates for services provided by direct care workers will be cut by 12% on June 30 resulting in closures of homes and community programs for Mainers with IDD throughout Maine.
 
We are calling on the legislature to come back for a special session to keep their promise and fund LD 967 now before it's too late.
 
Please share on your social media, distribution lists, and to friends and neighbors! We need everyone and anyone who care about this critical issue to sign!
 
Lydia Dawson, Esq.
Executive Director
Maine Association for Community Service Providers
PO Box 149 | Hallowell, ME 04347
(207) 623-5005
www.meacsp.org
​The Maine Chapter of APSE and the Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services are pleased to announce their 2018 Annual Conference  #employmentforme

​Thomas College
Waterville, ME
June 5, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m
Registration 8:30 a.m. - Conference starts 9:00 a.m.

Registration Fees:
  • APSE members $60.00
  • Non-APSE members $75.00 
  • Conference Registration with a one year APSE membership $140.00 
  • Group Rate for 4 Non-APSE members $250.00
  • Group Rate for 5 APSE members $250.00   

Maine APSE, a state chapter of the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities, is pleased to once again partner with the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services on its annual conference.

The Conference will feature Keynotes such as Derek Nord, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Ashley Lantz, Griffin Hammis, Emily Hillman, Em's Coffee, Independence, IA and David Hoff, Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston and a facilitated panel of people with a range of differing barriers to employment.

Morning coffee and lunch will be provided. 

​Sponsored by the Maine Chapter of APSE and the Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.
 
AGENDA

KEYNOTES

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Below is a a forwarded ACTION ALERT from the Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP) regarding a LD 967 Hall of Flags Rally on Wednesday, May 5th.
 
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services has been following LD 967, which is currently sitting on the Special Appropriations Table in the Legislature pending funding for enactment.  This bill would address the second year of funding for Direct Support Professional (DSP) rate increases, which was not included in the biennial budget during the last year’s legislative session.  If this bill is not enacted the rate increases currently in effect will end on 6/30/2018, and revert back to the previous, lower rates.  The Coalition has featured presentations and discussions on this topic over the past two years (click here for the November 2016 minutes which features a presentation on the DSP shortage), which revealed that wages paid to DSPs have greatly affected staff hiring, retention, and turnover, as DSPs can find comparable compensation working entry level retail positions.  Due to the high turnover and vacancy rates, agencies have been unable to adequately provide services for people in need. 
 
Please see the forwarded ACTION ALERT below.
 
Thank you for raising your voice, telling your story, and taking action.
​

Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP) ACTION ALERT
From MACSP Executive Director Lydia Dawson:
​
Hi all,
 
This is it. This is our last shot at having LD 967 funded and protecting our State against devastating cuts to services for Maine people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. WE NEED EVERYONE.
 
LD 967 FUNDING RALLY ON WEDNESDAY (5/2)
  • MEET AT 9:45 IN THE HALL OF FLAGS. We’ll meet at 9:45am and move up together to line the House and Senate hallways. Plan to be at the State House by 9:15/9:30 to get through security.
  • WEAR ALL BLACK. Dress head to toe in black to show unity and the gravity of the situation.
  • BRING A SIGN THAT SAYS ONE OF THE THREE FOLLOWING PHRASES. Again to show unity, ONLY use the below phrases:
    • “You Promised – LD 967 To Support Mainers with IDD”
    • “You Promised – LD 967 To Support Direct Care Workers”
    • “You Promised – LD 967 To Support IDD Services”
 
WE NEED EVERYONE.  THIS IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO SHOW THE IMPACT THIS WILL HAVE ON OUR STATE.  LET’S MAKE IT BIG. RSVP NUMBERS TO ME.
 
EMAIL AND CALL AS MANY LEGISLATORS AS YOU CAN AND TELL THEM LD 967 MUST BE FUNDED:
Share this email with anyone who can help in these efforts! THE TIME IS NOW!
 
Lydia Dawson, Esq.
Executive Director
Maine Association for Community Service Providers
PO Box 149 | Hallowell, ME 04347
(207) 623-5005
www.meacsp.org
[email protected]
DRM is pleased to invite you to a forum on Supported Decision-Making with Honorable Kristin Booth Glen on May 9, 2018, from 10-12 on Mackworth Island in Falmouth. (more info when you RSVP).

Come join us to hear about how Supported Decision Making works and how you can make it work! This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from a brilliant woman!

And what makes it especially exciting is that the Governor just signed LD 123, which adopted the new Probate Code and put Supported Decision-Making into Maine Law!

Judge Glen is currently the Project Director for Supported Decision-Making New York and a University Professor and Dean Emerita at CUNY School of Law. In 2012 she retired as Surrogate Judge of New York County, where she had jurisdiction over guardianships of persons with intellectual disabilities and wrote several groundbreaking decisions in that area. She has written and lectured widely on the human right of legal capacity and supported decision-making, serves on the Advisory Boards of the National Center on Supported Decision-Making and the Center for Public Representation/Nonotuck Supported Decision-Making Pilot Project, and many other disability related boards and commissions.

​Please by RSVP by May 4, 2018 via email ([email protected]) or phone 626-2774 ext. 200. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Kim Moody


​24 Stone Street, Suite 204, Augusta, ME 04330
207.626.2774 • 1.800.452.1948 • Fax: 207.621.1419 • drme.org
MAINE’S PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY AGENCY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Save the Date
2018 MACSP Conference
Technology for
Inclusiveness and Excellence

When: October 24th & 25th 2018
Where: Doubletree by Hilton, Portland, Maine

Come learn about cutting edge technology and the ways it can be incorporated for high quality support and inclusiveness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The conference is open to all with workshops geared towards organizations providing support, families, and individuals supported alike. Please join us!
​Click here for a link to the event on the MACSP website!
​Registration/RSVP is required for this event.
ABLE ACT Update:
​ABLE ACT: Achieving Better Life Experience Act
 
Governor LePage has signed LD 1881 "An Act To Authorize the Treasurer of State To Facilitate The Establishment of ABLE Accounts for Qualified Persons". 
 
LD 1881 (HP 1314)

"An Act To Authorize the Treasurer of State To Facilitate the Establishment of ABLE Accounts for Qualified Persons"

Sponsored by Representative Matthew Pouliot

 
More information will be coming when updated.
 
State of Maine Legislature LD 1881
Home share opportunity:

We understand what a challenge it can be to find a suitable living arrangement for a person with challenges setting out on their own. We’ve lived it and we want to help someone else find their solution. The cost of this home share is $675.00 per month. This includes water, electric, internet and home maintenance (plowing - mowing etc.). We are seeking a house mate that is a good fit for a “twenty something” male. The house is located on a quiet street in Augusta within walking distance of supermarket, stores, restaurant and many area businesses.

For more information please contact:  
Bill Crosby
[email protected]
617-974-6437
On May 21st & 22nd a workshop on Person Centered Thinking will be offered in Orono, Maine at the Black Bear Inn and Conference Center. This is a two-day, interactive workshop to learn and practice effective person centered thinking skills, centered on how to discover and balance what is important to and what is important for a person. These approaches respectfully address issues of health and safety, from a variety of perspectives, while empowering the people served to maintain control and a sense of being listened to. Implementation of person centered plans and practices are more likely when staff have participated in this training. Developed with people with developmental disabilities, this training is being used in the areas of mental health services, aging and independent living, chronic illness, end-of-life care, wellness, education, life transitions, and more.
 
Here's a link to more information and registration:
 
https://conta.cc/2uIBBHY
​15 Behavior Strategies for Children on the Autism Spectrum
 
How to Create a Backyard Sanctuary for Kids with Disabilities
 
For Educators: Strategies for Working With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
 
Helping Asperger’s Teens To Survive and Thrive: 15 Key Steps
 
Creating a Home Atmosphere of Solitude to Help Cope with Adult Autism
Morrison Center

Shared Living Info Session
 
Shared Living is a fantastic option for adults with intellectual disabilities or autism to live with families in their community and receive one on one individualized support.
 
Morrison Center will be holding a FREE informational session on all aspects of Shared Living. We will be covering;
  • Where to start
  • How to navigate the service options
  • How to become a Home Provider
  • Benefits of being a provider
  • Benefits of Shared Living
  • Q&A Session
  • Testimonials with current Home Providers and Participants
 
 If you are interested in learning more about how you or a family member can take advantage of this great opportunity, please join us!
 
May 22nd 5:30-7pm
@ Morrison Center – 60 Chamberlain Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074
 
**seats are limited** RSVP by 5/15 to Emily Melo at 207-730-0071 or email at [email protected]

Click here for the PDF flyer
~The Silent Minority Efforts~
 
Who we are:
  • Supporting families who are caring for their adult son or daughter who have more moderate to severe disabilities. (Multiple Disabilities & Multiple Behaviors, Autism, similar related profile, and many with significant behavioral issues) Connecting families together, so you'll know you’re not alone in this journey.
 
What do we aim to do?
  • Reach out and support families in the journey, discuss the day to day challenges and supports for our adult children, and plan for their future.
 
Common questions/topics:
  • Where should our adult child live that provides support but encourages growth?
  • What will happen when the caregivers/parents are no longer able to provide care?
  • What do we do when behaviors and aggression become too much to physically handle?
  • How do we manage to find balance between the care of our adult child and work/marriage/family/life?
 
If you ever feel like you need to find other parents who simply “get it”, parents who really understand what life is like raising an adult child with special needs, then please join us.  This can be a challenge when caring for someone who needs help with all their daily living needs and activities, they need one on one support all the time.  Many times, it’s the parents or care givers who are the support person.
 
PLEASE JOIN OUR GROUP!
 
The only way to make a change is by gathering as many people together and sharing our stories and being the voices for our children. We need others to be aware of the dire need of help and services that our children are so deserving of.
 
To join our support group contact:
Anita LaBerge (Located in Scarborough, ME)
207-885-0693
*Email: tsmefforts@gmail.com
*Face to face support groups 1 x month
​Dear Families and Community Partners,
 
Have you or someone you know ever been confused or frustrated when discussing your child’s educational needs with the school? Would you like to know more about what an IEP is and what does for you child? What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan? If you have these questions and more then please join us for the following workshop:
 
 
Parent Learning & Support
Location: Midcoast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Room 200, Bath
Workshops are free to all parents and caregivers of children with emotional and behavioral health needs! Unable to attend in person? Join us remotely from your computer or mobile device with Go ToMeeting™. Contact your Regional Parent Support Coordinator for more information. Note you must pre-register to utilize Go ToMeeting™.
*****Please note this is a change from our original Schedule******
 
Thursday, Mar 15, 2018, from 1-3 p.m.
 
“Making Friends with the IEP” Presented by Ann Long, Maine Parent Federation
IEP meetings, IEP Teams, the IEP, time frames, notices, and evaluations can be confusing and overwhelming. Join us as we follow the IEP process and review common terms and definitions. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and will receive a copy of the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations. This workshop is designed for parents, foster parents, or anyone who has or works with a child between the ages of 2 and 20 years old who has an IEP or 504 Plan.
 
 
Facilitated by parents for parents. Are you worried about your child’s emotional well-being? Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs. Free services available to parents and caregivers include information and support by phone; monthly support groups; education, health, and legal training; and social opportunities. We are parents helping each other. We offer unconditional support: no blame, no shame, and no judgment! We want you to know that you are not ALONE!
 
To register, please contact:
Karen Willey, Regional Parent Support Coordinator
Knox, Lincoln, & Sagadahoc Counties; Ph: 1.800.264.9224 or 446.4924
Email: [email protected] or www.gearparentnetwork.org
 

G.E.A.R. Parent Network is a Parent-to-Parent Network of Information & Support for parents of children with behavioral health needs, is a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, Inc. and is funded by the Department of Health & Human Services, the United Way, and private donations,
Click here for information on supported decision making.
Autism Society
The House of Representatives plans to vote on a bill that would severely undermine the foundation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). H.R. 620, also known as the "ADA Notification" bill, is scheduled to be voted on Thursday, Feb. 15. H.R. 620 would make it harder for people with disabilities to participate in the mainstream of society. It would fundamentally change the structure of the ADA and would eliminate any reason for businesses to comply with the law unless and until they receive a legal notice detailing the violations that have occurred. The measure places the burden of ensuring compliance on people with disabilities rather than on businesses.
It is imperative that advocates focus attention this week on flooding House members' e-mails, voice mails, and social media with the message that passing H.R. 620 threatens the civil rights of people with disabilities.

H.R. 620: The ADA Education and Notification Act of 2017
forward alert from maine.disability, 2/1/18
 
Background
Next week, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on H.R. 620, a bill that impacts the Americans with Disabilities Act, civil rights legislation which prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, as well as accessibility in public accommodations.
Of concern, H.R. 620:
  • requires a person with a disability provide a business with a legal notice detailing how architectural barriers violate the ADA
  • imposes a six-month waiting period to resolve the violation
  • extends the resolution if "progress" is made
These changes would basically make it harder to enforce the ADA and would make it harder for persons with disabilities to access public accommodations.
 
Take Action
If you're in Maine then please contact Reps Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) to:
  • thank them for not sponsoring H.R. 620 and to
  • ask them to vote against H.R. 620
 
Please also forward this message to allies outside of Maine and ask them to contact their representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives by call the Capitol switchboard at 
202-224-3124 to connect to their member or to find their your representative online.
  • Representatives may be home this weekend; consider reaching out and asking to meet with them about the ADA. If you can't get an in-person meeting, be sure to ask if they have any public events you can attend. 
  • If calling, consider adapting the following script:
Hello, my name is [your name] and I live in Rep. [name's] district. My address is [your address]. 
I am calling to talk with Rep. [name] about my concerns around H.R. 620. 
The ADA is critical civil rights legislation that ensures my community is accessible to all its members. The changes to the ADA in HR 620 are not the right way to prevent frivolous lawsuits. 
Please tell Rep. [name] that this constituent has concerns about H.R. 620 and would be willing to speak to [him/her] more about it.
  •  Share that this issue matters to you on SOCIAL MEDIA (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) using #HandsOffMyADA
Resources
Additional Detailed analysis and resources can be found on webpages of the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD).
The Basics - Person Centered Thinking Skills
March 5 & 6, 2018
Buker Community Center
Augusta, Maine
 
Implementation and ongoing support of person-centered plans and services is more likely to be a success for people when using these person-centered approaches. Whether you are a family member, resource coordinator or support staff person, this 2-day training serves as a foundation for everyone who is involved in supporting people who are aging or living with significant disabilities.
 
Register through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ybq4waem
 
For more information contact: [email protected]
Specialized Housing, Inc.Innovative Housing for Adults with Additional Needs
What's new?
  1. New program in South Portland Maine opening in March of 2018 - 2 units remain
  2. Units available in existing houses in Arlington, Massachusetts and South Portland, Maine.
  3. New program in Newton Highlands, MA - several units remain. Opening Summer 2018.

South Portland
New program
2 units remain
Opening in March 0f 2018
14 E Street information

Openings in Existing Houses
Arlington, MA
South Portland, ME
Unit information

Newton Highlands
New Program
Units remain
Opening Summer 2018
Learn more
Continued Action Alert:  Proposed Tax Reform Bill in Congress – please contact Maine’s Delegation, specifically Senator Collins, asking her to oppose the tax reform bill: 
​
Congress is working to hurriedly pass major tax reform legislation, which includes real threats to housing, health care, and services.  Both the House and Senate passed different versions of the bill; the differences between the two bills have been negotiated in Conference Committee and a final bill has emerged.  This revised bill will have to be passed in the House and Senate in order to become law, and the vote is expected tomorrow.  Some key points about the tax bill and how it would affect vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities are noted below:
  1. This bill is estimated to increase the deficit by $1.46 trillion over the next ten (10) years (estimates range from $1T to $2.2T).  Any budget deficit such as this would have to be offset by drastic cuts to other programs.  This would include Non-Defense Discretionary (NDD) programs, including all HUD programs, and entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.  An increase to the deficit of this magnitude would also trigger "sequestration" cuts to these same programs.
  2. The bill repeals the Affordable Care Act (ACA) "individual mandate", which would leave 13 million people uninsured by 2027, 10x the population of Maine.  Hundreds of thousands of these are people with disabilities.  This would drive up health insurance premiums.  Senator Collins has stated that she wouldn’t be opposed to repealing the individual mandate if other ACA-related legislation currently proposed in Congress were enacted.  However, the bills she supports to accomplish this will not be sufficient to offset the effects of the proposed tax reform legislation (according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). 
In order for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to achieve community inclusion they need housing, healthcare, and support services, all of which are in jeopardy with the tax reform bill moving through Congress.  The Conference Committee has completed its work and the House and Senate will vote this week on the tax bill.  Senator Collins voted for the Senate version; Senator King did not and has posted a statement here: King Statement on Senate Passage of Tax Bill, Saturday, December 2, 2017
Now is the time to reach out to Senator Collins asking her to oppose the tax reform bill.  Contacting the Senator is easy.  You can:
Email your messages/letters to:
 
Submit your messages/letters through the Senators’ web form:  https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact
 
Call one of her offices.  Phone lines may be busy, feel free to call different offices:
  • Augusta office:   207-622-8414
  • Bangor office:  207-945-0417
  • Biddeford office:  207-283-1101
  • Caribou office:  207-493-7873
  • Lewiston office:  207-784-6969
  • Portland office:  207-780-3575
  • Washington, D.C. office:  202-224-2523
 
Your message can be very simple: 
  • Please oppose the tax reform bill, and any version of tax reform legislation that would reduce resources for affordable housing, health care, and support services.  In order for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to have community inclusion they need housing, health care, and support services.  All of these will face significant cuts or elimination because of the tax reform bill moving through Congress.
  • Please carefully examine any current or future proposal through the lens of the most vulnerable people in Maine.  Any legislation must do right by them.  I, and the people I care for are counting on you.
 
You may also want to consider thanking Senator King for opposing the tax reform bill.  To do so, you can:
Email your messages/letters to:
 
Submit your messages/letters through the Senators’ web form:  https://www.king.senate.gov/contact  
 
Thank you for raising your voice and taking action.  Please do this today; this is being pushed through extremely fast.
Notice of Agency Waiver Amendment 
​AGENCY:  Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services 
RULE TITLE OR SUBJECT: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 29, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder 
WAIVER: ME0467- Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder 
CONCISE SUMMARY: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is planning to amend the Home and Community-Based Services waiver; known in Maine as Section 29 or the “Supports Waiver”. This waiver supports members with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. DHHS is proposing to add Shared Living (Adult Foster Care) as a service to this waiver. At the same time, DHHS would like to change the limit of combined services from $23,985.00 to $52,425.00; a member may receive Home Support, Shared Living, or Community Support and must remain under this new limit for these services combined. Work Support will be removed from the combined limit. These changes are being made to comply with legislative directive P.L. 2017, Ch 284, §§ MMMMMMM-2. 
Additionally, DHHS would like to change the limit on Respite from $1,000.00 a year to $1,100.00 a year. DHHS is proposing to increase the unduplicated member count from 2,078 to 2,150 and the point in time member limit from 1,850 to 2,000. This will allow DHHS to offer more funded openings to members and increase the number of members who can get care. 
The State is also responding to P. L. 2017, ch. 284 and increasing funding for Home Support, Community Support, Employment Specialist Services, Work Support, Career Planning, Respite and Shared Living, which is a new service being added in this waiver amendment, for one year. The increased rates are effective 7/1/17 to 6/30/18. Appendix J reflects the temporary rate increase in year 2. 
Lastly, DHHS would like to update the name for the service Transportation to Non-Medical Transportation, which is the correct term for the service. The waiver manager’s name has been updated as well. 
As part of these changes, CFR 42 §441.304 requires a comment period to accept public input on these changes. DHHS accepted comments from October 19, 2017 through November 26, 2017; however, we noticed a clerical error and are re-noticing this waiver amendment, extending the comment period from December 8, 2017 through January 8, 2018. Any interested party may obtain a copy of the waiver application by going to the website noted below, at any regional Office for Family Independence (a list of the offices and locations can be found at this link http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/DHSaddresses.htm), or a printed copy may be obtained by calling Ginger Roberts-Scott at (207) 624-4048 or emailing at [email protected]. 
See   http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for waiver amendment and to submit comments 
STATUTORY AUTHORITY:  CFR §441.304 
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS:   Comments must be received by midnight, Monday, January 8, 2018. 
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:   Ginger Roberts-Scott, Comprehensive Health Planner
AGENCY NAME:                           MaineCare Services
ADDRESS:                                      242 State Street
                                                        11 State House Station
                                                        Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
                                                        [email protected]
TELEPHONE: 207-624-4048 FAX: (207) 287-1864 TTY: 711
Comments may be emailed to Ginger Roberts-Scott directly, or submitted online.
​
Click here for more information and/or to view the Section 29 Waiver Amendment Application currently out for public comment.
Action Alert:  Proposed Tax Reform Bill in Congress – please contact Maine’s Delegation, specifically Senator Collins, asking her to oppose the tax reform bill:
 
Congress is working to hurriedly pass major tax reform legislation, which includes real threats to housing, health care, and services.  Both the House and Senate have passed different versions of the bill, and now those differences will be worked out in Conference Committee.  The bill that emerges from the Conference Committee will then have to be passed in the House and Senate in order to become law.  Some key points about the tax bill and how it would affect vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities are noted below:
  1. This bill will increase the deficit by nearly $1.5 trillion over the next ten (10) years, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).  Any budget deficit of this magnitude would have to be offset by drastic cuts to other programs.  This would most certainly include Non-Defense Discretionary (NDD) programs, including all HUD programs, and very likely entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.  An increase to the deficit of this magnitude would also trigger "sequestration" cuts to these same programs.
  2. The bill would cut funding for the development of affordable housing (the low income housing tax credit program, and the historic tax credit program).  Maine has insufficient affordable housing to meet the demand currently.  Reducing the key mechanisms for developing affordable housing would magnify the problem.
  3. The bill repeals the Affordable Care Act (ACA) "individual mandate", which would leave 13 million people uninsured by 2027, 10x the population of Maine.  Hundreds of thousands of these are people with disabilities.  This would drive up health insurance premiums.  Senator Collins has stated that she wouldn’t be opposed to repealing the individual mandate if other ACA-related legislation currently proposed in Congress were enacted.  However, per the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ analysis, although Senator Collins’ Lower-Premiums Through Reinsurance Act of 2017 co-sponsored with Senator Nelson, and the Alexander-Murray bill, are both sensible standalone measures, they will not be sufficient to remedy the harm that would be caused by the proposed tax reform legislation. 
In order for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to achieve community inclusion they need housing, healthcare, and support services, all of which are in jeopardy with the current versions of the tax reform bill moving through Congress.  The Conference Committee will complete their work very soon regarding the tax bill.  Senator Collins voted for the Senate version; Senator King did not and has posted a statement here: King Statement on Senate Passage of Tax Bill, Saturday, December 2, 2017
Now is the time to reach out to Senator Collins asking her to oppose the tax reform bill.  Contacting the Senator is important.  You can:
Email your messages/letters to: 
Submit your messages/letters through the Senators’ web form:  https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact
 
Call one of her offices.  Phone lines may be busy, feel free to call different offices:
  • Augusta office:   207-622-8414
  • Bangor office:  207-945-0417
  • Biddeford office:  207-283-1101
  • Caribou office:  207-493-7873
  • Lewiston office:  207-784-6969
  • Portland office:  207-780-3575
  • Washington, D.C. office:  202-224-2523
 
Your message can be very simple: 
  • Please oppose the tax reform bill, and any version of tax reform legislation that would reduce resources for affordable housing, health care, and support services.  In order for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to have community inclusion they need housing, health care, and support services.  All of these will face significant cuts or elimination because of the tax reform bill moving through Congress.
  • Please carefully examine any current or future proposal through the lens of the most vulnerable people in Maine.  Any legislation must do right by them.  I, and the people I care about are counting on you.
 
You may also want to consider thanking Senator King for opposing the tax reform bill.  To do so, you can:
Email your messages/letters to: 
Submit your messages/letters through the Senators’ web form:  https://www.king.senate.gov/contact  
 
Thank you for raising your voice and taking action.  Please do this today; this is being pushed through extremely fast.
Information Notice from the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board (MDSOAB):
The Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board (MDSOAB) will be submitting an Annual Report to the Health and Human Services Committee of the Maine Legislature.
 
The MDSOAB is seeking information from as many individuals as possible to accurately report on the availability and quality of developmental services provided by the Maine Office of Adult Developmental Services (OADS).
 
Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire to assist the MDSOAB in hearing from you about your experiences with the developmental services in Maine.
 
Click here for the questionnaire.
 
Thank you for your time.
Nonny Soifer
Executive Director MDSOAB
Free To the Public
  
Monday DECEMBER 18, 2017

Join Maine Behavioral Healthcare and Ron Suskind for the Oscar-Nominated Documentary:
LIFE, ANIMATED

At Dana Health Education Center 22 Bramhall St. Portland, ME
230-800pm      Attendees will have an opportunity to register for SPARK, a nationwide genetic study of autism. 
5:30pm             Movie Screening followed by Introduction of “Sidekicks for Autism”  App by Ron Suskind

Please email:  [email protected] or call 207 661-7620 to reserve a free ticket and for interested attendees, a time slot to enroll in SPARK!
Disability Activist and Allies of Maine (DAAM) and Community Connect Maine are providing you with insights on how the US Senate Tax Cuts Bill will impact people with disabilities in this informational perspective essay: No #TaxOnDisabilty

This note contains:
1) An action alert
2) No #TaxOnDisabilty: An informational perspective essay
 
1) Action alert
Please call Senator Collins staff and urge her to Vote “no” on US Senate Tax Cuts Bill
An action alert and feedback opportunity are at the bottom of this email. 
 
Action Alert:
Please take action NOW to support the disability community!  The US Senate vote on the tax cuts bill is imminent.
Key points about the bill
  1. The bill will create a 1.4 trillion dollar deficit over 10 years by disproportionally giving wealthy Americans and corporations large tax cuts.
  2. While Senate Republicans say economic growth will compensate for the deficit a huge risk looms of forcing devastating cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and SSI.
  3. Cutting these resources will devastate programs for people with disabilities across the lifespan that support community inclusion and housing.
  4. The bill, at the expense of people with disabilities and all Americans is being rushed through without regular order and with no public hearings for stakeholders. People's lives are at stake.

Call Senator Collins who is undecided on this bill though leaning toward "yes" and thank Senator King for his plan to vote “no”:
  • Ask her to vote “no” on the Senate Tax reform bill.
  • Ask her to call for comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts of this bill.
  • Ask her to call for public hearings with stakeholders in order to fully inform Americans about how they will be impacted.
  • Share this e-mail with one or more people.
  • To help us improve the impact of our collective actions respond here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y39X...
  • Contact Options- e-mail, call, comment on her Facebook live video or leave message on their websites:

Oppose the bill on Senator Collins Facebook live stream. It will note that you are from Maine:
https://www.facebook.com/susancolli...:
Senator Collins staff: Katie Seelen ([email protected]).
Senator King’s staff: Marge Kilkelly ([email protected]); and Chad Metzler ([email protected]).

​Leave a message on their websites or find their local or national phone #s:
https://www.collins.senate.gov/cont...
https://www.king.senate.gov/contact

To share this action alert through Facebook and a way to become more involved-

Join our Disability Activist and Allies of Maine Facebook group with this link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/405...

Join our Community Connect Maine Facebook group with this link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/113...

Join our Community Connect regional efforts by contacting:
Bangor/Orono Karen Benson at [email protected]
Bath/Brunswick: David Cowing [email protected] or Debbie Dionne at [email protected]
Camden: Hillary Steineau at [email protected]
Lewiston/Auburn: Kim Humphrey at [email protected]
Waterville: Pam Cairnie at [email protected]

Check out Maine Coalition and Quality Services Website here: http://www.maineparentcoalition.org/... (No #TaxOnDisability posted on this website)

2)  No #TaxOnDisability: An informational perspective essay

We sent a personalized version of this essay, in letter form, to Senator Collins after meeting with a staffer to express our concerns yesterday.

There are many reasons to be concerned about the tax bill passed by the House, and the latest versions being considered by the Senate, but the disability community will be particularly hurt by it. Any bill that so deeply reduces federal revenue will need to be compensated with cuts to non-defense discretionary funding, and it is upon that funding -- along with funding for Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and affordable housing -- that our lives quite literally depend. Republicans claim that the $1.4 trillion in tax cuts to corporations and the country’s most wealthy citizens will “will pay for themselves,” and that they have no intention of cutting Medicaid. Simply put, we do not believe them.

First, the premise is based on an unfounded trust in corporate America to reinvest those tax dollars in expanding businesses and increasing employment. Republicans are willing to bet disabled people’s lives on it. Historically, such reinvestment doesn’t happen, and there is no indication it will happen now. In fact, Cisco Systems, Pfizer, and Coca-Cola have already said they plan to take the tax cut and hand it over to their shareholders. Current employees won’t see a dime, and there will be no investment that could lead to increasing employment.

The Tax Policy Center estimates the Senate bill will only generate $169 billion in new growth over the next decade, which doesn’t approach the $1.4 trillion the tax bill adds to the deficit. Their analysis is echoed by the Penn-Wharton Budget Model and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. It is a practical certainty that debt will explode over the next 10 years, even with the use of dynamic scoring models, and many on Wall Street question the wisdom of an economic stimulus from Washington when the economy is doing well. One need look no further than Kansas to see how this will play out on a national scale: Five years ago, Kansas enacted sweeping tax cuts, ostensibly to spur the economy. It was an unmitigated failure, and the state’s most vulnerable people paid the highest price.

Second, Congress is compelled by a 1990 law to Pay as You Go (PAYGO), which requires all increases in direct spending or revenue decreases to be offset by other spending decreases or revenue increases. In short, if you cut taxes, you have to cut spending. Congress has waived this rule in the past, obviating the automatic spending reductions that we fear could decimate Medicaid and other programs that benefit people with disabilities. But there is no assurance that they will waive it again, and every indication that they will not. The current political climate is unlike any we’ve seen in recent memory. Rep. Paul Ryan, for one, has built his political career on a deeply held desire to cut federal safety net programs. He is famously quoted saying, “Sending it [Medicaid] back to the states, capping its growth rate -- we have been dreaming of this since I have been around, since you and I were drinking at a keg.” His proposed repeal of the ACA, which passed in the House and almost passed in the Senate, included a nearly $800 billion reduction in Medicaid; those Congresspeople are still in office, they still want to cut Medicaid, and this tax cut gives them just the tool they need to do it.

In addition, removal of the individual mandate in the ACA, which is a cornerstone of the tax bill, would make private health insurance unaffordable to thousands of Mainers, forcing them to pursue publicly funded options at a time when that funding will have been greatly reduced. If they are working people with disabilities, for example, they may be forced to quit work and apply for Social Security Disability benefits just to obtain healthcare.

We understand that last-minute deal-making resulted in promises for the President to back both the Alexander-Murray bill and the Collins-Nelson bill, but neither of those measures would compensate for the $320 billion decrease in federal spending on coverage programs over the next decade, and their low funding and temporary nature are expected to do little to stabilize the marketplace. Collins-Nelson, which would establish high-risk pools to pull the most expensive insurance policyholders out of the market and therefore lower premiums, is expected to help only about 1 million of the approximately 13 million people (about 50,000 in Maine) who will likely lose coverage as a result of the repeal of the individual mandate. The bill would need to be funded at around four times the $2.5 billion amount put forward in Collins-Nelson, in order make up for projected premium increases of 10%. Alexander-Murray, which would fund the ACA subsidies for two years, would only help with cost-sharing reduction payments for one year (2019), and, even then, only those consumers on silver plans will really see a benefit. Both Alexander-Murray and Collins-Nelson may be sensible steps in the right direction, but neither is enough to mitigate the harm caused by the repeal of the Individual Mandate. Murray herself has said, “Tacking Alexander-Murray onto the partisan Republican tax reform effort is like trying to put out a fire with penicillin. It will not do anything to help.” And if the two measures are not passed before the tax vote, a promise from the President will be cold comfort to the millions of Americans wondering whether they will continue to have access to healthcare.

If PAYGO is not waived as predicted, it is irresponsible to trigger automatic cuts to things like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA - pays for a percentage of special education funding), Medicare, Affordable Housing (already at crisis levels in Maine), and Vocational Rehabilitation (Maine is 45th in the nation in disability employment, and first in nation in the employment gap between disabled and non-disabled people -- Mainers are already going without these services). It is too risky to count on Republicans to voluntarily abandon a deficit management law that they believe is a cornerstone of responsible governing.
Congress has a proven recent history of attacking programs that benefit the disability community: all of the recent health care bills; failure to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); and its Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution, with cuts of over $5 trillion to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and many other programs. If the meager efforts to protect vulnerable Mainers fail, seniors and people with disabilities simply will not get the care they need. They have no options. We urge you to keep in mind how vital Medicaid is to Mainers, and how well that the program works:

According to the Center for American Progress, Maine has 229,500 people living with disabilities; 97,130 currently have health insurance through Medicaid.

Two-thirds of nursing home stays in Maine are funded by Medicaid.

Despite claims to the contrary, Medicaid is more cost effective than Medicare and private commercial insurance, with similar health outcomes, according to the The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. High costs are a factor of shifting demographics (including a lot of disabled baby boomers), not out-of-control spending.

Medicaid supports disabled children who have access to either MaineCare, Katie Beckett (income independent) or CHIP (if and when it is renewed by the Senate). Medicaid programs provide in-home supports for children through Section 28; behavioral health supports through Section 65; and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) through Section 94. Services include speech, OT, PT and other medically required treatments that may not be included in special education. Schools also contract to obtain services through Medicaid funds, and a percentage of Early Intervention in Maine is paid for by Medicaid.
These safety net programs cannot sustain reductions, because they are already inadequate to meet the needs of Maine’s most vulnerable citizens. The MaineCare Home and Community Based Service waiver system is struggling with group homes closing because they can’t hire enough Direct Support Professionals with the non-competitive wages they are forced to pay. In addition, as of September, there were 1,631 adults on the waitlist for Sec. 21 funding in Maine. Those are people who medically qualify for supported housing and other community-based services, but for whom there are no funded openings. Medicaid also funds Sec. 29, which pays for in-home support, day programs and job supports, all of which provide quality of life to people with disabilities, and brief daytime respite for their families.

This is not only a humanitarian crisis, but an economic one, as well. Without adequate Medicaid funding, some disabled adults languish in their parents’ home, while their parents are forced to leave the workforce to care for them. Others, after years with insufficient services to meet their needs, require more intensive (and expensive) supports than they would have needed had they not been forced to wait. Still others, whether displaced by group home closings due to staff shortages, or waitlisted due to lack of funds, may end up with extended stays in hospitals or emergency rooms, incarcerated or homeless.

Our fear is not unfounded, as many of us can remember the days of mass institutionalization, when people with disabilities had no rights, no education and no dignity. The lives of people with disabilities have improved over the past fifty years. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, entitling all individuals to a free and appropriate education, led to today’s IDEA, ensuring for the first time that people with disabilities had a right to go to school. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act led to the Olmstead ruling by the Supreme Court in 1999. All of these policies support community inclusion and a move away from dehumanizing institutionalization. In Maine, Pineland Center remained open until 1996.

We rejoiced in the upward movement for this population to a more visible place in society. This is a movement towards respect for humanity and civility for everyone living in integrated communities.
But service systems are complex, and stigma still exists. This population is often overlooked in conversations about inequity, or tokenized by politicians who hold disabled people up as an example of the deserving poor, either way funding and policy needs are not realistically met. It is easy to understand how that happens. If you don’t know anyone living with these unique barriers, how could you know what they need, or understand how extremely complex and exhausting it can be to obtain much needed treatment and resources for the well-being and growth of each individual. If society doesn’t understand the inequity, they cannot address it.
These tax cuts are being rushed through Congress without the opportunity for the public to understand it and the impact it will have on various unique populations. For the disability community, it threatens to undo fifty years of progress.
The situation for people with disabilities is already critical in Maine:

In 2008, the Sec. 21 waitlist had 111 people on it. In December 2016, that number was around 1,200; in March 2017, it was 1,464; in June, 1,550. Nearly 100 people have joined that list in the past few months.

Maine children who qualify for Early Intervention are going without services too, and the planned shift of responsibility from CDS to local school districts will only add to the municipal tax burden felt by Maine communities. Local communities have made it clear how they feel about being asked to shoulder a heavier share of education funding for the last decade, some by voting for the 3% surcharge last year, and others by consistently voting against school budgets. Towns are looking at ways to cut costs, and the expense of special education makes it an obvious target. There is actually a special education cost-driver task force working to pull together a report by early December for Maine legislators, and the conversations they are having are concerning for those of us who have children in school.

People who become disabled as adults fare no better. Many wait for more than a year for a ruling on their application for SSDI -- unable to work, unable to afford healthcare, and unable to pay their bills -- and 10,000 died this year awaiting SSDI.
Though the situation is bleak, we are fortunate that the people of Maine understand how important having a safety net is to the most vulnerable among us: After five failed attempts to approve it legislatively, voters this year took it upon themselves to expand Medicaid in Maine. We in the disability community stood with other vulnerable Mainers in support of this measure because expansion states typically have higher disability employment, shorter waitlists, and fewer disabled people going without care while they wait to qualify for SSDI. Expansion will help caregivers who are either unemployed or underemployed while caring for an elderly or disabled relative. Expansion will keep hospital doors open, benefiting rural disabled people. And it will also cover the working poor who care for elderly and disabled Mainers but don’t qualify for employer-based insurance.

We can pick this budget apart, and talk about how the repeal of the individual mandate will hurt us, or the medical expense tax credit, housing tax credits, orphan drug credits, credits that incentivize hiring of disabled Mainers -- which, on top of attempts to weaken the ADA, would make a dire employment situation for disabled Mainers worse -- but the reality is that this budget is bad for our community even if all of those things are preserved. National disability organizations are calling this tax bill a #TaxOnDisability. It’s not hyperbole; this community can’t sustain this level of cuts.

We urge Congress to view any budget proposals through that lens -- to consider not only the short-term implications, but how the budget will play out over time. If we cannot afford cuts now, we certainly will not be able to afford them five or ten years down the line, when these vulnerable populations will be even larger.
​
-Lisa Wesel, Erin Rowan and Kim Humphrey
Action Alert:  Proposed Tax Reform Bill in Congress:
Congress is working to hurriedly pass major tax reform legislation, which includes real threats to housing and services.  Congress is discussing very complex reform to a tax system that’s very complicated in and of itself.  Right now, the only significant vehicle for the development of affordable housing is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC); the proposed tax reform bill would eliminate two if not all three of the ways in which this affordable housing is created.  The legislation eliminates the Historic Tax Credit, and the 4% LIHTC, and changes the corporate liability for 9% LIHTC.  This is complicated, but in practice what this means is that we would see the distinct lack of ability to create affordable housing.  Additionally, the tax reform bill would create a $1.5 trillion budgetary hole, which would then have to be offset by cuts to Non-Defense Discretionary (NDD) programs, including HUD programs like Section 8, as well as entitlement programs, including Medicaid.  In order for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to have community inclusion they need housing, healthcare, and support services, all of which are in jeopardy with the current versions of the tax reform bill moving through Congress. 
 
The House passed its version of the tax bill yesterday (11/16), and the Senate is poised to vote on its version before Thanksgiving.  Now is the time to reach out to Senator Collins who is undecided, and Senator King to thank him for opposing the proposed tax reform bill.  Sending a letter to the senators is easy.  Simply email your messages/letters to:
 
Your message can be very simple: 
  • In order for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to have community inclusion they need housing, healthcare, and support services, all of which face significant cuts or elimination in the tax reform bill moving through Congress. 
  • Please make sure that any changes preserve all resources for affordable housing, healthcare, and services for people with disabilities so they can continue to be part of their community.  I am counting on you and watching this very carefully. 
 
Thank you for raising your voice and taking action.
Continued Action Alert:  Proposed rule changes for Section 21 and Section 29 – Public comment period is ending tomorrow (at 11:59pm) for Section 29, and Sunday (at 11:59pm) for Section 21:
 
DHHS recently released Proposed Rule Changes for Section 21 and Section 29.  Please click here for information from the Department regarding the specific rule changes, and what they mean for you, your family members, and/or people for whom you provide care.
 
As you may know, the Department utilized the emergency rule-making process for both Section 21 and Section 29, which includes changes such as raising the rates for Section 21 and 29, raising the cap for community and work supports in Section 29, adding shared living as an option to Section 29, and removing employment supports from the Section 29 cap making it a stand-alone service outside of the cap.  Because the Department used the emergency rule-making process, those rules were provisionally accepted immediately and went into effect on September 29th. 
 
DHHS has moved quickly to put into effect the raised caps for Section 29 and the temporary increase in rates for Direct Service Professionals under Sections 21 and 29.  They are to be commended for their responsiveness to our request to expedite these changes.  Also, the Department is to be commended for looking at support for employment as outside of the Section 29 cap.  This is advantageous, consistent with employment first, and something the Coalition has long supported. 
 
The comment period is still open for a short while.  People who have reviewed these changes have found some unintended consequences and inconsistencies within provisions of the rule changes, and those (and ideas of how to comment) are outlined in bullet form below: 
Section 21:
  • Though the rates have been increased for Section 21, the caps were not increased correspondingly.  There is concern that a possible unintended consequence could be that people will reach the cap on Section 21 utilizing fewer hours of services than before, because the cap wasn’t adjusted for the rate increase.  One might want to encourage DHHS to make the Section 21 cap increase in a manner that corresponds with the rate increase.
  • When the Department included shared living in Section 29 it removed employment supports from the cap.  Employment supports appear completely uncapped in Section 29.  The Department ought to be commended for encouraging successful employment through these rule changes.  In the rules, it appears that Section 21 employment supports are still capped.  This appears to be an inconsistency, and one might want to encourage support for employment within Section 21 as well as Section 29.
 
Section 21 & Section 29:
  • The Legislature set aside funding to increase the reimbursement rates; in their calculations, they had the rates starting on October 1st.  However, instead of starting the new rates on October 1st, the Department made the rate increases retroactive to July 1st.  Functionally, it appears that the increase in the rate for service is about 25% less than originally thought, because the same amount of funding is spread across twelve months instead of nine.  One might want to encourage that this be corrected so that the increase for service rate actually occurs for a full year as intended by the Legislature.
  • The mechanism for the retroactive rate increases appears unnecessarily challenging for providers.  It appears that providers must give the state back all the money they’re received for those services, retrospectively to July, then seek reimbursement for the full amount at the increased rate.  It’s estimated that it could take the state up to two months to reimburse providers.  Providers also must wait for the go-ahead to begin billing at the higher rate.  This could cause significant financial burdens for providers.  One might want to encourage DHHS to simplify reimbursement in a manner that will be most feasible for service providers. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENT INFORMATION:  Public comments for the two proposed rules relating to Section 29 are due tomorrow, Friday, 11/10; public comments for the proposed rule changes for Section 21 are due on Sunday, 11/12.  See below for more information and how to submit comments.
 
  • Section 21, Chapter III (Major Substantive Rule Change, to address rate increases approved for FY 2018)
Written comments due: 11/12/17 by 11:59pm  Click here to submit comments.
 
  • Section 29, Chapter II (Rule change addressing the increase to the Section 29 cap, added services, and services available but removed from the caps)
Written comments due: 11/10/17 by 11:59pm  Click here to submit comments.
 
  • Section 29, Chapter III (Major Substantive Rule Change, to address rate increases approved for FY 2018)
Written comments due: 11/10/17 by 11:59pm  Click here to submit comments.
 
(Click here for more information on the proposed rule changes, including how to submit written comments)
 
How to submit comments:  You can submit comments online through the links above, and doing so is easy – simply click the links above where it says “click here for public comments” for the corresponding rule change, enter your name, contact information, and type your comments in the space provided.  All mandatory fields are highlighted in yellow.  You can also email your written comments directly to Rachel Posner, the agency contact, at [email protected] Your comments don’t have to be long and your message can be simple.
 
Thank you for raising your voice and taking action.
Action Alert:  Proposed rule changes for Section 21 and Section 29 – Public Hearings and public comment period: 
DHHS recently released Proposed Rule Changes for Section 21 and Section 29.  Please click here for information from the Department regarding the specific rule changes, and what they mean for you, your family members, and/or people you provide care for.
 
As you may know, the Department utilized the emergency rule-making process for both Section 21 and Section 29, which includes changes such as raising the rates for Section 21 and 29, raising the cap for community and work supports in Section 29, added shared living as an option to Section 29, and removed employment supports from the Section 29 cap, making it a stand-alone service, outside of the cap.  Because the Department used the emergency rule-making process, those rules were provisionally accepted immediately and went into effect on September 29th.  The Department then released proposed rule changes for Section 21 and Section 29 for these same changes, which includes a public comment period, for permanent adoption.  DHHS has moved quickly to put into effect the raised caps for Section 29 and the temporary increase in rates for Direct Service Professionals under Sections 21 and 29.  They are to be commended for their responsiveness to our request to expedite these. 
 
However, people who have carefully reviewed the proposed rule changes have expressed some possible concerns and/or possible unintended consequences of provisions of the rule changes.  Below is a partial list of some of the common concerns reviewers have expressed:
  • Though the rates have been increased for Section 21, the caps were not increased correspondingly.  There is concern that a possible unintended consequence could be that people will reach the cap on Section 21 utilizing fewer hours of services than before, because the cap wasn’t adjusted for the rate increase. 
  • When the Department included shared living in Section 29 it removed employment supports from the cap.  Employment supports appear completely uncapped in Section 29.  However, on Section 21 employment supports are still capped.  This appears to be an inconsistency.
  • The Legislature set aside funding to increase the reimbursement rates; in their calculations, they had the rates starting on October 1st.  However, instead of starting the new rates on October 1st, the Department made the rate increases retroactive to July 1st.  Functionally, it appears that the increase in the rate for service is about 25% less than originally thought, because the same amount of funding is spread across twelve months instead of nine. 
  • The mechanism for the retroactive rate increases appear worrisome to providers.  It appears that providers must give the state back all the money they’re received for those services, retrospectively to July, then the State reimburses providers the full amount at the increased rate.  It’s estimated that it could take the state up to two months to reimburse providers.  Providers also must wait for the go-ahead to begin billing at the higher rate.  This could cause unintended financial burdens for providers.
 
PUBLIC HEARING & PUBLIC COMMENT INFORMATION:
 
  • Section 21, Chapter III (Major Substantive Rule Change, to address rate increases approved for FY 2018)
Public hearing: 11/1/17 at 9:00am, at the Augusta Armory (179 Western Ave, Augusta, ME)
Written comments due: 11/12/17 by 11:59pm  Click here to submit comments.
 
  • Section 29, Chapter II (Rule change addressing the increase to the Section 29 cap, added services, and services available but removed from the caps)
Public hearing: 10/31/17, 2017 at 9:00 am, at the Augusta Civic Center, Kennebec-Penobscot Room (76 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME)
Written comments due: 11/10/17 by 11:59pm  Click here to submit comments.
 
  • Section 29, Chapter III (Major Substantive Rule Change, to address rate increases approved for FY 2018)
Public hearing: 10/31/2017 at 1:00 pm, at the Augusta Civic Center, Kennebec-Penobscot Room (76 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME)
Written comments due: 11/10/17 by 11:59pm  Click here to submit comments.
 
(Click here for more information on the proposed rule changes, including how to submit written comments)
 
Testifying at the public hearings – Key things to note if you testify in person:
  • There will likely be a three minute limit on testimony.
  • If you prepare written testimony, please bring 25 copies to the hearing. 
But don’t let this stop you if it is a barrier!  You don’t need to speak for three minutes if that is intimidating.  You can simply go up, state your name, briefly tell your story, and express the needs of you and/or someone you care for and how the proposed rule changes may affect you and your family.  This can be redundant with what others have said. 
 
How to submit comments:  You can submit comments online and doing so is easy – simply click the links above where it says “click here for public comments” for the corresponding rule change, enter your name, contact information, and type your comments in the space provided.  All mandatory fields are highlighted in yellow.  Your comments don’t have to be long and your message can be simple.
 
Thank you for raising your voice and taking action.
ICYMI:  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) Report "MAINE DID NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR CRITICAL INCIDENTS INVOLVING MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES" and related information, including the Department's response to the report, and related media coverage can be found by clicking here. 
We are pleased to announce the 2017/2018 Work & Benefits Navigator Training (WBNT) schedule
  • Lewiston – October 27
  • Portland – November 20
  • Fairfield – December 15
  • Augusta – May 11
  • Ellsworth – May 22
  • Brunswick – June 12

This training is for anyone who supports people with disabilitieswho:
  • wants to learn more about Social Security disability benefits and how working impacts benefits;
  • wants information, skills and resources to challenge myths and misinformation about work and benefits;and
  • does not provide employment services as their primary role (stay tuned: we will be offering two sessions in April 2018 for Employment Specialists)
 
Cost: $25 per person. No cost for DHHS employees.
 
For more information and to register:https://www.mh-edu.org/WBNav17-18
Space is limited. We encourage agencies to identify a staff member who can bring this valuable information back and share it with their colleagues as well as implement their learning with individuals they serve.
 
Presenters: Training will be provided by Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) from Maine Medical Center’s Department of Vocational Services.  They have many years of experience in assisting people with navigating Social Security’s return-to-work rules, and encouraging them - and those who play a supporting role in their lives - to think about earnings and work in a new way.

Funding to develop and deliver this training was provided and coordinated through SAMHS and OADS in collaboration with DOL-BRS leadership. 

Leticia Huttman
Employment and Workforce Development Manager
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Department of Health and Human Services
41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta, Maine 04333
207-287-4253
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/
www.employmentforme.org
www.mainebln.org
DHHS recently released Emergency Rules for
  • Section 21:  Chapter III (minor-technical rule change) to address rate increases approved for State Fiscal Year 2018; and
  • Section 29:  Chapter II (minor technical rule change), addressing the increase to the Section 29 cap, added services, and services removed from the caps; and Chapter III  (major substantive rule change) to address rate increase approved for State Fiscal Year 2018. 
The Department is using the emergency rule-making process, which means the rules are provisionally adopted as soon as they are proposed.  All three rule changes are effective 10/1/2017, with all rate increases being retroactive to 7/1/2017.  Please see information from the Department below regarding the specific rule changes, and what they mean for you, your family members, and/or people you provide care for.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services 
The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage.  This website keeps the proposed rules on file until they are finalized and until the Secretary of State website is updated to reflect the changes.  The MaineCare Benefits Manual is available on-line at the Secretary of State’s website.  
Below, please find three Notices of Emergency Agency Rule-making Adoption. You can access the complete rules at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml 

Notice of Emergency Major Substantive Agency Rule-making Adoption 
AGENCY:  Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services 
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE:  10-144 C.M.R., Chapter 101, Chapter III, Section 21, Allowances for Home and Community Benefits for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder 
ADOPTED RULE NUMBER: 
CONCISE SUMMARY:    This emergency major substantive rule is adopted in accordance with P.L. 2017, ch. 284, Sec. TTTT-1, which authorized the Department to adopt emergency rules as necessary to implement provisions of P.L. 2017, ch. 284.  P.L. 2017, ch. 284 provides funding to increase reimbursement rates for 23 procedure codes in Chapter III, Section 21.  The legislation directed the Department to increase the rates for the specific procedure codes in equal proportion to the funding provided for that purpose.  In addition to the rate increases required by P.L. 2017, ch. 284, the Department has also increased the rate for a 24th procedure code, as the Department has determined that this rate increase needs to be done in this emergency rulemaking to avoid an immediate threat to public health, safety or general welfare.  These increased rates will be effective retroactive to July 1, 2017. The Legislature did not appropriate additional funding for these rate increases beyond June 30, 2018; therefore, rates will revert to their current levels (pre-July 1, 2017) on July 1, 2018.     
       
The Department moved to emergency rulemaking once the rates were calculated and finalized.  In creating the rates for the 24 codes, the Department examined utilization of these services, and then calculated rates to ensure parity between Section 21 and Section 29, to lessen administrative complications for providers. 
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents. 

EFFECTIVE DATE:                            September 29, 2017, retroactive to July 1, 2017   
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:       Rachel Posner, Comprehensive Health Planner [email protected]
AGENCY NAME:                              Division of Policy
ADDRESS:                                         242 State Street
                                                           11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE:                                    (207)-624-6951   FAX: (207) 287-1864   TTY users call Maine relay 711


Notice of Emergency Agency Rule Adoption 
AGENCY:  Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services 
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE:  10-144 C.M.R., Chapter 101, Chapter II, Section 29, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder 
ADOPTED RULE NUMBER: 
CONCISE SUMMARY:  The Department adopts this emergency rule in accordance with P.L. 2017, ch. 284 (An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2019), which provided funding to increase the annual cap for services provided under Section 29 from $23,771 to $47,500.  The Act funded Shared Living services as a new residential Covered Service available to eligible members under Section 29. 
The Department has increased the annual combined services cap from the $47,500 in the legislation to $52,425, to accommodate the annual cost of the newly added Shared Living service, given the rate increase for this service for SFY18, as implemented in a contemporaneous emergency rule for Chapter III, Section 29.  In addition, the Department is adding Shared Living, and removing Work Support from, this cap, which will now include Home Support, Community Support, and Shared Living.  The Department has increased the annual cap on Respite services to accommodate the rate increase for this service for SFY18 in Chapter III, Section 29, which the Department is also engaged in concurrent emergency rulemaking.  Both of these increases in caps will be retroactive to July 1, 2017, pursuant to the increased rates for services in the legislation, and pursuant to 22 M.R.S. 42(8). 

The emergency rule implements these changes by adding definitions for Administrative Oversight Agency, Shared Living, and Shared Living Provider, and by adding Shared Living as a Covered Service.  The combined services cap has been increased to $52,425, and Shared Living has been added to the services included under the cap.  Work Support-Individual and Work Support-Group have been removed from the cap.  Removing these services from the cap removes the limit on Work Support, and allows members flexibility to use the capped amount for the other services.  The annual limit on Respite has been increased from $1,000 to $1,100.  The weekly cap on Home Support-Remote Support has been removed to increase member flexibility. 
These changes are not expected to have an adverse effect on the administrative burdens of small businesses. 
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents. 

EFFECTIVE DATE:                            October 1, 2017       
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:       Rachel Posner, Comprehensive Health Planner [email protected]
AGENCY NAME:                              Division of Policy
ADDRESS:                                         242 State Street
                                                           11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE:                                    (207)-624-6951   FAX: (207) 287-1864   TTY users call Maine relay 711


Notice of Emergency Major Substantive Agency Rule Adoption 
AGENCY:  Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services 
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE:  10-144 C.M.R., Chapter 101, Chapter III, Section 29, Allowances for Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder 
EMERGENCY MAJOR SUBSTANTIVE RULE 
ADOPTED RULE NUMBER: 
CONCISE SUMMARY:  The Department adopts this emergency rule in accordance with P.L. 2017, ch. 284 (An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2019), §§§ ZZZZZZZ-9, MMMMMMM-2 and TTTT-1, which provided funding to increase reimbursement rates for 16 procedure codes in Chapter III, Section 29, and directed the Department – via major substantive rulemaking – to increase the rates for the specific procedure codes in equal proportion to the funding provided.  The Department has also increased the rate for a 17th procedure code in order to create consistency among similar services within the waiver.  These rates will be effective retroactive to July 1, 2017.  Funding for these rate increases was only appropriated for SFY18.  The Legislature did not appropriate additional funding for these rates beyond June 30, 2018; therefore, rates increased for SFY18 will revert to their current levels (pre July 1, 2017) on July 1, 2018. 

The Legislature granted emergency major substantive rulemaking authority for these rate increases, which the Department commenced once the rates were calculated and finalized.  In creating the rates for the codes shown below, the Department examined utilization of these services, and then calculated rates to ensure parity between Section 29 and Section 21, to lessen administrative complications for providers.  

In addition, the Department is adding two procedure codes for Shared Living services as the Department is contemporaneously adopting an emergency rule for Chapter II, Section 29 to add this benefit as a covered service for members.  These rates are consistent with the rates for the same services under Section 21, and include increased rates for SFY18 that will revert to their current levels (pre July 1, 2017) pursuant to P.L. 2017, ch. 284. 
This change is not expected to have an adverse effect on the administrative burdens of small businesses.
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents. 

EFFECTIVE DATE:                            October 1, 2017       
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:       Rachel Posner, Comprehensive Health Planner [email protected]
AGENCY NAME:                              Division of Policy
ADDRESS:                                         242 State Street
                                                           11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE:                                    (207)-624-6951   FAX: (207) 287-1864   TTY users call Maine relay 711
Forwarded Action Alert from Maine Disability Alerts

On 9/25, Senator Collins announced that she would continue opposing the Cassidy-Graham bill, even after it was amended Sunday night (and again on Monday) in a failed attempt to win her vote. Please see her excellent statement:  www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-opposes-graham-cassidy-health-care-bills
 
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to achieve this. I know how frustrating it is to have to do it again and again, but your efforts continue to make a real difference.
 
Please call Senator Collins to THANK HER FOR OPPOSING CASSIDY-GRAHAM and for her pledge to work on bipartisan health care solutions.
 
Contact info for Senator Collins:
  • DC 202-224-2523
  • Portland 207-780-3575
  • Augusta 207-622-8414
  • Bangor 207-945-0417
  • Caribou 207-493-7873
  • Biddeford 207-283-1101
  • Lewiston 207-784-6969
  • via webform at https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact

You are also welcome to thank Senator King for his continued support on health care https://www.king.senate.gov/contact
Forwarded Action Alert from Maine Disability Alerts

Late Sunday night it was reported that the Cassidy-Graham bill is being revised in an attempt to buy the votes of senators from Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky, and Maine. (Article focusing on Alaska and Maine is here, and article focusing on Alaska, Arizona, and Kentucky is here.)
 
There's an eye-catching number of a 43% increase in federal funding for Maine. But that money would stop in 9 years, and Mainers who rely on Medicaid--including children, elders, and persons with disabilities--would be stuck with a per capita cap that would continue to jeopardize their community living long-term. As far as I can tell, Cassidy-Graham would also still gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
 
And, of course, there's no way the CBO would have time to verify the claims that the bill's authors make.
 
Although Sen Collins indicated Sun morning that she was unlikely to support the bill in the end, that was before the latest developments. Please call again! Please contact Sen Collins starting on Mon to say:
  1. Thank you for working on practical bipartisan solutions in the HELP committee and through the Reinsurance Act.
  2. Cassidy-Graham's money cuts and cuts to protections would hurt elders, children, and adults with disabilities.
  3. Please don't take the bait in this weekend's last-minute revisions to Cassidy-Graham.
  4. Please OPPOSE Cassidy-Graham.
Contact info for Sen Collins:
  • DC 202-224-2523
  • Portland 207-780-3575
  • Augusta 207-622-8414
  • Bangor 207-945-0417
  • Caribou 207-493-7873
  • Biddeford 207-283-1101
  • Lewiston 207-784-6969
  • via webform at https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact
Medicaid Cuts in Cassidy-Graham Plan Would Reduce Access to Home- and Community-Based Services
Insurance News
WASHINGTON , Sept. 21 -- The Center on Budget & Policy Priorities issued the following news release: The legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy and Lindsey Graham , which the Senate is now considering, would replace the ACA's marketplace subsidies and Medicaid expansion with an inadequate block grant. Like other House and Senate repeal bills, it would also affect the entire Medicaid program by converting Medicaid's current federal-state Read the full story
Forwarded Action Alert from Maine Disability Alerts

Sen Collins has introduced the bipartisan "Lower Premiums Through Reinsurance Act of 2017" (jointly sponsored with Sen Nelson, D-FL). This bill would give states some options--including options in the style of Maine's "PL 90" invisible high risk pool that was in effect briefly before the ACA was passed--for stabilizing insurance markets. This bill could work in concert with other reforms that had been considered by the Senate Health committee. In the middle of partisan rancor, this is showing real leadership.
 
Please contact Sen Collins to say:
  1. THANK YOU for working on practical bipartisan solutions like the Reinsurance Act.
  2. Please oppose Cassidy-Graham's repeal of ObamaCare. It would wreck Medicaid and hurt so many people with disabilities.
Contact info for Sen Collins:
  • DC 202-224-2523
  • Portland 207-780-3575 
  • Augusta 207-622-8414
  • Bangor 207-945-0417
  • Caribou 207-493-7873
  • Biddeford 207-283-1101
  • Lewiston 207-784-6969
  • via webform at https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact
Thank you!
Forwarded, Revised ACTION ALERT:

This Action Alert was originally from Maine Disability Alerts, however it has been updated with more information and links to past Coalition Action Alerts for convenience.

Some US Senators are trying one last time to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the Cassidy-Graham bill includes many of the harmful provisions from the House’s American Health Care Act (AHCH) and the Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), including the per capita caps and block granting that would ultimately take millions of dollars out of Medicaid. (follow this link for information from previous action alerts;  follow this link for information from CBPP on the bill)
​
Now is the time to contact Senator Collins, thank her for her support in opposing previous efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and ask her to:
  • Please vote against the Cassidy-Graham bill; and
  • Please oppose any restructuring of Medicaid, such as block grants, per capita caps, or anything similar, because they would restrict MaineCare’s ability to give people, including people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, the care they need. Our growing waitlists demonstrate that we have insufficient resources already.

Contacting Senator Collins is easy – Simply click here and you’ll be on the contact section of Senator Collins' website. On the left-hand side of the screen, there is a simple form –type in your name, address, email, and your comments in the space provided. Your comments don’t have to be long and your message can be simple. Please take a few minutes now to tell your story and appeal to Senator Collins.

You can also call Senator Collins’ office and deliver this same message: 
  • Senator Collins: D.C. office: 202-224-2521
  • Portland Office: Portland 207-780-3575
  • Augusta Office: 207-622-8414
  • Bangor Office: 207-945-0417
  • Caribou Office: 207-493-7873
  • Biddeford Office: 207-283-1101
  • Lewiston Office: 207-784-6969
Please send something personal. Let Senator Collins know how important it is to have services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. These personal stories will help inform the Senator, so that she can make a good decision for people in Maine.

Thank you for your collective advocacy.
Employment for ME
Workforce Developmetn System

Making Employment a Reality for ALL Youth!

Bangor Hilton Garden Inn 
November 14, 2017
Bangor Registration Link

Auburn Hilton Garden Inn
November 15, 2017
Auburn Registration Link
With Beth Keeton, Griffin-Hammis Associates and Debbie Gilmer, Syntiro
This one day workshop will provide caseworkers, educators, families and state agency staff with a foundation of stories and strategies designed to:
  • Learn about community resources available to youth in care and those with disabilities
  • Raise expectations for all youth to be employed
  • Dispel myths about the impact of benefits on working
  • Collaborate with colleagues to support youth with employment goals and outcomes

Audience: Children’s case managers, educators, families, advocacy and state agency staff
If you are a parent or family member wanting to attend and are seeking a scholarship email joyce@syntiro.  
We are hopeful that teams will register! 
$125.00 per person or $325/team of three (ideally a case manager, teacher and family member—must register together)  
Morning coffee and lunch will be provided. 
Beth Keeton is the Executive Director of Griffin-Hammis Associates. Currently, she oversees the Certified Business and Technical Assistance (CBTAC) programs administered by the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.  Additionally, Beth works on numerous other Customized and Self Employment initiatives throughout the country including:  The Florida Rural Routes to Employment, the New Jersey Customized Employment Initiative, and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. 
Debbie Gilmer is President of Syntiro, a nonprofit located in Readfield, ME and the Project Director of the Employment for ME Workforce Development System funded by Maine DHHS and VR to certify, support and mentor Employment Specialists across the state. Ms. Gilmer served as the state co-lead (with the State VR director) for Maine’s ODEP Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program team. She previously served as the co-director of the Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center and the Maine State GEAR UP program. She is a board member and past president of Maine APSE and serves on the national APSE public policy committee.  She is widely recognized as a passionate and engaging presenter and has conducted technical assistance on transition and employment across the country for many years.
We are hopeful that teams will register! 
ACTION ALERT - DHHS Section 1115 Waiver Application to CMS - Immediate action needed
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has formally submitted its Section 1115 waiver application to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).  This particular waiver affects people who are considered to be “able-bodied,” but it would be precedent-setting for all of Maine’s other waiver programs if approved.  The application went through a state public comment period, and two public hearings were held.  Many of the comments during this public comment period expressed concerns about people being able to access healthcare and services if this waiver should go through. 

DHHS has made revisions to the original proposal based on comments received during the public comment period.  However, an analysis by Maine Equal Justice Partners indicates that the majority of the provisions that will affect people's access to healthcare and critical services still remain.

The application is in 30-day federal comment period, which ends at 11:00pm on 9/16.  Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP) believes this will limit people’s access to services. MEJP is encouraging people to submit comments, and they’re willing to help.  MEJP has information on the original proposal, comments received, changes made due to comments received, and the final application package sent to CMS.  They are preparing to file a lawsuit, in the event that the application is approved; they will build their case based on the comments submitted to CMS.

Some of the 1115 waiver proposals of concern, partially summarized by MEJP, include:
  • Some people would be limited to just 3 months of MaineCare coverage every 36 months;
  • Some Mainers, even those with income below the poverty level, would be required to pay monthly MaineCare premiums or face financial penalties and loss of health coverage;
  • Parents, children, and pregnant women could lose MaineCare coverage if they have even modest assets;
  • There would be an elimination of retroactive Medicaid eligibility;
  • There would be an elimination of hospital presumptive eligibility determinations; and  
  • MaineCare recipients would be charged a $10 co-payment for Hospital Emergency Department visits that have a primary diagnosis which the Department has deemed to be indicative of non-emergency utilization - even if a doctor advised them to go to the ER or it is the only option available.
 
(Click here for Maine Equal Justice Partners full analysis of the waiver application)
(Click here to view the submitted application, which includes a summary of comments and how the State considered those comments in the development of the final application) 
(Click here to view a summary of changes from the Department)

I encourage you to submit written public comments to CMS to help educate them about the effect of the proposed policy on the populations in need of services in Maine.  Comments are due on Saturday, 9/16 by 11:00pm.  In your written comments, it is often a good strategy to include concrete, real life experiences that clearly illustrate the effect this waiver would have on people with intellectual disabilities in Maine.  You can talk about what services do to help people with intellectual/developmental disabilities gain and retain stability and inclusion in the community.  This is the opportunity to tell your story and how unrestricted access to healthcare and adequate services are vital for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Maine.

To submit comments, simply click this link, and you'll be on the page on the CMS' website where you can submit comments for Maine's Section 1115 Waiver Application.  You can type or copy and paste your comments in the box provided, or attach a document.  You can even submit comments without identifying yourself.  Contact MEJP for assistance in submitting comments.  They are happy to provide assistance. 

Please take the time to weigh in on this precedent setting proposal.  Thank you for raising your voice and taking action
The Fall 2017 edition of the Maine Parent Federation newsletter, Parent Connection, is now available on the website at: 
http://www.mpf.org/newsletters/ParentConnectionFall2017.pdf
 
Please feel free to distribute this newsletter to others who may be interested.  If you would like a printed copy of the newsletter, E-mail [email protected] 
Thank you sign-on note to our US Congressional Leadership for helping to protect healthcare- please share
 
Hi All, 
We apprectiate our US Congressional Leadership, Senator Collins, Senator King and Congresswoman Pingree for speaking up to protect healthcare and Medicaid. They heard a lot from us requesting their help. Let's thank them for their efforts.
Here is a link to a sign-on opportunity to thank these leaders for protecting our healthcare: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DB5WQ8T  
 
Please share with interested parties. 
 
Kim Fulmer Humphrey
Community Connect Maine 
 and 
 Erin Rowan
Disability Activists and Allies of Maine (DAAM)
Washington Post Article:  ‘I want him to have his own life’: Mississippi families struggle amid budget cuts to Medicaid-funded services  
SPARK NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND
 
If you or your child has a professional diagnosis of autism, Maine Medical Center and Maine Behavioral Healthcare, invites you to learn more about SPARK, a new online research study sponsored by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. The mission of SPARK is clear: speed up research and advance understanding of autism by creating the nation’s largest autism study. Joining SPARK is simple – register online and provide a DNA sample via a saliva collection kit in the comfort of your own home. Register in person by contacting us at 207 661-7620, email [email protected], or visit www.SPARKforAutism.org/mainemedicalcenter.  Together, we can help spark a better future for all individuals and families affected by autism.
On May 17, a week after meeting with concerned parents on the matter, Senator King took to the floor of the Senate to share the stories of two Maine people with disabilities who would be affected should the American Health Care Act (AHCA) pass. Check out the video below! Let's thank Senator King for his tremendous leadership on this issue!
“What happens when we make these cuts? What happens to Lidia? What happens to Dan? Who will speak for them? I will – and I hope this body will."
ACTION ALERT 1: Forwarded Action Alert from Autism Society of Maine:  Phone call campaign
 
The Autism Society of Maine and Autism Society national want to educate you on what the changes in MaineCare (Medicaid) will mean to you and your family. The purpose for this information is to help people with disabilities, their families, and advocates/allies understand the impact of the changes proposed in the AHCA and give them the tools to advocate. This site was developed by Center for Public Representation with facts and figures about individuals who have MaineCare in Maine. 

Please go to the Center for Public Representation's website and review how the proposed changes will impact Maine residents. Here you will also see Maine Representatives contact information (this information is also included below for convenience).

On June 6 there is a rally in DC, if you can make great, if not, DO YOUR PART - call your Representatives and Senator's from Maine. Tell them how you feel and what this will do for your child/adult.

Together we can make a difference.

Sincerely,
Cathy E. Dionne
Executive Director
Autism Society of Maine

Information from the Center for Public Representation's website:
Maine stands to lose $5 billion in federal funding for Medicaid, CHIP, and financial assistance for marketplace coverage through the proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA).  Medicaid provides 97,113 people with disabilities in Maine with access to critical care that helps them live independently. AHCA cuts Medicaid funding by imposing a “per capita cap” on Medicaid, with the capped amounts growing every year. 41,078 Mainers with disabilities are at risk of losing coverage.

If you care about people with disabilities – if you or someone you love is supported by Medicaid, please take action NOW. 
You matter, your story about Medicaid is critical, and your call makes a difference. 

It is absolutely essential to make the case to your representatives Senator Collins, Senator King, and Governor LePage about the impact of the Medicaid per capita caps on community services and supports for individuals with disabilities.

Call the main Capitol line at: (202) 224-3121 (You’ll be directed to an operator at the Capitol switchboard who can direct you to both of your senators.)
Please, whether you’re a lifelong activist or haven’t voted in years – take five minutes today to help defend essential services for people with disabilities.

Your Representatives
Senator Susan M. Collins
413 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-2523
Contact Form
 
Senator Angus S. King, Jr.
133 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-5344
Contact Form
 
Governor Paul R. LePage
Office of the Governor
#1 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0001
(207)-287-3531
Contact Form
Request a Meeting
 
Key messages:
  • Do NOT support the American Health Care Act.  
  • Do NOT allow Medicaid to be gutted.  Per Capita Caps would decimate the program on which people with disabilities and seniors rely for critical healthcare and community services.  
  • Do NOT allow states to opt out of requiring health plans to cover basic health care and keep it affordable for people with pre-existing conditions, including people with disabilities.
 
Learn More About Medicaid in Maine and the Potential Impact of the AHCA: 
 
Reports on State Impact:
UPDATED CONTINUED ACTION ALERT 2:  Letter writing / email campaign
Dear advocates, friends, and families of people with disabilities: 
 
On May 4th, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), the U.S. House of Representatives’ bill to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed the House by a vote of 217-213.  The bill is now in the Senate for consideration.  The Senate appears poised to begin discussion on the AHCA bill the week of June 5th, and may try to pass this legislation by the end of June, a far more expedited process than was originally anticipated (see the forwarded action alert from Autism Society of Maine below for additional information).
 
As discussed at the 3/13 meeting of the Coalition (click here for the March minutes), the proposed healthcare bill includes reforms to Medicaid (MaineCare) that will very likely affect you and/or your sons and daughters, including converting Medicaid funding to a per capita cap arrangement, with an additional option for states to administer Medicaid under a block grant arrangement.  Other proposed changes include cuts to Special Education, changes for people with pre-existing conditions, and additional language regarding high-risk pools.  These cuts are dramatic, estimated to be $839 billion over the next ten years, and clearly cuts of those magnitude will markedly reduce funds for services under Section 21, Section 29, and other sections of MaineCare.
 
Under the current MaineCare program, people with disabilities are eligible for and receive an array of services.  Under a per capita cap or block granting of MaineCare, Maine will get far less federal funding and there will be fewer protections for people with disabilities.  Maine stands to lose $5 Billion for people with disabilities over the next several years if this bill passes the Senate.
 
Now is the time for advocates, parents, and friends of people with disabilities to contact Senator Collins and Senator King and ask them to:
 
  • Please vote against the American Health Care Act (AHCA); and
  • Please oppose any proposal calling for a block grant, per capita cap, or any other restructuring that would restrict MaineCare’s ability to give people with disabilities the care they need.
 
Attached are draft letters to Senator Collins and Senator King.  The letters include space for individuals, parents, guardians, and family members to tell their stories, and explain how imperative MaineCare services are to them and/or their loved ones with disabilities.  Sending a letter to the Senators is easy – simply add in your information to replace red and italicized sections of the draft letters (click here for the draft letter to Senator Collins, click here for the draft letter to Senator King), and email them to:
  • Senator Collins’ staff:  Elizabeth Allen ([email protected]) Senator Collins’ Health and Medicaid/Medicare staffer; and Elizabeth McDonnell ([email protected]) Senator Collins’ Legislative Director.
  • Senator King’s staff:  Marge Kilkelly ([email protected]) Senator King’s Health & Medicaid/Medicare staffer; and Chad Metzler ([email protected]) Senator King’s Legislative Director.
 
Additionally, our action alert and a meeting with some concerned parents in early May helped educate Senator King about the need to protect MaineCare.  He did exactly that on May 17th; Senator King took to the floor of the Senate to share the stories of two Maine people with disabilities who would be affected should the American Health Care Act (AHCA) pass.  Please take a few moments to watch Senator King’s compelling speech here.  If you reached out to him – thank you!  If you have not yet done so, please thank him for his tremendous leadership on this issue. 
 
By telling your story and the importance of MaineCare for yourself, your family, loved one, or person you work to help, you can help our members of Congress understand why funding for services are vital.  Thank you for taking action and raising your voice!
ACTION ALERT 3 – Forwarded Action Alert from Maine Disability Alerts: Email campaign
 
A bill currently under consideration by the Maine Legislature, LD 323, would eliminate the wait list for Section 21 adult developmental services in Maine for persons with intellectual disabilities or autism, addressing a problem that has festered for years.
 
The HHS Committee has unanimously (13-0) endorsed LD 323, and the full House has followed suit (137-0). The Senate has also passed LD 323.
 
But because the bill has a fiscal note of about $33 million a year in state funds, it is now sitting on the "Special Appropriations Table", where it will die unless the Appropriations Committee votes to fund it.
 
Democrats and Republicans are currently fighting about funds for public schools and income taxes on top earners (amounts of money roughly ten times what's in LD 323). Please do not let them forget about the crucial need to finally eliminate the wait list.
 
Please contact the following legislators to ask them to fund LD 323 off the Special Appropriations Table to finally eliminate the wait list for adult developmental services. Remind them that there are more than 1500 adults with significant disabilities sitting on the wait list. (When emailing Republicans, it's probably worthwhile to mention that LD 323 was sponsored by Republican Rep Richard Malaby.)
  1. Ask these members of Appropriations to fund LD 323 to eliminate the Section wait list:
    Sen James Hamper (R-Oxford) [email protected]
    Sen Cathy Breen (D-Falmouth) [email protected]
    Sen Roger Katz (R-Augusta) [email protected]
    Rep Drew Gattine (D-Westbrook) [email protected]
    Rep Aaron Frey (D-Bangor) [email protected]
    Rep Brian Hubbell (D-Bar Harbor) [email protected]
    Rep Erik Jorgensen (D-Portland) [email protected]
    Rep John Martin (D-Eagle Lake) [email protected]
    Rep Stedman Seavey (R-Kennebunkport) [email protected]
    Rep Heather Sirocki (R-Scarborough) [email protected]
    Rep Denise Tepler (D-Topsham) [email protected]
    Rep Jeffrey Timberlake (R-Turner) [email protected]
    Rep Tom  Winsor (R-Norway) [email protected]
  2. Ask your senator to contact colleagues on Appropriations to ask them to fund LD 323. You can get contact info for your senator at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/townlist.htm
  3. Thank your representative (House member) for joining the unanimous vote for LD 323, and ask them to contact colleagues on Appropriations to ask them to fund LD 323. You can also get contact info for your senator at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/townlist.htm
  4. Contact legislative leadership and ask them to fund LD 323:
    Speaker Sara Gideon (D-Freeport) [email protected]
    Rep Erin Herbig (D-Belfast, House majority leader) [email protected]
    Rep Jared Golden (D-Lewiston, House majority whip) [email protected]
    Rep Kenneth Fredette (R-Newport, House Republican leader) [email protected]
    Rep Ellie Espling (R-New Gloucester, House Republican whip) [email protected]
    Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) [email protected]
    Sen Garrett Mason (R-Androscoggin, Senate majority leader) [email protected]
    Sen Andre Cushing (R-Penobscot, Senate majority whip) [email protected]
    Sen Troy Jackson (D-Aroostook, Senate Democratic leader) [email protected]
    Sen Nathan Libby (D-Androscoggin, Senate Democratic whip) [email protected]
The Autism Society of Maine and Autism Society national want to educate you on what the changes in MaineCare (Medicaid) will mean to you and your family. The purpose for this information is to help people with disabilities, their families, and advocates/allies understand the impact of the changes proposed in the AHCA and give them the tools to advocate. This site was developed by Center for Public Representation with facts and figures about individuals who have MaineCare in Maine. 

Please go to the Center for Public Representation's website and review how the proposed changes will impact Maine residents. Here you will also see Maine Representatives contact information (this information is also included below for convenience).

On June 6 there is a rally in DC, if you can make great, if not DO YOUR PART - call your Representatives and Senator's from Maine. Tell them how you feel and what this will do for your child/adult.
Together we can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Cathy E. Dionne
Executive Director
Autism Society of Maine

Information from the Center for Public Representation's website:
Maine stands to lose $5 billion in federal funding for Medicaid, CHIP, and financial assistance for marketplace coverage through the proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA).  Medicaid provides 97,113 people with disabilities in Maine with access to critical care that helps them live independently. AHCA cuts Medicaid funding by imposing a “per capita cap” on Medicaid, with the capped amounts growing every year. 41,078 Mainers with disabilities are at risk of losing coverage.
If you care about people with disabilities – if you or someone you love is supported by Medicaid, please take action NOW. 
You matter, your story about Medicaid is critical, and your call makes a difference. 
It is absolutely essential to make the case to your representatives Senator Collins, Senator King, and Governor LePage about the impact of the Medicaid per capita caps on community services and supports for individuals with disabilities.
Call the main Capitol line at: (202) 224-3121 (You’ll be directed to an operator at the Capitol switchboard who can direct you to both of your senators.)
Please, whether you’re a lifelong activist or haven’t voted in years – take five minutes today to help defend essential services for people with disabilities.
What to Say
Hello, this is [Name]. I’m a resident of [Town, State] and [I/my child/sister/friend/co-worker etc] is a person with a disability who relies on Medicaid for health care and community support.
The proposed AHCA calls for per capita caps that will result in $834 billion in cuts to Medicaid, leaving 10 million Americans with disabilities and 41,078 Mainers with disabilities at risk of losing the services that enable them to live and participate in the community. 
This would be devastating to individuals and families.
A health care plan that leaves people with disabilities without essential services is unacceptable. Please pass my concerns along to [Representative’s Name]. Thank you for taking my call!
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address and zip code to ensure your call is tallied]
[Optional Add On]
Personal stories are the most effective form of advocacy. Talk about why is Medicaid important to you.  
  • If you or a family member are on Medicaid (including a waiver), what are the most important services to you? What difference has that made in yours and/or your family member’s lives?
    • Access to critical healthcare or therapies
    • Ability to receive in-home supports, residential supports, or live independently
    • Ability to work or go to a day program (so your family can work)
  • What was your and/or your family member’s lives like before receiving Medicaid services?
  • Are you or a family member on a waitlist for Medicaid services? How would getting services make a difference in your lives?

Your Representatives
Senator Susan M. Collins
413 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-2523
Contact Form
 
Senator Angus S. King, Jr.
133 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-5344
Contact Form
 
Governor Paul R. LePage
Office of the Governor
#1 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0001
(207)-287-3531
Contact Form
Request a Meeting
 
 Key messages:
  • Do NOT support the American Health Care Act.  
  • Do NOT allow Medicaid to be gutted.  Per Capita Caps would decimate the program on which people with disabilities and seniors rely for critical healthcare and community services.  
  • Do NOT allow states to opt out of requiring health plans to cover basic health care and keep it affordable for people with pre-existing conditions, including people with disabilities.
Learn More About Medicaid in Maine and the Potential Impact of the AHCA:  Reports on State Impact:
Community Connect Maine - Action Alert:

Sign-on Letter to Maine’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee:  Ensure Access to Community Services for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism (LD967)
Maine's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services system is on the verge of collapse due to a decade of rate cuts compounded by rising costs. LD967 seeks to resolve this crisis. The Health and Human Service Committee voted “Ought to Pass” for this bill. Now the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee needs to fund it. Community Connect Maine is offering you an opportunity to sign a letter addressed to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee to support the funding of LD967. If you are representing families, care givers or an advocate for Mainers with IDD and would like to show your support for funding the bill, the link to sign-on is here: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7SQ5MWF
Please add your name, town and role by 10:00AM, June 1, 2017.  The letter sign-on names will be submitted to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee on June 2, 2017


LETTER TO APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:
Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee
100 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
RE: LD 967 – An Act To Ensure Access to Community Services for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism


Dear Committee Members,
Maine’s home and community based  services system for people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (“Autism”) is collapsing due to a decade of rate cuts compounded by rising costs. LD 967 seeks to resolve this crisis and your support is critical. We know this will take money and understand how challenging it must be to fund, but the families that live in your districts need your help and understanding. 
People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism rely on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide the services they need every day just to live safely in their community. For many people, this may mean help using the bathroom, preventing injury to themselves or others when they’re angry or frustrated, and assistance with medical conditions, such as feeding tubes and colostomies. Additionally, the work must be done with compassion, kindness, and good humor.
Without the appropriate level of funding to recruit and retain DSPs, the service delivery system does not function. Yet, over the last decade, the State of Maine has cut rates in real dollars by upwards of 30%, reducing wages for DSPs to pennies above Maine’s current minimum wage and causing an exodus of DSPs from the system. 
The current system is unsustainable. Providers have been forced to close and decline referrals, reduce capacity, eliminate programs, and make other cuts simply to stave off closure. People currently receiving services see a revolving door of DSPs and overworked support staff struggling to fill shifts, while those coming off the waitlist are denied placement. When people can’t find a provider due to staffing shortages, their funding is taken away and they have to reapply just to get back on the waitlist.
These services are provided to people who meet an institutional level of care, but can live in the community with the help of DSPs. Without DSPs, people are unnecessarily institutionalized and relying on more intrusive and expensive care. Without the care they need, people are at a higher risk for abuse, neglect, and exploitation and put a greater burden on the State’s Adult Protective and Crisis services.  
This crisis not only threatens to fail our moral and legal obligation to provide life-necessary services to Maine people, but puts over 12,000 jobs and $400 million in economic activity at risk. 
We, the undersigned, representing families, care givers, and advocates for Mainers with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism, therefore urge you to fund LD 967 and restore stability and hope for our people. 
Thank you for your consideration,


Citizens of Maine
Your names will be listed here

--
Kim Fulmer Humphrey
Founder of Community Connect ME
ACTION ALERT
Dear advocates, friends, and families of people with disabilities: 
 
On May 4th, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), the U.S. House of Representatives’ bill to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed the House by a vote of 217-213.  The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. 
 
As discussed at the 3/13 meeting of the Coalition (click here for the March minutes), the proposed healthcare bill includes reforms to Medicaid (MaineCare) that will very likely affect you and/or your sons and daughters, including converting Medicaid funding to a per capita cap arrangement, with an additional option for states to administer Medicaid under a block grant arrangement.  Other proposed changes include cuts to Special Education, changes for people with pre-existing conditions, and additional language regarding high-risk pools.  These cuts are very significant, estimated to be more than $800 billion over the next ten years, and clearly cuts of those magnitude will dramatically reduce funds for services under Section 21, Section 29, and other sections of MaineCare.
 
Under the current MaineCare program, people with disabilities are eligible for and receive an array of services.  Under a per capita cap or block granting of MaineCare, Maine will get far less federal funding and there will be fewer protections for people with disabilities.  Maine stands to lose millions of dollars for people with disabilities over the next several years if this bill passes the Senate.
 
Now is the time for advocates, parents, and friends of people with disabilities to contact Senator Collins and Senator King and ask them to:

  • Please vote against the American Health Care Act (AHCA); and
  • Please oppose any proposal calling for a block grant, per capita cap, or any other restructuring that would restrict MaineCare’s ability to give people with disabilities the care they need.
 
Attached are draft letters to Senator Collins and Senator King.  The letters include space for individuals, parents, guardians, and family members to tell their stories, and explain how imperative MaineCare services are to them and/or their loved ones with disabilities.  Sending a letter to the Senators is easy – simply add in your information to replace red and italicized sections of the draft letters  (click here for the draft letter to Senator Collins, click here for the draft letter to Senator King), and email them to:
  • Senator Collins’ staff:  Elizabeth Allen ([email protected]) Senator Collins’ Health and Medicaid/Medicare staffer; and Elizabeth McDonnell ([email protected]) Senator Collins’ Legislative Director.
  • Senator King’s staff:  Marge Kilkelly ([email protected]) Senator King’s Health & Medicaid/Medicare staffer; and Chad Metzler ([email protected]) Senator King’s Legislative Director.
 
Thank you for taking action and raising your voice!
MaineAEYC Action Alert!
On Monday, the Education Committee of the Maine Legislature heard public testimony on LD 1321, “An Act To Promote Social and Emotional Learning and Development in Early Childhood,” sponsored by Senator Cathy Breen. To learn more about this bill and the study that led to it, click on the links below.  You can also read my statement delivered at a press conference in support of LD 1321. The proposed legislation would create a voluntary program where early childhood consultants, specializing in mental health, would be available to early care and education teachers seeking help with children displaying challenging behaviors. Please call or email your Maine Representatives today and tell them to support LD 1321!
LD 1321: An Act To Promote Social and Emotional Learning and Development in Early Childhood
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?PID=1456&snum=128&paper=&paperld=l&ld=1321
Social and Emotional Learning and Development Study
http://mekids.org/socialemotionaldevo.php
 
How do I contact my Maine State Representatives?
http://legislature.maine.gov/house/townlist.htm
Alert from Maine Disability Alerts:

A vote has been scheduled in the US House for early Thu afternoon on the American Health Care Act (AHCA). This would repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
 
This new AHCA (new because of the "Upton amendment") adds a little bit of money--not enough--for people with pre-existing conditions. It still cuts Medicaid by a lot. And it would allow states to opt out of essential health benefits. These would all disproportionately affect people with disabilities.
 
As of Wed night, Rep Poliquin's voice mail is full in all 4 offices. So please email Rep Poliquin immed at https://poliquin.house.gov/contact and then telephone Rep Poliquin Thu morning.
 
Key points to cover in your message:
  • Remind Rep Poliquin that he had previously pledged to keep protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
  • Express concern that the AHCA with Upton amendment is still underfunded by about $200 billion over 10 years--so would not adequately protect people with pre-existing conditions.
  • Ask Rep Poliquin to vote *against* the American Health Care Act.
Rep Poliquin's telephone #s:
  • Poliquin DC office 202-225-6306
  • Poliquin Bangor office 207-942-0583
  • Poliquin Lewiston ofice 207-784-0768
  • Poliquin Presque Isle office 207-764-1968
Community Connect Midcoast Area Group
May 2, 2017 - 4:30 to 6 pm in Brunswick
SAVE THE DATE!

The Community Connect Midcoast Area Group will be meeting at Independence Association in Brunswick on Tuesday, May 2nd from 4:30 to 6 pm.
For those who were unable to attend any of the recent Adult Developmental Services Section 21 Forums, we will review what was discussed at these events as well as the status of current legislative initiatives in Augusta.  The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) held a number of forums over the last month to obtain feedback on Section 21 Home and Community Based Waiver Services. These forums provided individuals, families, guardians, case managers and providers with the opportunity to ask questions and bring any concerns they might have to the attention of state personnel--and offer suggestions regarding services.
On May 2nd we will devote our Community Connect meeting to what was discussed at these forums, as well as legislation currently being considered regarding raising DSP (Direct Services Personnel) pay, expanding Section 29 services to 40 hours a week, and eliminating the waitlist for services for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism. If you were unable to attend one of these forums, please note:
The next Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services meeting is Monday, May 8, 2017, 12-2pm, in the Burton Fisher Community Meeting Room, located on the First Floor of One City Center, Portland, and at least ten remote sites (including
Brunswick - not available for the month of May). Featured speakers will be Jennifer Fales, Initiatives & Clinical Review
Program Manager, OADS-DHHS, and Karen Mason, Associate Director, OADS-DHHS.
The meeting topic will be: OADS Section 21 Forums Presentations.
The new Director for OADS-DHHS, Daniel Sylvester, is also expected to attend. This will be another chance to provide feedback to OADS personnel, learn about changes in the system, and share stories about current challenges you and your family.
Please consider joining us on FaceBook. Community Connect Maine is a closed group page and is a convenient way for family members and those that may be in a supportive role to connect online. This new format is a great resource and education tool that allows anyone who is in this group to weigh in about topics of importance in an open and supportive dialog without leaving their home to attend a meeting.
www.facebook.com/groups/1138916499562998/?


* * * * * *
NOTE: Independence Association in Brunswick (87 Baribeau Drive) is now a remote site for the monthly Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services meetings that are held in Portland at noon on the second Tuesday of each month. All are welcome to come by Independence Association and attend the Coalition without having to drive to Portland!
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services began in May 2006, formed by a group of parents of children with special needs. Ultimately, the goal of the Coalition is to create a system of quality housing and personal supports that is person- and family-centered, with choice, dignity, and efficiency being at the forefront of efforts. There are some 4000 parents and other advocates involved. If you’ve never checked out the Coalition website, go to http://www.maineparentcoalition.org/. You’ll find a
wealth of information easily accessed by topic.
Community Connect is a family driven statewide group that holds meetings in the Lewiston/Auburn, Bangor/Orono and Bath/Brunswick regions. Its purpose is to promote education, information sharing, and networking, with the goal of improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities—and be a resource for those that support and care for them.
Community Connect provides an opportunity for family, individuals, and community members who are involved with supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism to meet and discuss what matters most to them. All are welcome!
Community Connect usually meets monthly, alternating between Bath and Brunswick locations. In Bath we meet at Elmhurst, Inc. (400 Centre Street, Bath), and in Brunswick our meetings are held at Independence Association (87 Baribeau Drive).

Click here for a PDF flyer of this information
Forwarded Action Alert from AUCD (Association of University Centers on Disabilities): 
With new amendments to the bill, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), House Republicans may be bringing the bill back to the floor as early as today and several Republicans have said they would vote for it with the new changes! With AUCD partnership, the CCD has developed the attached Action Alert that will be distributed to all CCD member networks.
The new amendments only make the bill more harmful to people with disabilities. still includes $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, which will devastate the services the people with disabilities rely on to live, work, and engage in their community. It would allow states to strip protections for people with pre-existing conditions (including disabilities) and stop providing "essential health benefits" like mental health care, rehabilitative and habilitative services, preventative care, and more!
The time to make your voice heard is now!
  • See CCD Action Alert, which includes Key Messages
  • For talking points about Medicaid see CCD page to Protect Medicaid and ACA http://bit.ly/2qaqLnL
  • Use Hashtag #RejectRepeal #MedicaidMatters #SaveMedicaid on social media
  • Click here for information on where your Representative stands on the bill
  • Use Protect Our Care’s Tumprcare Toolkit to contact your Representative via phone, Twitter, or FB: https://www.trumpcaretoolkit.org/
  • Or use SEIU's healthcare FREE call-in line to call your representative: English 866-426-2631; Español 877-736-7831 (also in action alert) 
Thanks for all you are doing.  Our voices need to continue to be heard!
State Comparisons for Wait List for Home and Community Based Services Waiver for Persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (HCBS I/DD)

Prepared 4/9/2017 by Alan Cobo‐Lewis [email protected] for HHS Committee

Calculation
Wait List Percentage calculated as # of people on wait list for HCBS I/DD waiver divided by sum of that count and # of people on the waiver. Exact ties broken alphabetically. Wait list data from 2014. Service data from 2012.

Interpretation
0% indicates no one on the HCBS I/DD wait list (though there may be wait lists for specific services such as 24/7 residential service). Larger percentage indicates proportionately more people on the wait list.

Where Maine Stands
Maine’s wait list percentage of 24% ranks us 27th among 47 reporting states:
  • Maine is better than 20 reporting states.
  • Maine is worse than 26 reporting states—including 13 states reporting no one (0%) on the HCBS I/DD waiver wait list.

Sources
KCMU and UCSF analysis of Medicaid Section 1915(c) Waiver Policy Survey, 2015. Downloaded 4/6/2017 from http://kff.org/healthreform/state‐indicator/waiting‐lists‐for‐hcbswaivers
KCMU and UCSF analysis of CMS Form 372, 2015. Downloaded 4/6/2017 from http://kff.org/healthreform/state‐indicator/aged‐ageddisabledparticipants

Click here for the PDF version of this handout, which includes the states, listed in order of waitlist percentage.
The Specialized Housing, Inc. Winter 2017 Newsletter is now available!  Click here to view and/or download the newsletter.
Intellectual Disabilities & Dementia: Basics for Family Caregivers
Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 5:15 – 7:15pm
Southern Maine Agency on Aging
136 US Route One
Scarborough, ME 04074

Training for family caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities and who are experiencing later cognitive losses.
This is a two-session class: May 9 and May 16. 5:15-7:15pm.
Pre-registration is required. Please call 396-6541.
This class is funded by the Alzheimer's Disease Initiative Grant #90AL0001-01-00 awarded by the Administration for Community Living to Southern Maine Agency on Aging.
Forwarded action alert from Jennifer Kimble, Director, MMC Department of Vocational Services

FYI Re: LD763
Do you support an individual who receives a waiver under a Long Term Care eligibility category (not eligible for SSI-related MaineCare due to unearned income over $1005/mo)? 

Did you know there are no work incentives built into the financial eligibility calculation for this category?  Every dollar someone earns is counted in determining eligibility.

This is different from other waiver recipients.  Individuals who receive unearned income under $1005/month are eligible under the SSI-related category and have rules that reduce countable income from wages.  Individuals who receive SSI and work have a special protection for MaineCare as well, called 1619b.

There is a bill currently proposed at the legislature, LD763, titled “An Act To Support Individuals with Disabilities by Exempting Certain Wages from Consideration for MaineCare.”  This bill could lead to a more equitable treatment of earned income for waiver recipients. 

This is the direct link to the proposed legislation.  http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?PID=1456&snum=128&paper=&paperld=l&ld=763

A work session is scheduled for next Wednesday afternoon 4/12.  If you have an interest in this legislation, I would encourage you to reach out to your legislator or any of the individuals who provided testimony.
Work and Benefit Navigation Training
A person receiving Social Security disability benefits or SSI has likely been told they can't work, or if they do work that they should limit their hours. They may believe they can't work. They may have limited work experience or education. And likely they fear losing their financial and medical safety net if they try to work.

How can a service provider encourage work for a consumer who is living this experience? What is a social service provider to do in this "Employment First" state, especially without experience in employment services?

Join a session to learn what “Work and Benefits Navigation” means, and how you can be an employment champion for your people with disabilities and your agency.   Click on the link below for details  on where the sessions are located, what the expectations are, who should attend, etc.
 
http://www.mh-edu.org/events/2016-2017-work-benefits-navigator-training/event-summary-30a7fa34155a4b9c9aa950ba6961b330.aspx
ACTION ALERT: 
There is an opportunity for families and other interested parties to testify in support of LD 323, “An Act To Fully Fund the Waiting List for the Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder Waiver.”
 
Representative Malaby has introduced LD 323, that, if passed, would fully fund the waiting list for Section 21, which as of December 2016 had 1399 people waiting for services. 
 
The Coalition has advocated for years to eliminate the Section 21 waiting list, and access to Section 21 services is pivotal to the Developmental Services Lifelong Continuum of Care, in order to create a flexible system that can meet each person where he or she is at in terms of service needs.  This is an important initiative introduced by Representative Malaby, and its passage would be very significant.
 
A public hearing for this bill is scheduled for Monday, April 3rd at 9:00 AM in front of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee in the Cross Building, Room 209 (Burton M. Cross Building, 111 Sewall St, Augusta, ME 04330. This building is connected to the Capitol, and there is free parking in the lot surrounding it, or in the garage across the street.)
 
This means you now have an opportunity to testify and educate Legislators on this committee about your sons’ and daughters’ needs and tell your story, including how the waitlists have affected your family. 
 
Preparing written testimony is likely the most effective and efficient means of communicating your support to the Committee.  Written testimony may be submitted in person at the public hearing (please bring 25 copies for the Committee), or if you cannot attend the hearing in person, you may email written testimony to Jill LaPlante, Health and Human Services Committee Clerk:  [email protected]   
 
Key things to note if you testify in person:
  • There will be a three minute limit on testimony.
  • If you prepare written testimony, please bring 25 copies for the Committee to the hearing. 
 
But don’t let this stop you if it is a barrier!  You don’t need to speak for three full minutes if that is intimidating.  You can simply go up, state your name, briefly tell your story, and express your support for fully funding the waiting list.  This can be redundant with what others have said. 
 
You can also contact members of the Health and Human Services Committee directly to offer messages of support for this bill.  Contacting members of the Committee is easy – click the link below and you will be right on the HHS Committee’s website.  Committee members are listed on the left hand side of the screen.  When you click on a name, that Legislator’s contact information will be displayed.  You can call or send a quick email.  It doesn’t have to be long and your message can be simple:
“Please support LD 323, which would fully fund the Section 21 waiting list.  Doing so would help provide essential services that allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work and be included as part of the community.  Thank you for your consideration.”
 
Health and Human Services Committee Contact Information.
 
I hope you will testify on Monday April 3rd and/or contact Committee members and let your voice be heard!   
Please see the forwarded Action Alert from Community Connect ME below:

Hi all,
 
Please come to the Public Hearing on Monday April 3 on LD 967: An Act to Ensure Access to Community Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism. We encourage people to bring or send in written testimony and/or show your support in person. E-mail your testimony to the Health and Human Services Committee. Their e-mails are below. For more info about the HHS committee the link to their website is also below. 
 
You may also show your support by attending a press conference about LD 967 at 10:00AM at the Welcome Center in the State House.
 
MACSP (Maine Association for Community Service Providers) has provided talking points (click here).
 
Date: April 3, 2017
Time: 9:00AM April 3, 2017 
Place: Room 209, Cross State Office Building 
RE: Public Hearing on LD 967 An Act to Ensure Access to Community services for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
 
For people preferring to mail their testimony, Todd Goodwin, of Community Partners Inc has offered receive your letters and make hard copies for committee members and bring them to Mondays hearing. His address is below as well. If you wish to mail him your testimony he will need to receive it by noon on Friday, March 31st. 
 
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
-- 
 
Chairs
Senator Eric Brakey and Senator is the (R) 
Representative Patricia Hymanson is the (D)
 
For more info about HHS Committee use this link:  http://legislature.maine.gov/house/jt_com/hum.htm
 
Todd Goodwin’s contact information for mailed written testimony to be delivered to the Committee:  
Todd Goodwin
Chief Executive Officer
Community Partners, Inc.
443 Main Street, PO Box 363
Biddeford, ME 04005
Office:  207-282-7113 x108
Cell:  207-651-0026
www.cpime.org
 
Kim Fulmer Humphrey
Founder of Community Connect ME
[email protected]
207-754-3435
 
84 Boulder Drive
Auburn, ME 04210
 
Keep up with the progress of this bill or to meet others in your area or share topics of interest
Join Community Connect ME closed Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1138916499562998/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Please see action alert from Community Connect ME below:

Sign-on Letter:  Ensure Access to Community Services for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism (LD967)

Maine's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities services system is on the verge of collapse due to a decade of rate cuts compounded by rising costs. LD967 seeks to resolve this crisis. Community Connect ME is offering you an opportunity to sign a letter addressed to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee to support LD967 that will be delivered at the Public Hearing of this bill on Monday 4/3/17. The letter to HHS is below.

If you are an individual with a developmental disability, family member, guardian, caretaker or advocate for Mainers with IDD and would like to show your support for the bill, the sign on link is here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KJCYXJ3
 
Please add your name, town and role by 12:00 PM, April 1, 2017.  Names will be submitted to the HHS Committee at the Pubic Hearing on April 3, 2017.
 
LETTER TO HHS

Committee on Health and Human Services
100 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

RE: LD 967 – An Act To Ensure Access to Community Services for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism

Dear Committee Members,

Maine’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) services system is on the verge of collapse due to a decade of rate cuts compounded by rising costs. LD 967 seeks to resolve this crisis and your support is critical. People with IDD rely on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide the services they need every day to live safely in their community. This may mean helping people in a group home shop and cook a meal, travel to work, or handle their finances. For many people with more severe disabilities, it may also mean help using the bathroom, preventing them from hurting themselves or others when they’re angry or frustrated, and assisting people with medical conditions, such as feeding tubes and colostomies. On top of all this, the work must be done with compassion, kindness, and good humor.
 
Accordingly, the rate funding model is based on staffing hours and without the appropriate level of funding to recruit and retain these professionals, the service delivery system does not function. Yet, over the last decade, the State of Maine has cut rates in real dollars by upwards of 30%, reducing wages for DSPs to barely above Maine’s minimum wage and causing an exodus of DSPs from the system.
 
This is simply unsustainable and as a result, an erosion of services is occurring throughout the system. Providers have been forced to close while others are declining referrals, reducing capacity, eliminating programs, and making other cuts simply to stave off closure. People currently receiving services see a revolving door of DSPs or overworked support staff struggling to fill shifts, while those coming off the waitlist are denied placement.
This crisis not only threatens to fail our moral and legal obligation to provide life-necessary services to Mainers with IDD, but puts over 12,000 jobs and $400 million in economic activity at risk. In response, LD 967 prevents a total system collapse and seeks to restore the system to full strength, by:

1.     Recognizing the real and dire circumstances of the crisis and appropriately designating the bill as emergency legislation;

2.     Returning rates to 2007 and adjusting for inflation; and

3.     Providing for future annual inflation adjustments.
We, the undersigned, representing families, care givers, and advocates for Mainers with IDD, therefore urge you to report LD 967 as ought to pass from committee.

Thank you for your consideration,

Citizens of Maine
Your names will be listed here
​Please see the message below fro ma parent in search of a behavioral health professional for her son:

Care about something Special to do and get paid for it?
In search of a responsible person to provide care before/after school, school vacations, and summer care for an energetic, fun loving 13 Year Old boy who has Down Syndrome.

It would be ideal if it were out of our home in Biddeford. He is very active: He bowls, plays baseball, soccer, basketball, surfs, loves hikes, anything with a ball, swimming, adventure, and just enjoys having fun.
BHP (Behavioral Health Professional Certification) is a possibility

If interested please contact Diane at 229-6476 or [email protected]
Hi - Please see the forwarded ACTION ALERT below from the Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP) regarding the US House of Representatives likely vote on 3/13 on the American Healthcare Act (AHCA).  As discussed at the 3/13 meeting of the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services (click here for the minutes), the proposed healthcare bill includes reforms to Medicaid that will very likely affect your sons and daughters, including block granting or a per capita cap on Medicaid.  Please see the action alert or more information.  
 
Thank you for taking action!
 
*************************************************************************************************
Forwarded ACTION ALERT
 
Good evening everyone - on Lydia's behalf, I am sending this message urgently to MACSP membership. Please, please, please read this message and act.
 
The US House of Representatives is set to vote tomorrow on the American Healthcare Act (AHCA). This is the bill put forth by Speaker Ryan as an alternative to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 
 
The AHCA will prove disastrous to persons with disabilities. Among other things, the AHCA converts Medicaid funding to a per capita cap arrangement, with an additional option for states to administer Medicaid under a block grant arrangement. Under these scenarios of reduced federal funding states are not required to deploy dollars in the same way they do now for serving people with disabilities. Maine stands to lose billions of dollars for persons with disabilities over the next few years if this bill passes.
 
We are asking as many people as possible to rally at one of his three Maine offices on 3/23 at 10:30 a.m.
 
It will be helpful for people to show up with signs that read: "SUPPORT MAINE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - VOTE NO ON THE HEALTHCARE BILL!"
 
Through connections with national disability rights advocates, we will be coordinating our efforts with the ACLU.
 
This is a pivotal time. We all must come together and act.
 
At this moment, Heidi Mansir will be our point person at the Lewiston office and Bonnie-Jean Brooks will be our point person at the Bangor office.
 
Rep. Poliquin's office locations and phone numbers are:
 
Bangor
6 State Street, Suite 101
942-0583
 
Lewiston
179 Lisbon Street
784-5672
 
Presque Isle
631 Main Street, Suite 2
765-1968
 
His DC phone number is:  (202)225-6306
 
Please get this word out far and wide and marshal as many people as possible to make our presence known tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.
 
For those who may not be able to rally at an office location, please make calls to send this urgent message.
Looking at Employment with New Eyes:  Creating a Culture of Work for Youth with Disabilities
 March 29, 2017 Hilton Garden Inn Bangor OR March 30, 2017 Hilton Garden Inn Riverwalk, Auburn
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Registration begins at 8:30 am
Beth Keeton, CEO of Griffin-Hammis Associates and Debbie Gilmer of Syntiro will provide strategies and transition best practices demonstrating that everyone can work. Stories and illustrations will be included.
This day long workshop will:
  • Provide an overview of customized employment
  • Share recommendations for creating a culture of work across the ages starting early both at home and school
  • Provide strategies for building social capital
  • Dispel myths about impact of work on benefits (student exclusion, etc.)

Audience: Children’s case managers, educators, families, advocacy and state agency staff
If you are a parent or family member wanting to attend and are seeking a scholarship email joyce@syntiro.  
We are hopeful that teams will register! 
$125.00 per person or $325/team of three (ideally a case manager, teacher and family member—must register together)  
Morning coffee and lunch will be provided. 
Beth Keeton is Executive Director of the Center for Social Capital and Chief Operating Officer for Griffin-Hammis Associates, LLC. Currently, she oversees the Certified Business and Technical Assistance (CBTAC) programs administered by the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Additionally, Beth works on numerous other Customized and Self Employment initiatives throughout the country including: The Florida Rural Routes to Employment, the New Jersey Customized Employment Initiative, and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. Beth has provided ACRE approved Employment Specialist training in Maine for many years. 
Debbie Gilmer is President of Syntiro, a nonprofit located in Readfield, ME and the Project Director of the Employment for ME Workforce Development System funded by Maine DHHS and VR to certify, support and mentor Employment Specialists across the state. Ms. Gilmer served as the state co-lead (with the State VR director) for Maine’s ODEP Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program team. She previously served as the co-director of the Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center and the Maine State GEAR UP program. She is a board member and past president of Maine APSE and serves on the national APSE public policy committee.  She is widely recognized as a passionate and engaging presenter and has conducted technical assistance on transition and employment across the country for many years. 
REGISTER
ACTION ALERT:
The Governor’s Biennial Budget includes funding to raise the Section 29 cap, doubling the amount of hours available to people being served by the Section 29 waiver.  Improving Section 29 is something that the Coalition included in its Developmental Services Lifelong Continuum of Care, in order to create a flexible system that can meet each person where he or she is at in terms of service needs.  Some, including myself, expect the doubling of the cap may solve the service needs for perhaps 80% of the 1399 people on the waiting list for Section 21 services.  It might also allow a parent to work full time while a son or daughter received support.  This budget initiative also has supports for employment as something delivered outside of the cap (not counting towards the home and community support hours).  Support for employment is a key focus of the Developmental Services Continuum of Care originated and supported by the Coalition.  This is an excellent initiative by DHHS and having it included in the Governor’s budget is very significant.
 
Now is the time to contact members of the Health and Human Services Committee and the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs to offer messages of support for this portion of the Governor’s budget.  Contacting members of the Committees is easy – click the links below and you will be right on the corresponding Committee’s website.  Committee members are listed on the left hand side of the screen.  When you click on a name, that Legislator’s contact information will be displayed.  You can call or send a quick email.  It doesn’t have to be long and your message can be simple:
 
“Please support funding in the Governor’s Biennial Budget (Biennial Budget Block C – Developmental Disabilities) which would increase the Section 29 cap to $47,550.  Doing so would help create a range of options that allow parents to keep their jobs, yet be home to continue to facilitate care and support for their sons and daughters as they enter adulthood.  Thank you for your consideration.”
 
Health and Human Services Committee Contact Information.
Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs Contact Information.
 
I hope you will contact Committee members and let your voice be heard!   
A message from a graduate student looking to learn more about the experiences and well-being of parents, family members, and/or caregivers of people with ID/DD:

My name is Melissa and I am reaching out to you to ask if you would be willing to share a survey with members of the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services . The survey is for parents and other family caregivers of individuals with intellectual disability (ID), developmental disability (DD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  
 
I am a graduate student working with Dr. Eun-Jeong Lee, an Associate Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology.  We're trying to learn more about the experiences and well-being of parents and other family caregivers of individuals with ID, DD, or ASD.  We are especially interested in hearing from parents and caregivers who provide care for individuals between the ages of 13-25, during the transition to adulthood.  As part of the study we are trying to recruit family caregivers for an anonymous 45-60 minute online survey.  All participants have the option to enter a raffle to win $20 Amazon gift cards.  
 
The link to the survey is:  https://iitcop.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eRIMY2nvUDozzox

A Message from ANCOR:

As you may have seen, changes to Medicaid's structure could happen fast, with legislation expected next week. Because of the rapid pace at which Medicaid proposals are evolving and because Congress will be in session for 6 uninterrupted weeks to work on these issues, providers far and wide need to be heard now. Please partake in the action alert below as soon as possible, and keep an eye out for more opportunities for action which will be coming your way very soon.  CLICK HERE for the action alert.
Adult Developmental Services
Section 21 Forum
SAVE THE DATE:

The Office of Aging & Disability Services (OADS) is asking for feedback on the Section 21 Home and
Community Based Waiver Services.
This forum will provide an opportunity for:
  • Questions,
  • Concerns, and
  • Suggestions.
OADS encourages individuals, families, guardians, case managers and providers to attend.

DATE, TIME, & LOCATION
  1. Tuesday - March 28, 2017 5:30pm-7:30pm USM, The University Events Room, 7th Floor Glickman Library - Portland, ME
  2. Thursday - March 30, 2017 5:30pm-7:30pm UMaine, Hutchinson Center - Belfast, ME
  3. Tuesday - April 4, 2017 3:30pm-5:30pm Camden National Bank Ice Vault - Hallowell, ME
  4. Thursday - April 6, 2017 5:30pm-7:30pm Central Maine Community College, Kent Hall Auditorium - Auburn, ME
  5. Tuesday - April 11, 2017 1:30pm-3:30pm Northern Maine Community College, Edmunds Conference Center, Rm 100 - Presque Isle, ME
  6. Thursday - April 13, 2017 5:30pm-7:30pm UMA - Bangor, Eastport Hall, Rm 124 - Bangor, ME

For special accommodation requests, please contact:
Kathy McKenney, Administrative Support
Phone: (207) 287-8303

Click here for the flyer.
ABLE Act in Maine - Update 
You may recall that ABLE Accounts were enacted into law in 2014 but require that individual states establish mechanisms by which to enact the law should the state choose to do so.  FMI about ABLE accounts:  www.ablenrc.org.  Below is an update from the Maine State Treasurer’s office regarding the results of their research.
 
(FYI – should Maine choose not to establish these accounts, individuals interested in doing so may establish one in another state that has developed that option in their rules.  Several states have allowed this option.)

Treasurer Hayes has been invited to appear before the Taxation Committee at 10:00 am on Monday, February 27, to brief the Committee on Treasury’s 2016 study of ABLE options and Treasury’s recommendations moving forward.  This is a public meeting which you can attend (although it is unlikely that members of the public will be able to speak to the committee as this is not a public hearing), or you can listen in over the internet:  http://legislature.maine.gov/Audio/#127 .
Join Maine Rare for Rare Disease Day!
 
When: Tues February 28 at noon
 
Where: Salvage BBQ at 919 Congress St 
 
Who: You! Bring your kids and invite some friends!
 
What: This will be a time to meet new people, celebrate our children, share our struggles and concerns AND share ideas about how to stay engaged in bringing about the best possible supports for our children.
 
* Lunch has been generously provided by NORD (National Organization of Rare Disease) *
 
AND THEN….
 
Join us as we head over to Senator Collins’ office at One Canal Plaza Suite 802. Depending on our numbers, there may be an opportunity to make your concerns known directly to her staff. Otherwise, we will be will be seen and our presence will be noted. Feel free to bring signs!
As you may know, people with intellectual disabilities may develop further cognitive losses due to dementia as they age. Adults with Down syndrome are particularly at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Family caregivers may need to better understand the losses, changes in the person’s function and behavior, and strategies that may help them as their person needs more support. With funding from our Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative grant, SMAA’s Family Caregiver Support program has developed a training for these family caregivers. The information is based on the work of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia (NTG), with enhancements based on feedback from caregivers about their needs. The training consists of two 2-hour sessions, and we will pilot it at SMAA (Scarborough) on May 9 and 16, from 5:15 to 7:15 PM. 
 
Please share this information with family caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities aging into dementia who might benefit. We can also include caregivers who offer Shared Living Options in their homes, but are not including staff who work at group homes, or other providers, at this time. We will be evaluating the program to look at how it can best meet caregiver needs.
 
Click here for the flyer. Thanks for helping to get the word out.
 
Ann O’Sullivan, OTR/L, LSW, FAOTA
Family Caregiver Support Manager
Community Connect ME

We are excited to announce two upcoming regional Community Connect ME meetings.
 
Featured Topics and Discussion
  • State-wide/Federal Advocacy-Post Card Project
 
Location          Date                       Time                                          Address
Orono              2/23                       4:30-6:00PM                          Target Technology Center
                                                                                                          Conference Room AB
                                                                                                          20 Godrey Drive, Orono
                                                                                                    
Bath                 2/21                       4:30-6:00PM                         Elmhurst, Inc.
                                                                                                         400 Centre Street, Bath
 
RSVP to
Bangor/Orono: Karen Benson at [email protected]
Bath/Brunswick Midcoast: Debbie R. Dionne at [email protected]
 
Stay tuned for dates and times for other meetings across the state.
 
OUR AIM:
We envision Community Connect ME to be an avenue for providing opportunities to partner with existing state and community resources. We want to support efforts to develop, expand, strengthen and sustain individual, family and community resources. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and for those that represent, support and care for them. Join us on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1138916499562998/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
 
We are closely aligned with Maine Coalition of Housing and Quality Services a rich source of information. Check out their website  http://www.maineparentcoalition.org
Looking at Employment with New Eyes:
Creating a Culture of Work for Youth with Disabilities
 March 29, 2017 Hilton Garden Inn Bangor
OR
March 30, 2017 Hilton Garden Inn Riverwalk, Auburn
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Registration begins at 8:30 am
Beth Keeton, CEO of Griffin-Hammis Associates and Debbie Gilmer of Syntiro will provide strategies and transition best practices demonstrating that everyone can work. Stories and illustrations will be included.
This day long workshop will:
  • Provide an overview of customized employment
  • Share recommendations for creating a culture of work across the ages starting early both at home and school
  • Provide strategies for building social capital
  • Dispel myths about impact of work on benefits (student exclusion, etc.)

Audience: Children’s case managers, educators, families, advocacy and state agency staff'

If you are a parent or family member wanting to attend this training  and are seeking a scholarship email joyce@syntiro.  

$125.00 per person or $325/team of three (ideally a case manager, teacher and family member—must register together)  We are hoping that teams will attend.

Morning coffee and lunch will be provided. 
Beth Keeton is Executive Director of the Center for Social Capital and Chief Operating Officer for Griffin-Hammis Associates, LLC. Currently, she oversees the Certified Business and Technical Assistance (CBTAC) programs administered by the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Additionally, Beth works on numerous other Customized and Self Employment initiatives throughout the country including: The Florida Rural Routes to Employment, the New Jersey Customized Employment Initiative, and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. Beth has provided ACRE approved Employment Specialist training in Maine for many years. 
Debbie Gilmer is President of Syntiro, a nonprofit located in Readfield, ME and the Project Director of the Employment for ME Workforce Development System funded by Maine DHHS and VR to certify, support and mentor Employment Specialists across the state. Ms. Gilmer served as the state co-lead (with the State VR director) for Maine’s ODEP Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program team. She previously served as the co-director of the Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center and the Maine State GEAR UP program. She is a board member and past president of Maine APSE and serves on the national APSE public policy committee.  She is widely recognized as a passionate and engaging presenter and has conducted technical assistance on transition and employment across the country for many years. 

                                                                                                      REGISTER
Click this link to browse through Sprout’s programs and schedule of vacations:  www.gosprout.org/Vacation-programs/2017brochure
 
You can also sign up for trips online at:  http://gosprout.org/vacation-programs/participation-forms/
 
In addition to our NYC departures, we will also have a selection of trips departing from Carteret (NJ), New Paltz (upstate NY), Bridgeport (CT), Hartford (CT) and Plainview (Long Island, NY).
 
If you have not yet received a hard copy of the brochure or if you would like additional copies, please email Scott Randall at [email protected] with your full mailing address and the number of brochures you would like to receive.
 
If you are interested in running a Custom Trip for a group, please contact Scott to discuss this as well.  Sprout’s Custom-Designed Vacation Program is a great way for you to accommodate your group’s vacation needs for a fantastic travel experience.
Dear Community Partners,
                                                                                                                                       
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network is currently accepting applications for the next scheduled Parent-peer training being held on March 10, 24, and 31st in Augusta.  Please find attached the informational flyer and application.  Do you have 4 or more parent –peers requiring certification? If so, please contact me to schedule this training at your organization.
 
This Parent-Peer Provider training has been approved by DHHS and consists of three full days of training to accomplish the required 22 hours of training for parent support peers to work in BHH.  Each qualified parent/caregiver peer will receive training in each of in the following eleven domains of competence: advocacy in multiple systems, ethics, behavioral health information, communication, confidentiality, education information, effecting change, empowerment, local resource information, parenting for resiliency, and wellness and natural support.  Each participant will receive a certificate with 2 contacts hours in each domain. 
 
We also will review the benefits of the National Certified Parent Support Provider certification with participants.
 
Feedback from previous parent-peer participants:                                                                                                                                                   
“I have such excitement and motivation to begin this process!”
“It was important to learn that my lived experience will serve as catalyst to developing relationships with families”
“I loved all the information and can’t wait to use it!”
“I liked the direct clear structure of the classes”
“Facilitators have such a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is so valuable to learning about parent-peer support.”
“To know it was important just to have faith in your experience and know that your support position isn’t professional and is not supposed to be”
“I have so much respect for what parent peers do and how they help others learn”
“I learned so much – and have a clearer definition of my role”
“Presenters were able to validate and relate- being real and knowledgeable – great connection”
 
Please feel free to contact me with any questions at 207-441-7216.
Warmly,

Cindy Seekins, CPSP
Director
G.E.A.R. Parent Network
PO Box 558
10 Caldwell Road
Augusta, ME 04332
207-213-4513 Augusta office
207-441-7216 Cell
1-800-264-9224 Toll Free
www.gearparentnetwork.org
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Family Members -
         
As you may or may not be aware, all G.E.A.R. Parent Network staff are parents too and truly understand the difficulties you face raising your children with behavioral health issues.  Each year we increase our knowledge and empowerment by learning as much as we can about topics that relate to systems, families, youth and children.  To help increase your knowledge in your parenting journey, GEAR is offering FREE to you* a full day of training on a new educational curriculum “Team Up for Your Child” - it was written by the mother of a child with autism and bipolar disorder.  The 100-page workbook/guide that you will receive is filled with charts and checklists that turn a confusing mess into tasks you can handle.  It provides clear definitions of key terms used by doctors, schools, insurers, and o
 
This one day training will provide you with a practical road map for navigating the sometimes confusing system of care so your child’s services are more coordinated and effective.  Managing your child’s mental health and education services can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming!  All you really need are the right tools and the will to hang in there! 
 
Team Up For Your Child training curriculum will help you find easy ways to keep it all together so you can concentrate on helping your child/children get better.  Call or go online to register today!
 
Team Up For Your Child!
Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Andrews Hospital
Wellness Conference Room 6
6 St Andrews Lane, Boothbay Harbor
Lunch will be provided
*Space is limited to 18 people
(on a first come first serve basis)
 * To qualify to attend you must be currently parenting a child with disabilities/behavioral health issues.
 
 
Register today online at www.gearparentnetwork.org or you may call 1-800-264-9224.                                                                                             
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
 
Diane Bouffard, CPSP
Regional Parent Support Coordinator
G.E.A.R. Parent Network
Kennebec, Somerset, Franklin Counties
10 Caldwell Rd
PO Box 558
Augusta Me 04332
612-8996 (local)
1-800-264-9224 (toll free in maine)
www.gearparentnetwork.org
​
Make plans to attend the Third FFT Conference! "Innovation to Implementation"
More details to follow soon!

Families at The Forefront of Technology 2017 Conference

Friday, June 2, 2017 at 4:00 PM to Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 12:00 PM (MDT)

Viceroy Snowmass
130 Wood Road
Snowmass Village, CO 81615

Click here for more information
ACT TODAY TO PROTECT HEALTH CARE
The Senate passed a budget resolution Wednesday on a vote of 51-48 that begins the process of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

Today, the House will take up a vote on the bill.  Passage is NOT a given.  Many Members of Congress in both parties have expressed concern about repealing the law without a solid plan to replace it.

We must educate our Members of Congress TODAY why the ACA is so important to everyone, but especially to people with disabilities.

There are key provisions in the ACA that support the health and well-being of people with disabilities that we cannot lose:
  • Because of the ACA, health insurers can't deny health insurance if you have a disability or chronic condition.
  • Because of the ACA, there aren't arbitrary financial limits to how much health care you can get in a year or in your lifetime.
  • Because of the ACA, more people with disabilities receive supports and live in the community, not institutions.
  • Because of the ACA, millions of young adults have been able to stay on their parents’ health insurance, which is important during transition to adulthood.  
  • Because of the ACA, health insurers started to provide people with the services they  need—like mental health services and rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices

​There are countless other provisions in the ACA that are important to people with disabilities. The ACA has unquestionably improved access to care for people with disabilities and chronic conditions to help them live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. Learn more here.

TAKE ACTION
Call the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative’s office.  Tell your Congressmen:
  • Vote NO on the Budget package that leads to eliminating the Affordable Care Act.
  • People with disabilities need access to comprehensive, accessible, and affordable health care.
  • Congress must include the disability community in any discussion about repeal and replace to ensure that any changes meet the needs of people with disabilities. 
​
Additionally, you may want to thank Congressman Poliquin for having voted last year not to repeal ACA without a clear replacement.
​
If you have relationships with staff on your members, also reach out to them personally.
Community Connect - Join us! 

We are excited to announce the start of our second year of Community Connect family-driven local/regional meetings across the state to inform and connect families and interested parties. There are many significant benefits from bringing interested parties together on the local community level and statewide. It is an effort that now has an electronic network of over 700 people. The goal of coming together is to explore what matters most to individuals or as family and community members involved with supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities(I/DD).
 
Location          Date                       Time                                          Address
Auburn             1/31                      4:30-6:00PM                           John F. Murphy Homes, Inc.
                                                                                                         800 Center Street Auburn
 
Brunswick        1/17                      4:30-6:00PM                           Independence Association
                                                                                                        87 Baribeau Drive Brunswick
Featured Topics and Discussion
  • What makes convening worthwhile to you
  • Current issues*  
  • Thoughts about how families can support the wonderful work of the DSPs (Lewiston/Auburn)
 
RSVP to
Bath/Brunswick Midcoast: Debbie R. Dionne at [email protected] or call 207-522-4290
Lewiston/Auburn: Kim Humphrey at [email protected] or call 207-754-3435
 
Stay tuned for dates and times for other meetings across the state.
 
OUR AIM:
We envision Community Connect to be an avenue for providing opportunities to partner with
existing state and community resources. We want to support efforts to develop, expand,
strengthen and sustain individual, family and community resources. Our goal is to improve the
quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and for those that represent,
support and care for them.
 
*Important Action Alert    http://www.maineparentcoalition.org/action-alerts.html

​(Click here for the Word version of this flyer!)
Below please find a link to the invitation to Mary Lou Dyer’s retirement party/open house, hosted by MACSP:
  • When:  Wednesday, January 18, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Where:  Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center, 11 Inn Road, Hallowell, ME 04347
 
Please join MACSP, friends, and colleagues for drinks (cash bar) and hors d'oeuvres in celebration of Mary Lou's many years of service on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities and autism. 
 
To RSVP for the event click the following link:  http://evite.me/PwYNeMxByv
This action alert is in the form of a letter, drafted by Betsy Mahoney, a parent, for use by friends, families, and caregivers of people with disabilities to contact Senator Collins regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and a potential Medicaid restructuring should the ACA be repealed, which would likely affect people with disabilities who receive Medicaid-funded services (such as Sections 21 and 29).  The draft letter to Senator Collins is linked below and requires only brief work on your part to personalize and send via email. 

ACTION ALERT

Dear friends and families of people with disabilities: 
 
Immediately after Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2017, Congress is set to vote on whether to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which is currently helping tens of thousands of Mainers access health care.
 
The specific problem for families of people with disabilities that receive services under MaineCare (Sec. 21 and 29) is that if Congress repeals the ACA, it may later (perhaps in March) replace the current Medicaid plan with a "block grant"* (see below for more information) or a per capita cap.  Under either proposal, Maine will get far less federal funding and there will be fewer protections for people with disabilities.
 
Under the current Medicaid program, people with disabilities are eligible for and receive an array of services.  Under a block grant, there would be no guarantee of eligibility or services.  Under a per capita system, Medicaid would be unable to respond to changes in best medical practices or new advancements in medical care.
 
While Senator Angus King is not in favor of eliminating the ACA, Senator Susan Collins is undecided, but has stated that she is ambivalent about repealing the ACA unless there is a good replacement. 
 
Parents and friends of people with disabilities need to contact Senator Collins and ask her to:

  • Vote against repealing the ACA, and
  • Oppose any proposal calling for a block grant or any other restructuring that would restrict Medicaid’s ability to give our loved ones with disabilities the care they need.
 
Click here for a draft letter to Senator Collins.  The letter includes space for parents, guardians, and family members to tell their stories, and explain how imperative MaineCare services are to their loved ones with disabilities.  Sending a letter to the Senator is easy – simply add in your information to replace red and italicized sections of the attached draft letter, and email it to Jay Lim ([email protected]), Senator Collins’ housing staffer. 
 
Thank you for raising your voice!
(*A block grant would cap federal Medicaid funding in order to achieve savings for the federal government. Under current law, the federal government picks up a fixed percentage of states’ Medicaid costs: about 57 percent, on average (outside of the ACA’s Medicaid expansion). In contrast, under a block grant, states would receive a fixed dollar amount, with states responsible for all Medicaid costs in excess of the cap. Because a Medicaid block grant is explicitly intended to produce significant federal budgetary savings, block grants are designed in ways that give states considerably less federal funding each year than they would receive under the current financing system. http://www.cbpp.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/11-30-16health_0.pdf)
Below please find two websites regarding Community Conversations to improve outcomes, which may have helpful information:

http://www.tennesseeworks.org/communityconversations/
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/cedd/pdfs/products/community/LaunchingInclusiveEfforts.pdf 
Community Connect 

Join us!

We are excited to announce the start of our second year of Community Connect family-driven local/regional meetings across the state to inform and connect families and interested parties. It is an effort that now has an electronic network of over 700 people. The goal of coming together is to explore what matters most to individuals or as family and community members involved with supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities(I/DD) and/or autism.  There are many significant benefits from bringing interested parties together on the local community level and statewide. 

We will be holding meetings early next year to discuss 
•    What makes convening worthwhile to you
•    Current issues 
•    Your thoughts about how families can support the wonderful work of the DSPs

Stay tuned for dates, locations and times. 

For more info, to start a group in your area or to add your name to the network contact Kim Humphrey at [email protected] 

(Click here for a Word version of this announcement.)
Please see the article on workforce and funding issues published in the Portland Press Herald http://www.pressherald.com/2016/12/04/we-are-not-a-thing-that-can-be-put-in-a-box-advocates-for-adults-with-intellectual-disabilities-decry-cuts-to-system/?utm_source=Headlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily
Please share, post on your agency Facebook page, etc. to help raise awareness about what our sector is facing and how services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism are being jeopardized.
Adult Developmental Services
Biennial Plan Forum

Save the Date:
The Office of Aging & Disability Services (OADS) is asking for feedback on the Draft 2017-2018 Adult Developmental Services Biennial Plan.

OADS is hosting a forum to present the plan.
This forum will provide:
  • Updates on past objectives,
  • Information about current services, and
  • Identify new goals.
OADS encourages individuals, families, guardians, case managers and providers to attend.

Date:
Thursday, December 8, 2016
 
Time:
5:00pm-7:00pm
 
Location:
Jeff’s Catering & Event Center
15 Littlefield Way
Brewer, ME 04412
 
Directions: 15 Littlefield Way, Brewer, ME
  • From 95 North or South, take Exit 182-A onto 395 East. Travel to Exit #5 (Parkway South) and turn left at end of exit. Go 1/10 of a mile over railroad tracks, and take the very next right into the East West Industrial Park (Robertson Blvd) and Jeff’s Catering is about 200 yards on the left.
  • From Ellsworth, take 395 West. Travel to Exit #5 (Parkway South) and turn left at end of exit. Go 1/10 of a mile over railroad tracks and take the very next right into the East West Industrial Park (Robertson Blvd) and Jeff’s Catering is about 200 yards on the left.

For special accommodation requests, please contact:
Deborah Caron, Administrative Support
Phone: (207) 287-4242
 
Click here to view the Draft 2017-2018 Adult Developmental Services Biennial Plan.
If you would like to provide feedback and cannot attend the forum, please send comments to [email protected]  
The long awaited mental health reform bills are being heard in Congress. The goal is to pass the legislation this week. 

What has been known as the "Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act of 2016" has been embedded into the "21st Century Cures Act," (H.2464) a bill that includes re-authorization for the National Institute for Health and more. The text of the Mental Health Act begins on page 454 of the almost 1,000 page bill.   
 
The Senate version of the bill (S. 2680 ) that could be taken up later this week has been endorsed by disability advocacy groups as the preferable bill because it: 
  • ​Does not dismantle SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
  • Includes representation of people with lived experience
  • Recognizes the crucial importance of the Protection and Advocacy (P&A)’s Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Preserves critical privacy rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  • Has recovery language throughout the bill for Mental Heath
Call or email both of your Senators to urge them to support S. 2680. You can leave a voice message on the phone if you call after hours.
 
Tell them you are a parent or family member with a child that has mental health needs. Urge them to support S 2680 for the reasons listed above.
                                                                             
Senator Susan Collins – 1-202-224-2523
https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact
 
Senator Angus King – 1 -800-432-1599! 
https://www.king.senate.gov/contact
Learn about Supportive Housing for adults with developmental, intellectual and related disabilities in a Home-Ownership settingMeet the staff of Specialized Housing and learn how they support residents in their programs
Meet the Core Group of families who have committed to purchase a unit at 14 E Street.  Families and residents from the 20 E Street program (open since May of 2010) will share their experiences with Specialized Housing and the life their adult children enjoy.  6 units remain at 14 E Street.
Prior to attending, do spend a bit of time reviewing our websites:
    www.specializedhousing.org and www.14estreet.com
Click here to register!
DO share this link with families and co-workers and thanks!

Questions?  Contact Mary Chris Semrow, Specialized Housing, Inc. at [email protected] 
Community Connect Action Alert:

ACTION ALERT:
 
• DHHS has just released new proposed rules that could devastate services for our family members with intellectual disabilities and autism.  We advocated against proposed changes last January.  Now we need to stand up once again to protect the services of our loved ones.  

• There will be a Public Hearing 10/19 in Augusta.  Written comments are due 10/29. Please plan to attend, share your story at the public hearing and/or submit your written comments. Public Hearing and submission details, Department of DHHS Concise Summary and links to Proposed Rules are here: http://www.maineparentcoalition.org/proposed-rule-changes.html

IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING SECTION 21 CHANGES:
1) Families feel shut out of the rule making process.  We have life-long experience with the system, and need to be included.  Months prior to the release of the rules, DHHS disseminated a one-page “Key Message” document that highlighted Section 21 changes. (See:  S-21 Changes Highlights (b) 2-pdf) Then in late September DHHS released the proposed Section 21 and 29 rules (totaling 169 pages) simultaneously with the announcement of the public comment period. During this time period, DHHS cannot discuss it. Details of the new proposal are often unclear and sometimes contradictory. There are cuts and ways to terminate services that are not mentioned in the one-page DHHS Section 21 “Key Message” Change Highlights document.Stakeholders are left under-informed during their one and only chance to influence the outcome of this new proposal.
2) The new rules include unfunded mandates and bureaucratic requirements that make no sense, and will make it even harder for our loved ones to get the care they need. Individuals, families, and guardians will need time to talk to providers to know what impact the proposal will have on individuals served. Realistically, there is not enough time for this to happen before comments are due. In addition, DHHS is implementing the rule in January without first taking the necessary step of conducting a rate assessment to determine whether the new proposal will require rate adjustments to ensure that the proposed changes constitute a workable model. Implementing an improperly evaluated model puts a fragile population at risk.
3) Sweeping changes to services for one of our most vulnerable populations – adults with intellectual disabilities and autism – shouldn’t be rushed through in secret.  Families and providers have much to contribute regarding what is needed, and would like to help the system work better.  We want to be part of the process. The health and safety of the people we love is at stake.  In March of 2016, the voices of individuals, families, and other stakeholders contributed to legislative action that resulted in a bill to make Section 21, Chapter II, Major Substantive. (This would have allowed the legislature to officially review the rule and hold a public hearing). However, the bill was successfully vetoed by the Governor. Once again, the present proposed changes constitute a substantive rule change, and will have a major impact on Maine's safety net.
IN SUMMARY: The collective voice of stakeholders should have the opportunity to thoroughly vet this proposal. DHHS released it without providing genuine opportunities for review, questions, and clarification.  The legislature is not in session, preventing even informal legislative review.  
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Don’t make the system that supports adults with intellectual disabilities and autism even worse with unfunded mandates and more bureaucracy.
WE REQUEST A DELAY IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD--Until stakeholders have the opportunity to discuss the detailed proposal with DHHS first…until individuals, families, and guardians have the opportunity to talk with agencies about the impact the rule will have on them… and until the Legislature is in session.
We ask for a delay in implementing this proposal until a rate assessment has been completed, needed adjustments can be made, and there is time to collaboratively work out the kinks.

Supporting Materials for Community Connect's Action Alert Regarding Proposed Rule Changes to Section 21 and Section 29
Reminder:  The next meeting of the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services is on *Monday, October 17th, 2016.*  This is the third Monday of the month, rather than our usual 2nd Monday of the month due to Columbus Day.  

Our featured speaker will be Neal Meltzer, Executive Director, Waban.  Topic:  Details and discussion regarding the proposed rule changes for Section 21 and Section 29 – how this may affect you and your family.  
This meeting will also feature a brief presentation on the Service Timeline completed as part of a Leadership in Action Placement through the NH-ME LEND program and the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies ​
The New Season of Work and Benefit Navigator Training is up and running, please share this with all agencies, staff and anyone that would like to become a Work and Benefit Navigator and help us to change the conversation around employment.
 
This Training is appropriate for Caseworkers, Care Coordinators, Home and Community Support  staff, families, school and advocacy staff  and basically anyone who supports a  person eligible for Developmental, Neurobehaviora  or Mental Health Services.
 
The new website for the 2016-2017 season is up and running. The first training is October 26 in Lewiston with more to come after the winter months. If you know someone who is interested in this training please forward this link to them:
 
https://www.mh-edu.org/WBNav16-1
ANCOR Governmental Relations
Good Morning! 
The second presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will be held this Sunday, October 9th. For this debate, ABC and CNN moderators have agreed to consider the top 30 questions voted on by the public.
https://presidentialopenquestions.com/questions/7313/vote/

Currently, the question "How would you value disability rights in your presidency?" is in the top 75 out of 9,000! There are 4 days left to vote on this question and help get the candidates on record talking about disability issues. 
Please vote for this question and encourage your networks to vote as well!
Informational Notices Regarding Proposed Rule Changes to Section 21 and Section 29
 
There are two proposed rule changes regarding Section 21
 
1) Chapter II, Section 21 Proposed Rule Change:
 
Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: 10-144 C.M.R., Proposed Rule: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 21 Home and Community Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
 
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date: October 19, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: 19 Union Street, Conference Room 110,
Augusta ME 04333
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on October 29, 2016
Click here to submit comments.
 
CONCISE SUMMARY (Click here for the full Proposed Rule):
This waiver renewal proposes rule changes to the Comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver for persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The proposed rule includes language that will bring the Department into compliance with new requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule released on January 16, 2014 (see 42 C.F.R. § 441.301(c)). The Department is seeking and anticipates receiving CMS approval for this section. Chapter II, Section 21 is a routine technical rule and does not require legislative approval prior to final adoption of the rule.
 
Significant Updates and Changes to Chapter II, Section 21 include:
  • Renaming of the section from Home & Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder to Home & Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • Throughout Section 21, replacement of the term “Mental Retardation” with “Intellectual Disabilities.”
  • Updating references to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.
  • Added HCBS Settings Rule language to the Introduction.
  • In the Definitions section:
  1. Addition of clarifying language to Administrative Oversight Agency.
  2. Updated definition for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  3. Addition of Clinical Review Team.
  4. Addition of clarifying language to Medical Add On.
  5. Removal of Mental Retardation.
  6. Addition of clarifying language to Shared Living Provider.
  • Under Personal Plan, the language was updated to ensure that the member is driving the process and that the process is more closely aligned with the CFR §441.301 and §441.303. Direct references to the CFR were included.
  • In the Covered Services section:
  1. Under Career Planning addition of quality oriented language.
  2. Under Communication Aids, removed Facilitated communication and added Augmented communication.
  3. Addition of clarifying language to Community Support Services.
  • In the Limits section:
  1. Addition of language which disallows duplicative services covered by other sections in the MaineCare Benefits Manual.
  2. Under Consultation Services added information regarding limits.
  3. Definition of annual limits for: Occupational Therapy (Maintenance).
  • In the Duration of Care Section added requirements for Provider Termination of a Member’s Services.
  • In Provider Qualifications and Requirements, added:
  1. Additional qualification for Direct Support Professionals.
  2. Provider qualifications necessary to perform an Assistive Technology Assessment.
  3. Residential Settings Owned or Controlled by a Provider.
  4. Shared Living (Foster Care, Adult).
  5. Clarification of Background Check Criteria.
  6. Clarification of Reportable Events & Behavioral Treatment.
 
Appendix V- Added Requirements for Section 21 Providers of Home Support Services, Community Support Services, and Employment Specialist Services.
 
In response to recent changes in HCBS rules, the state is working towards, creating greater emphasis on access to community settings and a more person driven focus in the Person Centered Planning process. No members will be affected through the proposal of this rule.
 
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents.
 
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42, 3173, L.D. 1638
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date: October 19, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: 19 Union Street, Conference Room 110,
Augusta ME 04333
 
The Department requests that any interested party requiring special arrangements to attend the hearing contact the agency person listed below before October 7, 2016.
 
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on October 29, 2016
Click here to submit comments.
 
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Andrew Hardy, Comprehensive Health Planner
AGENCY NAME: MaineCare Services
ADDRESS: 242 State St.
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE: 207-624-4058, FAX: (207) 287-1864
TTY: 711 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing)
E-Mail: [email protected]
IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): The Department anticipates that this rulemaking will not have any impact on municipalities or counties.
 
2) Chapter III, Section 21 Proposed Rule Change:
 
Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
 
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: 10-144 C.M.R., Proposed Rule: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 21 Allowances for Home and Community Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
 
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date: October 19, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: 19 Union Street, Conference Room 110,
Augusta ME 04333
 
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on October 29, 2016
Click here to submit comments.
 
CONCISE SUMMARY (Click here for the full Proposed Rule):
This waiver renewal proposes rule changes to the Comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Chapter III, Section 21 is a companion to Chapter II, Section 21, Home and Community-Based Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Chapter III is a major substantive rule and requires legislative approval prior to final adoption of the rule.
 
Significant Updates and Changes to Chapter III, Section 21 includes;
  • Renaming of the Section from “Allowances for Home and Community Benefits for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder” to “Allowances for Home and Community Benefits for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
  • Removal of Calculation of the Per Diem Rate for Agency Home Supports
  • Clarification of the Average Billing Method (the Monthly Average Billing section has been removed).
  • Removal of the Range in Appendix IIA and IIB.
 
The Department will adopt via emergency rulemaking an increase to the rates in Chapter III in accordance with L.D. 1638. The legislature passed L.D. 1638 to authorize an increase in the service provider tax. Chapter III, Section 21 lists the procedure codes, descriptions and reimbursement rates for covered services provided to members under its companion rule, Chapter II, Section 21 Home and Community Benefits for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder.
 
The increased rates will be effective retroactive to April 15, 2016. The following services will have a 1% increase as a result of LD 1638:
  • T2017, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver), from $6.27 to $6.33 per quarter hour.
  • T2017 SC, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-with Medical Add On from $7.50 to $7.57 per quarter hour.
  • T2017 QC, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Remote Support-Monitor Only, from $1.62 to $1.63 per quarter hour.
  • T2017 GT, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Remote Support-Interactive Support, from $6.27 to $6.33 per quarter hour.
  • T2016, Agency Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver), from $22.43 to $22.64 per diem.
  • T2016 SC, Agency Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver) with Medical Add On, from $19.53 to $19.72 per diem
  • T2016 SC, Agency Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver), from $27.15 to $27.41 per diem.
  • S5140, Shared Living (Foster Care, adult)-Shared Living Model-One member served, from $126.19 to $127.39 per diem.
  • S5140 TG, Shared Living (Foster Care, adult)-Shared Living Model-One member served-increased level of support, from $183.52 to $185.27 per diem.
  • S5140 UN, Shared Living (Foster Care, adult)-Shared Living Model-Two members served, from $63.10 to $63.71 per diem.
  • S5140 UN TG, Shared Living (Foster Care, adult)-Shared Living Model-Two members served-Increased level of support, from $120.42 to $121.57 per diem.
  • T2016 U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-One member served, from $104.17 to $105.16 per diem.
  • T2016 TG U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-One member served-Increased level of support, from $216.96 to $219.03 per diem.
  • T2016 UN U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-Two members served, from $85.8 to $86.61 per diem.
  • T2016 UN TG U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-Two members served-Increased level of support, from $196.78 to $198.65 per diem.
  • T2016 UP U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-Three members served, from $73.15 to $73.85 per diem.
  • T2016 UP TG U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-Three members served-Increased level of support, from $178.40 to $180.09 per diem.
  • T2016 UQ U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-Four members served, from $61.99 to $62.58 per diem.
  • T2016 UQ TG U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-Four members served-Increased level of support, from $162.16 to $163.71 per diem.
  • T2016 UR U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-Five or members served, from $55.29 to $55.82 per diem.
  • T2016 UR TG U5, Home Support (habilitation, residential, waiver)-Family Centered Support-Five or members served-Increased level of support, from $153.42 to $154.88 per diem.
  • T2021, Community Support (day habilitation) from $5.28 to $5.33 per quarter hour.
  • T2021 SC, Community Support (day habilitation) with Medical Add On from $6.51 to $6.57 per quarter hour.
  • Replaced H023 HQ Work Support (supported employment) with the following modifiers below:
  1. H2023 UN Work Support (supported employment)-Group 2 members served, up to $3.46 per ¼ hour.
  2. H2023 UP Work Support (supported employment)-Group 3 members served, up to $2.30 per ¼ hour.
  3. H2023 UQ Work Support (supported employment)-Group 4 members served, up to $1.73 per ¼ hour.
  4. H2023 UR Work Support (supported employment)-Group 2 members served, up to $1.38 per ¼ hour.
  5. H2023 US Work Support (supported employment)-Group 2 members served, up to $1.15 per ¼ hour.
 
Chapter III, Section 21 lists the procedure codes, descriptions and reimbursement rates for covered services provided to members under its companion rule, Chapter II, Section 21 Home and Community Benefits for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder.
 
No members will be affected through this emergency rule. Providers of Section 21 services will be reimbursed at a higher rate for services.
 
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents.
 
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42, 3173, L.D. 1638
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date: October 19, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: 19 Union Street, Conference Room 110,
Augusta ME 04333
The Department requests that any interested party requiring special arrangements to attend the hearing contact the agency person listed below before October 7, 2016.
 
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on October 29, 2016
Click here to submit comments.
 
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Andrew Hardy, Comprehensive Health Planner
AGENCY NAME: MaineCare Services
ADDRESS: 242 State St.
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE: 207-624-4058, FAX: (207) 287-1864
TTY: 711 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing)
E-Mail: [email protected]
IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): The Department anticipates that this rulemaking will not have any impact on municipalities or counties.
 
There are two proposed rule changes regarding Section 29
 
1) Chapter II, Section 29 Proposed Rule Change:
 
Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: 10-144 C.M.R., Proposed Rule: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 29 Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
 
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date: October 19, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: 19 Union Street, Conference Room 110,
Augusta ME 04333
 
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on October 29, 2016
Click here to submit comments.
 
CONCISE SUMMARY (Click here for the full proposed rule):
This waiver renewal proposes rule changes to the Comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver for persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The proposed rule includes language that will bring the Department into compliance with new requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) HCBS Settings Rule released on January 16, 2014 (see 42 C.F.R. § 441.301(c)). The Department is seeking and anticipates receiving CMS approval for this section. Chapter II, Section 29 is a routine technical rule and does not require legislative approval prior to final adoption of the rule.
 
Significant Updates and Changes to Chapter II, Section 29 include:
  • Renaming of the section from “Support Services for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder” to “Support Services for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
  • Throughout Section 21, replacement of the term “Mental Retardation” with “Intellectual Disabilities.”
  • Updating references to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.
  • Added HCBS Settings Rule language to the Introduction.
  • In the Definitions section:
  1. Updated definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  2. Addition of Clinical Review Team
  3. Addition of Exploitation
  4. Addition of clarifying language to Medical Add On.
  5. Removal of Mental Retardation.
  6. Addition of clarifying language to On Behalf Of.
  • Under Personal Plan, the language was updated to ensure that the member is driving the process and that the process is more closely aligned with the 42 CFR § 441.301 and 441.303. Direct references to the CFR were included.
  • In the Covered Services section:
  1. Under Career Planning, addition of quality oriented language.
  2. Addition of clarifying language to Community Support Services.
  • In the Limits section:
  1. Removed Assistive Technology and Career Planning from the annual limit of $23,771, for members who receive Home Support (remote or quarter hour).
  2. Under Consultation Services, added information regarding limits.
  3. Definition of annual limits for: Occupational Therapy (Maintenance).
  4. Increased the Home Accessibility Adaptions limit from $5,000.00 in a three year period to $10,000 in a three year period.
  5. Added limits for Out of State Services. (21.07-18 Out of State Services Authorizations for services to be provided out of state will not exceed sixty (60) days of service within a given fiscal year and not exceed sixty (60) days within any six (6) month period except as provided in 42 C.F.R. § 431.52 (b).)
  • In the Duration of Care Section, added requirements for Provider Termination of a Member’s Services.
  • In Provider Qualifications and Requirements, added:
  1. Additional qualification for Direct Support Professionals.
  2. Additional qualifications for Employment Specialist.
  3. Clarification of Background Check Criteria.
  4. Clarification of Reportable Events & Behavioral Treatment.
  • Appendix IV- Added Requirements for Section 29 Providers of Home Support Services, Community Support Services, and Employment Specialist Services.
 
In response to recent changes in HCBS rules, the state is working toward creating greater emphasis on access to community settings and a more person driven focus in the Person Centered Planning process. No members will be affected through the proposal of this rule.
 
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents.
 
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42, 3173, L.D. 1638
 
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date: October 19, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: 19 Union Street, Conference Room 110,
Augusta ME 04333
The Department requests that any interested party requiring special arrangements to attend the hearing contact the agency person listed below before October 7, 2016.
 
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on October 29, 2016
Click here to submit comments.
 
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Andrew Hardy, Comprehensive Health Planner
AGENCY NAME: MaineCare Services
ADDRESS: 242 State St.
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE: 207-624-4058, FAX: (207) 287-1864
TTY: 711 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing)
E-Mail: [email protected]
IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): The Department anticipates that this rulemaking will not have any impact on municipalities or counties.
 
2) Chapter III, Section 29 Proposed Rule Change:
 
Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: 10-144 C.M.R., Proposed Rule: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 29 Allowances for Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
 
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date: October 19, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: 19 Union Street, Conference Room 110,
Augusta ME 04333
 
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on October 29, 2016
Click here to submit comments.
 
CONCISE SUMMARY (Click here for the full Proposed Rule):
This waiver renewal proposes rule changes to the Comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Chapter III, Section 29 is a companion to Chapter II, Section 29, Support Services for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Chapter III is a major substantive rule and requires legislative approval prior to final adoption of the rule.
 
Significant Updates and Changes to Chapter III, Section 29 include;
  • Renaming of the Section from “Allowances for Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder” to “Allowances for Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
 
The Department will adopt via emergency rulemaking an increase to the rates in Chapter III in accordance with L.D. 1638. The legislature passed L.D. 1638, An Act to Increase Payments to MaineCare Providers That Are Subject to Maine’s Service Provider Tax, to authorize an increase in the service provider tax. Chapter III, Section 29 lists the procedure codes, descriptions and reimbursement rates for covered services provided to members under its companion rule, Chapter II, Section 29 Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder.
The increased rates will be effective retroactive to April 15, 2016. The following services will have a 1% increase as a result of LD 1638:
  • T2017, Home Support-Quarter Hour, from $6.27 to $6.33.
  • T2017 QC, Home Support-Remote Support-Monitor Only, from $1.62 to $1.63 per quarter hour.
  • T2017 GT, Home Support-Remote Support-Interactive Support, from $6.27 to $6.33 per quarter hour.
  • T2021, Community Support (day habilitation) from $5.28 to $5.33 per quarter hour.
  • T2021 SC, Community Support (day habilitation) with Medical Add On from $6.51 to $6.57 per quarter hour.
  • Replaced H023 HQ Work Support (supported employment) with the following modifiers below:
  1. H2023 UN Work Support (supported employment-Group 2 members served, up to $3.46 per ¼ hour.
  2. H2023 UP Work Support (supported employment-Group 3 members served, up to $2.30 per ¼ hour.
  3. H2023 UQ Work Support (supported employment-Group 4 members served, up to $1.73 per ¼ hour.
  4. H2023 UR Work Support (supported employment-Group 2 members served, up to $1.38 per ¼ hour.
  5. H2023 US Work Support (supported employment-Group 2 members served, up to $1.15 per ¼ hour.
 
In response to recent changes in HCBS rules, the State is working towards, creating greater emphasis on access to community settings and a more person driven focus in the Person Centered Planning process. No members will be affected through the proposal of this rule.
 
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents.
 
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42, 3173, L.D. 1638
 
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date: October 19, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: 19 Union Street, Conference Room 110, Augusta ME 04333
The Department requests that any interested party requiring special arrangements to attend the hearing contact the agency person listed above before October 7, 2016.
 
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on October 29, 2016
Click here to submit comments.
 
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Andrew Hardy, Comprehensive Health Planner
AGENCY NAME: MaineCare Services
ADDRESS: 242 State St.
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE: 207-624-4058, FAX: (207) 287-1864
TTY: 711 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing)
E-Mail: andre[email protected]
IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): The Department anticipates that this rulemaking will not have any impact on municipalities or counties.
New Tools Make Healthy Eating and Active Living Easier for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
 
At Let’s Go!, we’re committed to making sure all children develop lifelong healthy habits. As part of that commitment, we recently released the Let’s Go! Toolkit for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) to address this population’s specific needs across multiple settings.
 
Children with I/DD are likely to encounter obstacles beyond those of their peers when it comes to setting and achieving health goals. And, the places we live, learn, and play are not always adapted to meet their unique needs.
 
This toolkit offers tailored strategies and new tools that will help child care providers, schools, community service providers, and health care professionals more effectively include children with I/DD in their obesity prevention efforts.  We hope this toolkit will not only raise awareness of the needs of children with I/DD, but also create the expectation that, given proper support, they can lead healthy, active lives.
 
Toolkit handouts are available online at: http://www.letsgo.org/toolkits/developmental-disabilities/ 
Please contact Let’s Go! at: [email protected] if you are interested in a training on promoting healthy habits with children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 

Postings

The following are links to PBS News Hour videos that may be of interest to people:
Community Connect - Please click here for the Comunity Connect September 14, 2016 Midcoast meeting summary
DRM is hosting two voter registration events on Tuesday, September 27th, in Portland and Bangor.  Flyers are attached – please help us spread the word!
 
People with disabilities represent 15% of the voting-age population.  Yet, during the 2012 elections:
  • 30% of people with disabilities said they wanted to vote but were unable to;
  • 72% of polling places were not accessible;  and
  • 57.2% of people with disabilities did not vote.
 
This year, help us make sure that people with disabilities are heard at the polls.  Join us on 9/27 to register, test out Maine’s new Accessible Voting System, and pick up info and resources on voting options, voting rights, and ballot questions.
 
For those closer to Augusta, feel free to stop by DRM’s office to fill out a voter registration card there.  
 
What: REV UP Voter Registration Event
 
When: September 27, 2016
12pm-2pm
 
Where:  
Portland REV UP Voter Registration Event:  
  • Portland City Hall, State of Maine Room, 389 Congress Street, Portland, ME
Bangor REV UP Voter Registration Event:                 
  • Bangor Public Library, Crofutt Community Room, 45 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04401
Disability Rights Maine, in partnership with local providers, is hosting voting fairs in Saco, Brunswick, and Belfast.   Free events of food, fun, information, and action to promote the involvement of people with disabilities in the election process.  For more information or to RSVP for this exciting event, call or email Rick Langley: 1.800.452.1948, Ext. 208 or [email protected].  Flyers are attached!
 
What:   Brunswick Voting Fairs 2016
When: Thursday, September 29, 2016
Two Sessions: 10am – 12pm & 1pm-3pm
Where: Independence Association
2 Columbus Drive
Brunswick, ME 04011
 
What: Belfast Voting Fair 2016
When: Friday, October 7, 2016
10am – 2pm
Where: Living Innovations
248 Northport Avenue
Belfast, ME 04915
 
What:  Saco Voting Fair 2016
When: Friday, October 21, 2016
10am – 2pm
Where: Living Innovations
238 North Street
Saco, ME 04072
Let's Go! Toolkit for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
At Let’s Go!, we believe that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) deserve the same opportunities to lead healthy lives as those offered to typically developing children. While children with I/DD face many of the same challenges to being healthy as their peers, they also experience unique risk factors and additional challenges that increase their risk for obesity.  In response to these challenges, Let’s Go! has developed this toolkit for professionals like you who work with children with I/DD. Inside you’ll find strategies, tools, and resources that address the healthy eating and physical activity needs of children with I/DD. These materials complement our core 5-2-1-0 message and evidence-based strategies for success, and are designed to ensure that the Let’s Go! program can work for each and every child.  Our hope is that this toolkit will not only raise your awareness of the needs of children with I/DD, but also the expectation that, given more support, they can indeed lead healthy, active lives. 

Click here for the toolkit!
The Maine Developmental Services Oversight & Advisory Board (MDSOAB) is seeking an Executive Director who exhibits passion and independent leadership skills, coupled with a deep understanding of and commitment to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Maine.

Applications will be accepted through August 24, 2016
Email cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: [email protected]
Please title the subject line: SEARCH

For more information on this job posting please visit:
Webinar to Address Strategies for Engaging Employers to Increase Inclusion
On June 30 at 1:00 p.m. ET, the ODEP-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) will present Talent Matters: Fostering Disability-Inclusive Outreach and Recruitment Strategies. This webinar will address innovative ways service providers can cultivate strong relationships with employers that both increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and meet individual businesses’ unique workforce needs. Panelists will include Kathy West Evans, Director of Business Relations, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation; Katherine McCary, President, C5 Consulting, LLC; and Debra Ruh, CEO, Ruh Global Communications. Participation is free, but space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Register for the Talent Matters webinar
Specialized Housing, Inc. invites you to read an article in The Forecaster about 14 E Street - Click here for the article!
Below is a message from OADS regarding the recent Section 21 forums:

Thank you for attending the recent Section 21 Forums.
 
These sessions were designed as an opportunity for individuals and families to share their suggestions, concerns and to help inform the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) with the next initiative.
 
We truly appreciate your time and feedback.
 
We also invite you to visit: 
At the forums, individuals and their family members expressed wanting to hear directly from OADS about updates and educational opportunities. As a result, we are continuing to gather email addresses from individuals and families. 
 
If you did not receive this message directly from OADS and would like to be included in future emails, please email Lebrun Joseph, Initiative Coordinator, at [email protected]. 
 
Please share this email with anyone you know who would be interested in receiving communication from OADS.
 
As we discussed in depth at the forums, OADS continues to promote:
  • The Person Centered Plan (PCP) as the core of an assessment process;
  • A fair and equitable system;
  • The safety of all individuals receiving services;
  • And the use of an assessment tool to help guide planning and resource allocation.
 
Thank you again for your participation. I look forward to future conversations with you. I will follow up with the Q&A written notes in the next couple weeks.
 
Respectfully,
 
Jennifer Fales
 
Questions/Comments:
If you have any questions or comments, please contact:
Lebrun Joseph, Initiative Coordinator
Phone: (207) 287-4251
Email: [email protected]
National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices

Nationally Recognized Training Curriculum Dementia Capable Care of Adults with ID and Dementia
Presented by Spectrum Generations thanks to a generous grant from the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council.

Monday & Tuesday, JUNE 20 & 21, 2016
Wednesday, JUNE 22 (Optional 3rd day for Regional Trainer Candidates)
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Cohen Community Center
22 Town Farm Road
Hallowell, ME

2 Day Basic Workshop:
Days 1 and 2 Only: $ 215
Target Audience:
The workshop is appropriate for any staff with direct or ancillary care responsibilities of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in both disability-related, health care, and aging-related agencies.
Description:
This highly interactive and evidence-informed workshop covers the basic concepts of care of an adult with ID and dementia. A wide range of topics are covered that directly relate to the unique challenges facing adults with intellectual disabilities who are at risk of or who have developed dementia. Staff will be able to incorporate and apply this knowledge to their professional roles immediately. Full agenda is available on the workshop website.

3 Day NTG Affiliated Regional Trainer Workshop:
All 3 Days: $270
Target Audience:
The workshop is appropriate for any staff as described above who have prior training experience and would like to become an NTG Affiliated Regional Trainer.
Description:
The first two days of the workshop cover the topics outlined in the 2 Day Basic Workshop. A third day is added and is devoted to understanding and delivering the full NTG Dementia Capable Care Curriculum. Affiliated trainers have access to greatly expanded topic modules, trainer manual, NTG continuing education webinars, and are mentored by NTG Master Trainers. NTG Affiliated Trainers are authorized to use NTG branded and copyrighted training materials to train within their own organization or to conduct training for outside agencies and organizations on a fee for service basis.


Workshop Topics Include:
• Introduction to Aging and ID
• Understanding Dementia in Adults with ID:
-What is dementia?
-How it present differently in adults with ID
• Early Detection and Screening for Dementia…Challenges & Resources.
• Differential Diagnosis
• Health Care Advocacy for Adults with ID and Dementia
• Understanding Behavioral & Psychiatric Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD)
• Non-pharmacologic Interventions for BPSD
• Communication Tips and Strategies
• Adapting the Physical Environment
• Creating Dementia Capable Residences for Adults with ID
• Stage-based Considerations
• Bridging the Aging and Intellectual Disability Networks

Registration is required! for more information and to register: https://www.regonline.com/dementiacapableME
Registration is being offered at the reduced rate of $215 for the 2 day Basic Workshop and $270 for the 3 day Regional
Trainer Workshop thanks to a generous grant

Click here for the flyer!
REMINDER:
​
Please join us for the Next Step Open House, STRIVE’s Transitional Education Program!

Tuesday, May 24, 2016
3:00-7:00 p.m.
28 Foden Road, South Portland

Next STEP is a very unique, private pay program that combines independent living skill development with social, recreational and wellness opportunities that utilizes the STRIVE U curriculum.

The Next STEP program operates on a rolling admissions process and participants can begin at any time throughout the year. Full time is available Monday-Friday from 9:00-5:00 and early drop off is available starting at 8:00. Additionally, there are many part time opportunities available as well.
Costs are $205/week for full time, $125/week for part time, $50/day or $25/half-day session.

Next STEP is a great option to consider in combination with a community support program, while on a waiting list for services, or for those who do not qualify for other services.

For more information, please contact Betsy Morrison, STRIVE Program Director:  [email protected] or (207) 774-6278

Click here for the flyer!

Non-Traditional Communication Conference 2016
June 30, 2016
Cross Insurance center
Bangor, ME

Please help us spread the word about this Conference

If you have a family member or client who signs or a family member or client who communicates through an iPad or other device —this Conference is for you and the team that supports that client!!  Spread the WORD!
 
Morning presentations focus on family and Staff success stories.  Lunch is FREE and delicious.
 
Afternoon breakouts will be AMAZING:  Pick which one you want to attend
 
For those interested in signing and visual gestural communication:  Teaching about sexuality in VG—it is not the topic that is important, it is the skill of learning to use signs and gestures to communicate higher level messages!
 
For those interested in expanding use of iPads and other devices for communication:  We have a more hands-on session on covering use of iPads for communication
 
For those Direct Support Staff working with clients who sign and gesture or use devices we have a session JUST for you on how to support the person’s communication in the real world and make all the pieces of the person’s life come together.
 
Here is the link to register for the conference.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NTCConf2016
 
 Click here for the conference agenda.
Community First Conference- May 24 and 25, 2016
Where: Augusta Civic Center
Cost: $50.00 REGISTRATION FEE*
Who should attend: Case managers, advocates, social workers, mental health practitioners, employment specialists, direct care workers, LTC administrators, nurses, and others interested in community long term service and supports.
Topics: PersonCentered Thinking, Community Building, Motivational Interviewing, Olmstead, HCBS Transition Planning and more.
* Limited scholarships are available for self-advocates wishing to attend the conference. Please contact Nicole Rooney at 207.287-9221.
For more information, contact DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services:
Phone: (207) 287-9221
Email: [email protected]

Click here for a link to the conference agenda.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) Newsletter:  http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cbhs/announcements/documents/CBHS%20March2016%20Newsletter.docx
 
Link to tje DHHS “A Guide to Transition Services in Maine” -   http://drme.org/assets/brochures/DHHS-Transition-Guide-03.2016.pdf
Some of you may have heard of the “Achieving a Better Life Experience” Act of 2014.  This Act allowed for the creation of excluded savings accounts for certain individuals with disabilities; these accounts would NOT be counted in income-based eligibility programs and would need to be used for disability-related expenses.  The ABLE Act was the result of a long fight by disability advocates, and parents of children with disabilities in particular. 
 
Although this is a federal law, states must enable the accounts with their own legislation and mechanics in their own states.  Maine is not yet there. 
 
There is a new resource on ABLE:  http://ablenrc.org/   There is a state-specific page on the website that gives the status of ABLE in Maine:  ​http://ablenrc.org/state-review/maine
Maine Statewide Independent Living Council (Maine SILC) Community Forums

Maine SILC Announces Community Forums 2016
If you are a person with a disability living in Maine, please plan to participate.  Forum input will inform the State Plan for Independent Living (Maine SPIL). Each forum will last about two hours.

The Maine SILC is preparing to draft the Maine SPIL for 2017 – 2019. We need your feedback! What is working for you as far as living, working, going to school, recreating? Are you living as independently as you want? Are you able to participate in your community? Do you have the supports and services you need? What could be better?!

If you require accommodations, contact Mike McClellan, Maine SILC Executive Director. He can be reached at 207-329-6148, or email Maine SILC at [email protected]. Please allow two weeks before the date of the event, if you require interpreting services.

If your community/organization is having an event we can attend to share this information, we would appreciate an invitation to come and get your input. Contact Mike McClellan at 207-329-6148, or Maine SILC at [email protected].
Please join us at one of the forums listed below.

May 19 Lewiston – The Root Cellar – 12:30 and 6pm
89 Birch Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240

May 20 Saco – Saco Town Council Chambers – 3pm
300 Main St., Saco, Maine 04072

May 23 Portland – AARP Building – 11am and 3pm
Suite 202 Baxter Blvd., Portland, Maine 04101

May 24 Bangor – Bangor Parks and Recreation – 2pm
647 Main Street, Bangor, Maine 04401

May 25 Farmington – University of Maine-Farmington – 2pm
Roberts 101 Building, 246 Main Street, Farmington, Maine 04938

May 26 Houlton – U Maine –UMPI Center – 1pm
18 Military Street, Houlton, Maine 04730

May 26 Presque Isle-Career Center -3pm
66 Spruce Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769.

May 27 Rockland – University College at Rockland – 2pm
91 Camden Street, Suite 402, Rockland, ME 04841

May 31 Augusta – Augusta Elks Club – 1pm
397 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330.

Please note: All sites will be accessible. 
The Office of Aging and Disability Services posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on the OADS Policy/Planning webpage, http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/trainings-resources/policy.html.  This website keeps the proposed rules on file until they are finalized and until the Secretary of State website is updated to reflect the changes.  You can access OADS rules at: http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/10/chaps10.htm#149; and http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/10/chaps10.htm#197
  
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: 14-197 C.M.R. Ch. 5, Regulations Governing Behavioral Support, Modification and Management for People with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism in Maine
ADOPTED RULE NUMBER: 2016-070
CONCISE SUMMARY:  Services provided to persons with intellectual disability experiencing challenging behaviors should be based on positive support strategies and thus minimize unplanned, informal and inconsistent interventions.  These rules are amended to update the current rule and thus better ensure that behavior management, modification and interventions to deal with challenging behavior are designed and implemented in a manner that promotes the important goals of protecting the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities or autism, as well as respect, independence, normalization and inclusion.
EFFECTIVE DATE:  April 25, 2016                      
AGENCY NAME:  Office of Aging and Disability Services
ADDRESS:  41 Anthony Avenue, 11 State House Station,  Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE:  (207)-287-9200   
FAX:  (207) 287-9229
TTY users call Maine relay 711
​PLEASE NOTE: There is a location correction in Portland. The Portland forum will take place at the University of Southern Maine Abromson Center—Hannaford Lecture Hall. 
Section 21 HCBS Waiver Services: Forums for Individuals and Family Members
Please select a flyer link below for information about upcoming family forums hosted by the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS). These forums are designed for members, families, guardians and correspondents to ask questions and get information about the recent changes to the Supporting Individual Success (SIS) initiative. Accommodations will be made for participants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation, or for any questions please contact Jennifer Fales or Roxanne Rollins.
May 2016 Forums - FINAL.pdf

Now that the SIS is gone, what is next?
Forums for Individuals & Family Members Served by Section 21 HCBS Waiver Services Sponsored by DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services

OADS invites members and families to join in a conversation about these recent changes and our goals for most effectively supporting individuals receiving services through Section 21. This discussion will include a question and answer period as well as an overview of the next steps.

DATE/TIME/LOCATION
Tuesday, May 17 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm in Presque Isle – University of Maine PI Ballroom, St. John & Aroostook Rooms
Wednesday, May 18 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in Orono – University of Maine, Donald P. Corbett Business Building, Room 100
Thursday, May 19 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm in Augusta – Gov. Hill Mansion, Columbus Hall
Thursday, May 26 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in Auburn – Central Maine Community College, Kirk Hall Auditorium
Thursday, May 26 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in Portland – University of So. Maine, Abromson Center – Hannaford Lecture Hall

Accommodations will be made for participants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation, please notify OADS by email [email protected] or call 287-4409. 
Click here for information related to lifts and other home adjustments for individuals with disabilities, from Nationwide Lifts.
Specialized Housing, Inc.
Supporting Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in a Home-ownership Setting
 www.specializedhousing.org
 
Read the latest news:
 
1.  Save a seat for the May 4, 2016 Information Session to learn more about Specialized Housing and the new program opening late 2018 in South Portland at 14 E Street.
 
May 4, 2016 at 6:00 PM
South Portland Community Center
21 Nelson Road, South Portland
 
 *  Contact Mary Chris Semrow for more information and to Save A Seat [email protected] or 207-712-0289
Please let us know how many people in your family/group will be attending
  
2.  Visit the website for 14 E Street:  www.14estreet.com
Save the Date for Maine Parent Federation’s Workshop:

Transition Planning:
The High School Years and Adult Services


Thursday, April 28, 2016
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Hope Association
85 Lincoln Avenue, Rumford, ME

All parents want their child to be the leader of his or her future, but how do you get there? If you have a child receiving special education services and they are approaching transition age (14 and up), or are already transition age, this is the workshop for you.  During this workshop participants will explore ways to prepare for their child’s future and learn how to involve their child in transition planning. You will learn about the IEP requirements for transition plans and begin the process of developing a transition plan for your son or daughter.  The information covered can be used to better understand and advocate for your child during transition planning at IEP meetings and in the future. 

For more information or to register, contact Carrie Woodcock at (207) 229-2006 or E-mail: [email protected].

Maine Parent Federation, PO Box 2067, Augusta, ME 04338
(800) 870-7746 – (207) 588-1933 Fax: (207) 588-1938 Email: [email protected]
http://www.startingpointsforme.org

Click here for a PDF of this flyer
ACTION ALERT:
Over the past few weeks the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services has been involved in efforts related to MaineCare, specifically the Section 21 proposed rule changes.  DHHS released proposed rule changes that are equally dramatic for other MaineCare sections.  This past fall we discussed the proposed rule changes for Section 17, however only recently the urgency and level of severity came to light.  Section 17 provides services for people with serious and persistent mental illness.  How does this affect you and your loved ones?  There are significant numbers of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID/DD) who are dually diagnosed with a mental illness and are served either by both Section 17 and Section 21, or Section 17 while on the waitlist for Section 21.  The new eligibility criteria could make many people with ID/DD and presenting with mental health related case management needs ineligible for Section 17 services. 
 
In its proposed rule changes, DHHS essentially chose two of many diagnoses (Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective disorder) as eligible diagnoses for Section 17 services.  The proposed rules do include a mechanism for including these other diagnoses as eligible for services, but the process and documentation needed is potentially a barrier.  This is very concerning as it could result in many individuals being discharged from needed case management services, and people currently housed with a BRAP (Bridging Rental Assistance Program) voucher could lose their rental subsidies.  Mental health providers estimate that services that are allowing consumers to stay successfully housed will no longer be available to potentially 8,000 of the approximately 16,000 people currently being helped with this service.  The rule changes are scheduled to take effect on April 8, 2016.  The Portland Press Herald published an editorial regarding the Section 17 rule changes and the effect they would have on vulnerable people in Maine.  Click here for the editorial.  
 
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee is holding a public hearing on the Section 17 rule changes this Friday, 4/1 at 1:00 pm in the Cross Building, Room 209! (Burton M. Cross Building, 111 Sewall St, Augusta, ME 04330. This building is connected to the Capitol, and there is parking in the lot surrounding it, or in the garage across the street.)  This means you now have an opportunity to testify and educate Legislators on this committee about how the rule changes might affect you.  Please note that there will be a three minute limit on testimony.  Additionally, if you prepare written testimony, please bring 20 copies for the Committee to the hearing.  But don’t let this stop you if it is a barrier.  You don’t need to speak for three full minutes if that is intimidating.  You can simply go up, state your name, briefly tell your story, and express any worries or concerns you have about the rule changes.  These worries can be redundant with what others have said.  
ACTION ALERT:
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee recently reported out the bill that would make the Section 21, Chapter II rule Major Substantive; the Majority Report reported Ought to Pass.  Major Substantive would mean that when DHHS develops its next proposed rule changes they would go to the HHS Committee for a public hearing prior to being finalized.  This would allow an opportunity for more eyes to look at whatever DHHS proposes and an opportunity to testify and educate Legislators about how what is proposed might affect you, as so many of you did very eloquently at the public hearing earlier this month. 
 
The bill will go first to the House, then the Senate, for consideration.  Now is the time to contact members of the Legislature, and doing so is easy – click the links below and you will be right on the Senate and House websites.  When you click on a name you will be on that Legislator’s page which lists contact information.  You can call or send a quick email.  It doesn’t have to be long and your message can be simple: 
 
“The Section 21 Rule ought to be considered Major Substantive.  Such significant rule changes, which could have a dramatic effect on families, ought to have legislative review and the opportunity for public comment.  Thank you for your consideration.”
 
I hope you will contact members of the Legislature and let your voice be heard!   
Senate Contact Information
House Contact Information
 
The HHS Committee’s thoughtful attention to our concerns throughout this Legislative session has been outstanding.  As part of this Action Alert, I hope you can take a moment to thank the ten members of the Committee who signed the Majority Report, which would make the Section 21 rule Major Substantive, for their hard work on this issue.  Their contact information can be found in the Senate and House contact information links above. 
Senators:
                                    Brakey of Androscoggin
                                    Haskell of Cumberland
Representatives:
                                    Gattine of Westbrook
                                    Burstein of Lincolnville
                                    Hamann of South Portland
                                    Head of Bethel
                                    Hymanson of York
                                    Peterson of Rumford
                                    Stuckey of Portland
                                    Vachon of Scarborough
FREE Webinar!
Alternatives to Guardianship &
Supported Decision-Making

Join us for this one-hour training (with a question & answer session to follow) presented by DRM Staff Attorney Lydia Paquette!
Decision-making is a skill like any other. We each process information differently and react based on different priorities and different life experiences. Similarly, we all experience difficulties in decision-making at one time or another. For individuals experiencing limitations in decision-making, guardianship may feel like the only answer. Though it is one solution, guardianship does not allow for an individualized assessment of the decision-making process and can forego an opportunity for the individual to grow and enhance their decision-making capabilities. Many tools exist to identify and accommodate those limitations while promoting self-determinations. These tools are generally referred to as “alternatives to guardianship”. In this training, our hope is to provide a general overview of the decision-making process and how guardianship and alternatives to guardianship are used to assist in that process.

Register Now!

When
Monday, April 11, 2016
2:00 PM to 3:15 PM EDT

Where
Online!

Contact
Sara Squires
Disability Rights Maine
207-626-2774
[email protected]
Community Connect
Meeting in Three Regions
 
Location         Date             Time                             Address                                        
Auburn           3/30             4:00-5:30PM                 John F. Murphy Homes, Inc.
                                                                                      800 Center Street, Auburn
 
Brunswick      4/14           4:30-6:00PM                  Independence Association
                                                                                      87 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick
                
Orono              3/31             4:30-6:00PM               Target Technology Center,
                                                                                     Conference AB, 20 Godfrey Drive, Orono
 
Featured Speaker:
Rachel Dyer, Associate Director of Maine Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) will be the guest speaker 
 
The topic and discussion:  Section 29 toolkit and overview of DDC goals. 
 
Agenda
Welcome and Introductions
Updates
Overview and Discussion –Rachel Dyer
  • Developmental Disabilities Council goals
  • What is Section 29
  • Section 29 Toolkit
Accessing the Section 29 toolkit in your community
Toolkit Developmental Discussion- What is helpful to know about Section 21
Next Steps
 
For more details or to RSVP contact:
Auburn: Kim Humphrey at [email protected] or call 207-754-3435 
Bath: Debbie R. Dionne at [email protected] or call 207-522-4290
Orono: Catherine Robertson at [email protected] or call 207-356-2202

Click here for the flyer!
ACTION ALERT:
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee is holding its third work session on the Section 21 proposed rule changes Friday 3/11 at 1:30, when they will likely vote to determine whether or not the Section 21 rule will be considered “Major Substantive”.  Major Substantive would mean that when DHHS develops its next proposed rule changes they would go to the HHS Committee for a public hearing prior to being finalized.  This would allow an opportunity for more eyes to look at whatever DHHS proposes and an opportunity to testify and educate Legislators about how what is proposed might affect you, as so many of you did very eloquently on Monday. 
 
Now is the time to contact members of the HHS Committee, and doing so is simple – click the link below and you will be right on HHS Committee website which lists each member of the Committee.  When you click on a name you will be on that Legislator’s page which lists contact information.  You can call or send a quick email.  It doesn’t have to be long and your message can be simple: 
 
“The Section 21 Rule ought to be considered Major Substantive.  Such significant rule changes, which could have a dramatic effect on families, ought to have legislative review and the opportunity for public comment.  Thank you for your consideration.”
 
I hope you will contact the Committee and let your voice be heard!   Please reach out before 1:30 tomorrow (3/11):   HHS Committee Contact Information
Maine Legislature
House Democratic Office
www.housedemocrats.maine.gov
 
  
For Immediate Release
March 7, 2016
Contact: Ann Kim [Gattine] 233-1838; Mario Moretto [Haskell] 460-4669
 
Public speaks out against DHHS approach to assessing needs of Mainers with disabilities 
Dramatic loss of support services threaten their ability to live in their communities
 
AUGUSTA – Dozens of Mainers on Monday spoke out against relying on a single high-stakes test to assess the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and autism as the state Department of Health and Human Services had proposed.
 
The public hearing before the Health and Human Services Committee drew a crowd that filled the committee room and overflowed into two others. The hearing was originally scheduled to address DHHS’s “Supporting Individual Success” initiative, which attempted to replace the “person-centered planning process,” the current assessment by family and medical professionals codified in Maine statute, with the Supports Intensity Scale. SIS was designed to be a complementary tool, not the sole method of assessment. 
 
The DHHS proposal – a change to the rules around support services through Medicaid –
sparked an outcry among Mainers with disabilities, as well as their families, guardians and caregivers, because the resulting loss of critical support services would threaten their ability to live in their communities and potentially force their institutionalization.
 
“Mainers were loud and clear today. The spoke eloquently about how adults with disabilities have worked hard to remain independent and integrate into their communities. They told us the state must not misuse tools like SIS to pull critical services out from under them. They demanded that DHHS include them in decisions that can profoundly affect their lives and well-being,” said Rep. Drew Gattine, House chair of the committee.
  
While DHHS announced Friday that it was withdrawing its proposal, about 80 Mainers used the public hearing to voice their concerns about the lack of transparency from DHHS, the need for collaboration with stakeholders and why future proposals must avoid the approach of the original plan. DHHS said it would begin a new rulemaking process in the next several months.
The department originally categorized their proposal as a “routine technical” rule change, which did not require legislative review. 

However, because of the harm they could suffer under the proposal, affected individuals and their families turned to a little-known petition procedure to request a formal review of the rule change by the Legislature. The petition had 268 signatories and another 1,308 signatures were collected online. The Health and Human Services Committee decided in a bipartisan 9-4 vote to review the plan.

“We heard today that these Mainers and their families feel their voices were not being heard by the Department,” said Sen. Anne Haskell, D-Portland, the lead Senate Democrat on the committee. “Their input was requested, but ignored. They felt their intimate knowledge of their own needs, or the needs of their loved ones, was deemed non-credible. It’s no wonder they took the unprecedented step of petitioning the state to give them a fair hearing. Now they have been heard, and we in the Legislature are better off to have listened. We only hope the Department was listening too.”
​
The withdrawal of the DHHS proposal provides an opportunity to engage parent, guardians and others, testified Cullen Ryan, the father of a 19-year-old son with an intellectual/developmental disability and chair of the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services.
 
“I am struck by how much I am hearing about parents who felt left out of the process. Instead of participating in design, we are invited in at the end and left to comment on things that look and feel like a done deal,” he testified. “This rule making process could have been better by being more open, interactive and proactive. The outcome at this point could have been better if it has included wider participation in the design stage.”
 
Deborah Dionne of Georgetown was among those who testified about how services help Mainers with disabilities live in their communities. She told the committee that after her daughter suffered severe brain damage from complications during her delivery, medical experts strongly advised that she be institutionalized, specifically at Pineland, the institution shut down in 1996 after it became notorious for the abuse and neglect that took place there.
 
“Thirty-six years later, Kate has surpassed what any expert predicted she would be able to do” such as bowling, volunteering at the library, holding a job and making dinner with her roommates and staff at her group home, Dionne said. “She is happy, integrated into her community and safe. What more could a parent want for her child?”
 
The hearing provides the HHS committee with information if it decides to craft a bill that addresses support services and related assessments.
 
###
  
 
Ann Kim | Communications Director
Maine State House Majority Office
2 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0002
Phone: 207-287-1488 | Cell: 207-233-1838
Fax: 207-287-8338
www.housedemocrats.maine.gov
Specialized Housing, Inc. Update:
​A building has been purchased in the Millcreek/Knightville area in South Portland for the second Supported Home-Ownership program for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Maine.
 
Move-in anticipated to be in mid-to-late 2017 - 7 spaces remain
 
Please spread the word to families and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and those who support them.
 
Contact Mary Chris Semrow for more information and a tour of their existing program at 20 E Street in South Portland
 
[email protected]
207-712-0289
 
www.20estreet.com 
www.specializedhousing.org
1,576 Mainers backed a petition of the Maine State Legislature to review the DHHS proposed rules for Section 21, that would drastically reduce services for Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, March 7th at 10 am in the Burton M. Cross Building, Room 209.
​
To support person centered planning and oppose cuts to services for Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, participate and let your voice be heard!
ACTION ALERT:
In large part due to our 1308 signatures on the recent petition (our last action alert), the Legislature’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee announced today it will be holding a public hearing, as part of its legislative review, on the DHHS proposed rules for Section 21 on Monday, March 7th at 10:00 am in the Cross Building, Room 209! (Burton M. Cross Building, 111 Sewall St, Augusta, ME 04330. This building is connected to the Capitol, and there is parking in the lot surrounding it, or in the garage across the street.)
 
This means you now have an opportunity to testify and educate Legislators on this committee about how the proposed rule might affect you.  This is your opportunity to raise your voice and speak!  We would do well to have plenty of parents, family members, and others speak at this hearing.  
 
Please note that there will be a three minute limit on testimony.  Additionally, if you prepare written testimony, please bring 20 copies for the Committee to the hearing.  But don’t let this stop you if it is a barrier.  You don’t need to speak for three full minutes if that is intimidating.  You can simply go up, state your name, briefly tell your story, and express any worries or concerns you have about the proposed rule.  These worries can be redundant with what others have said.  If you want to write something up to read or submit to them, you can use the sample document as a guide (click here). 
 
But it is important that you raise your voice.  Please attend this public hearing!  We have power in numbers.  Showing up will demonstrate that you care. 
 
If you plan to testify, please reply to me and Kim Humphrey (she is cc’d – just hit reply all.).  We will compile a list of speakers and come up with an order.  
 
I hope you will participate and let your voice be heard!  Thank you.
Community Connect- Regional Meetings
ATTENTION PARENTS, FAMILIES, EDUCATORS, & ALL OTHER INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS:                                                      
 
Community Connect is a family driven group that is regionally based around the state for education, information sharing, and networking around improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and for those that represent, support and care for them.
 
This group provides an opportunity for family, individuals, and community members involved with supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism to partner, share and discuss what matters most to them.
 
 
Location    Date           Time                          Address                                        
Auburn      2/25            4:00-5:30PM             John F. Murphy Homes, Inc.
                                                                            800 Center Street, Auburn, ME
 
Bath            3/9            4:30-6:00PM              Elmhurst, Inc.
                                                                            400 Centre Street, Bath, ME
                
Orono        2/25           4:30-6:00PM             Target Technology Center,
                                                                           Conference AB, 20 Godfrey Drive   Orono, ME
 
 
For more details or to RSVP contact:
Auburn: Kim Humphrey at [email protected] or call 207-754-3435 
Bath: Debbie R. Dionne at  [email protected]  or call 207-522-4290
Orono: Catherine Robertson at [email protected] or call 207-356-2202
Below is a two-pronged action alert for the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services.  The first is a support petition forwarded from Community Connect.  It is quick and you can simply add your name by clicking a link.  The second is an action call to reach out to members of the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature, or your Representatives, to ask that they formally review the proposed rule (this action can be a one sentence email).  Both are time sensitive – they require action by early Thursday morning 2/11. Thank you for taking action! 

1. Opportunity to Support Petition Effort: Maine Families Formally Petition Legislature to Intervene Over Proposed Reduction of Disability Services Funding 
The proposed DHHS rule change would substantially reduce services for disabled Mainers and violate current statute.
 
On 1/27/16 Maine families formally petitioned the legislature to intervene over proposed reduction of disability services funding. If you are an individual with a developmental disability, family member, guardian, or caretaker and did not sign the petition but would like to support the petition effort, Community Connect is offering a “show your support” sign-on link.  Please click on the link by noon, Wednesday, Feb 10th and add your name, town and role.  Names will be submitted to the Health and Service Committee. To sign-on follow this link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NKBNFF9
 
On Feb 3rd, Maine families, with the support of the Maine Association of Community Service Providers, held a press conference to announce their petition of the Maine Legislature to undertake a legislative review of a Department of Health and Human Services rule that would drastically reduce disability services funding and violate current Maine statute. The procedure for the review of state agency rules by the Legislature, under which the petition is submitted, is established in Title 5, Chapter 377-A of the Maine Revised Statutes.  The Health and Human Service Committee will respond to this petition by Feb. 11, 2016. One third of the Committee must agree to independent review in order for action to be taken.
 
Background:
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has proposed a new assessment model – the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) – to determine services for Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Studies and projections definitively demonstrate that the application of the SIS model, as proposed, would result in devastating reductions in services for this vulnerable population. This would needlessly produce substantial risks to the health and safety of the recipients and/or the recipients’ family members, caregivers, and guardians; and result in a considerable reduction in the recipients’ habilitation, normalization, community inclusion, and quality of life.
In response, affected families and advocates are petitioning the Maine Legislature, specifically the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services, to undertake a legislative review.
 
As the petition indicates, the proposed rule raises the following concerns:
  1. Essential, life-sustaining and life-saving services for many individuals will be dramatically cut or eliminated, to the devastating impact of the people served, their families and the communities in which they live.
  2. Current Maine statute, as outlined in Title 34-B, lays out clear expectations regarding person-centered planning as a critical and mandated component of service delivery for persons with disabilities. The new rule would violate that statute.
  3. The assessment procedures and rates inadequately allocate the amount of services and supports required and do not accurately reflect the wide range of needs among the population of service recipients.
  4. Arbitrary service caps and limits would be established through statistical averaging instead of individual need assessments.
  5. The SIS assessment tool is subjective. It is weighted towards the perception and opinion of the person performing the SIS assessment and has strong potential to misinterpret information, as well as miss relevant information that may not be asked for.
 
Media Coverage of Feb. 3, 2016 Press Conference:
http://news.mpbn.net/post/advocates-petition-change-dhhs-scoring-system-providing-services#stream/0
 
http://wgme.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/hundreds-sign-petition-against-dhhs-rule-change-31181.shtml#.VrNuQ8dq5US
 
http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/2016/02/03/families-petition-legislature-fight-dhhs-rule-change/79776786/
 
2.  Opportunity to ask the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee to review the proposed rules:If you wish to see the proposed Section 21 rules receive formalHHS Committee review, which could include a public hearing, please contact members of the HHS Committee, the leadership of both chambers, and/or any Legislator with whom you have had any contact or formed a relationship.  The message is simple:  You want an opportunity to go on the record with the members of the HHS Committee about serious concerns with the proposed Section 21 rules and how they would affect your loved ones.  Below are links to legislative e-mail addresses, as well as contact information for members of the HHS Committee.
 
Senate Contact Information
Email Addresses for House Members
HHS Committee Contact Information
ACTION ALERT:
This morning Todd Goodwin, president of Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP), delivered the petition requesting legislative review of the proposed Section 21 rules to the Executive Director of the Legislature.  It appears that that the petition will be delivered to the HHS committee as early as today but no later than Friday afternoon.  The petition will be reviewed by each member of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee and a decision will be made among them regarding whether or not to review the proposed Section 21 rules.
 
The petition raises many of the concerns the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services expressed in its letter of testimony, including (but not limited to) issues of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) being weighted more heavily than the Person Centered Planning (PCP) team process, the SIS results potentially not matching support needs, limitation of the three-tiered service packages, and concerns that the Qualified Extra Support Service (QESS) may be unable to meet extraordinary needs due to restrictive staffing requirements.
 
If you wish to see the proposed Section 21 rules receive HHS Committee review, which could include a public hearing, please contact members of the HHS committee, the leadership of both chambers, and/or any Legislator with whom you have had any contact or formed a relationship.  The message is simple:  You want an opportunity to go on the record with the members of the HHS Committee about serious concerns with the proposed Section 21 rules and how they would affect your loved ones.  Below are links to legislative e-mail addresses, as well as contact information for members of the HHS Committee.
 
Senate Contact Information
Email Addresses for House Members
HHS Committee Contact Information
Press Release from The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law:

National Organizations Release Toolkit to Help Stakeholders Advocate for Strong Implementation of HCBS Settings Rule

January 26, 2016 – The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, together with other disability and aging advocacy groups, today issued a toolkit to help advocates push for strong implementation of the new Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rules in their states.  The new HCBS Settings Rules require all settings funded by Medicaid HCBS programs to, among other things, provide opportunities for participants to be integrated in and engage in community life, have access to the community, control their personal resources, and seek employment and work in competitive settings.  States have until March 2019 to transition their HCBS programs into full compliance with the new settings requirements.

For these new rules to have a real impact and move states towards more integrated and individualized services, advocates must get engaged now and push for a strong transition plan," said Alison Barkoff, Bazelon's Director of Advocacy.  All states have already submitted to CMS their initial transition plans, and CMS has provided feedback to states about needed improvements and next steps for amending and implementing their plans.  "The next several months are a critical time for advocacy because that is when states will be making important decisions about their transition plans," she said.

This new toolkit provides advocates with detailed information about the HCBS Settings Rule and provides action steps for advocates to impact implementation of the new rules in their states.  The toolkit contains three documents:  (1) The Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Settings Rules:  What You Should Know; (2) Home and Community-Based Services Regulations Q&A: Settings Presumed to be Institutional & the Heightened Scrutiny Process, and (3) The Home and Community-Based Settings Rules:  How to Advocate for Truly Integrated Community Settings (unabridged and abridged).

The Bazelon Center developed this toolkit together with a coalition of other disability and aging advocates working together for strong implementation of the HCBS Settings Rule - the American Network of Community Options and Resources, Association of People Supporting Employment First, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Coalition to Promote Self-Determination, Justice in Aging (formerly National Senior Citizens Law Center), Human Services Research Institute, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care, National Council on Independent Living, National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Health Law Program, TASH, and The Arc of the United States.  The Bazelon Center's advocacy around the HCBS Settings Rule is funded in part by the generosity of the Ruderman Family Foundation (www.rudermanfoundation.org).
​
To learn more, see http://bit.ly/BazelonHCBSrules and www.HCBSadvocacy.org, a website with up-to-date information about the rules and states' implementation maintained by several member organizations in the coalition.
The ABLE National Resource Center Presents a FREE Webinar: ABLE Implementation 2016

Since the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in December of 2014 there has been a great deal of progress both at the state and federal levels. This progress includes the passage of over 35 state ABLE related pieces of legislation, the development of proposed rules and regulations, several advanced notices outlining additional guidance, formal direction from the Social Security Administration, and a major amendment to the federal statute.
Given all this exciting progress, the ABLE National Resource Center, with the help of expert panelists, will be hosting a webinar on February 5th at 2pm (Eastern). This webinar aims to highlight the various components of this progress in an effort to better prepare and educated individuals with disabilities and their families, state ABLE administrators, the greater disability advocacy community, and other relevant stakeholders as to the current status of ABLE and what we can expect in the next 12 months.

Moderator: Michael Morris, Executive Director, National Disability Institute

Expert Panelists:
  • Chris Rodriguez, Senior Public Policy Advisor, National Disability Institute
  • Heather Sachs, Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy, National Down Syndrome Society
  • Ken Brown, Social Security Administration
  • Marty Ford, Senior Executive Officer, Public Policy, The Arc
  • Stuart Spielman, Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel, Autism Speaks
  • William Thompson, Deputy Executive Director, Florida Prepaid College Board

​Please note: Real time captioning will be provided for this webinar. For other accommodation requests, questions about the webinar, or the registration process, please contact James Thayer at [email protected].

REGISTER FOR "ABLE Implementation 2016"
Community Connect Will Meet in Three Regions in January 2016!
 
We are excited to announce the launching of a new family-driven effort called Community Connect!  The initial Community Connect regional meetings will be held in
 
Location    Date                Time                     Address                                        
Auburn      1/27             4:30-6:00PM            John F. Murphy Homes, Inc.   Auburn, ME 
                                                                            800 Center Street
 
Bath           1/26            4:30-6:00PM           Elmhurst, Inc.
                                                                          400 Centre Street, Bath, ME
                
Orono        1/28           4:30-6:00PM           Target Technology Center,
                                                                         Conference AB, 20 Godfrey Drive   Orono, ME

The first meeting will provide some background on what Community Connect is about and what we hope to offer.  It will also allow us to hear from you and members of your community. Our goal is to share and discuss what matters most to you as local family and community members involved with supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in your area.
 
Agenda for our first meeting:                     
  • Welcome and Introductions
  • What is Community Connect? - Background and aspirations
  • Local activities and resources - How are you already connected?
  • What challenges are you facing? - Your stories, concerns and dreams
  • Current systemic issues update - What is happening in the state right now?
 
Please RSVP to:
Auburn: Kim Humphrey at [email protected] or call 207-754-3435 
Bath: Debbie R. Dionne at [email protected]  or call 207-522-4290
Orono: Catherine Robertson at [email protected] or call 207-356-2202
 
OUR AIM:
We envision Community Connect to be an avenue for providing opportunities to partner with existing state and community resources. We want to support efforts to develop, expand, strengthen and sustain individual, family and community resources. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and for those that represent, support and care for them.

Click here for the PDF version of this announcement.
Community Connect

Waiver Advocacy- Training Opportunities
Changes in the HCBS waiver rules are now out for public comment!  This is the hearing we’ve been waiting for, and it’s time to make our voices heard!
 
IMPORTANT Details about the Public Hearing and Comment Period
 
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date:               January 5, 2016
Time:              10:00am
Location:        19 Union Street, Room 110    
                        Augusta ME 04333
COMMENTS DEADLINE:  Comments must be received by midnight January 15, 2016. 

Click the link http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/proposed.shtml  Scroll down to first two boxes, MaineCare Benefits Manual Chapter III section 21 and MaineCare Benefits Manual Chapter 21 Section II. Of each section click onto either “WORD” or “PDF” to fully view and download
 
What you can do to provide feedback!
Maine Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) is supporting advocacy training through the Small Grants Program: Education and Leadership Development grant awarded to Kim Humphrey on Behalf of 10 Individuals. The topic focus is the recently released Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) waiver proposal, which is currently in public comment period. The training will be open to individuals, families and interested parties seeking to have a voice. Bellows and Company will provide the training in two independent but related offerings.
 
In-Person Training: Preparing and Testifying for the Public Hearing
December 30, 2015, 5:00-7:00PM,
Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, Augusta, 225 Western Avenue, Suite 4
  • Learn what to expect at the January 5 public hearing
  • Learn how to prepare the most effective testimony
 
Conference Call Training: Preparing Written Testimony
January 6, 2016, 5:00-6:00PM
Teleconference 1.888.407.5039, PIN 18533025
  • Learn how to prepare the most effective written testimony to submit by January 15.
  • Learn the difference between a Public Hearing for the Department of Health and Human Services vs. for the Health and Human Services Legislative Committee
 
To join, please contact Kim Humphrey at [email protected] or 207-754-3435
Community Connect will meet in Bangor, L/A, and the Midcoast - January 2016!
                                                  
We are excited to announce the launching of a new family-driven effort called Community Connect that will be starting in January of 2016. 
 
The first meeting will provide some background on what Community Connect is about and what we hope to offer. It will also allow us to hear from you and members of your community. Our goal is to share and discuss what matters most to you as local family and community members involved with supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in your area.
 
Agenda for our first meeting: 
  • Welcome and Introductions
  • What is Community Connect? - Background and aspirations
  • Local activities and resources - How are you already connected?
  • What challenges are you facing? - Your stories, concerns and dreams
  • Current systemic issues update - What is happening in the state right now?
 
The initial Community Connect meetings will be held in three regions:
                                                      Date                    Time                            Location
Bangor                                        1/28                4:30-6:00PM
Bath/Brunswick midcoast       1/26                4:30-6:00PM         (to be decided – see below)
Lewiston/Auburn                       1/27               4:30-6:00PM
 
Please RSVP to this event by e-mailing Kim Humphrey at [email protected]  or call 207-754-3435 to receive information on final locations and details. These details will also be posted at Maine Coalition of Housing and Quality Services website: http://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings.html
 
OUR AIM:
We envision Community Connect to be an avenue for providing opportunities to partner with existing state and community resources. We want to support efforts to develop, expand, strengthen and sustain individual, family and community resources. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and for those that represent, support and care for them.
 
Please share with interested parties!!
ACTION ALERT
There are Proposed Rule changes under Section 17 Community Support Services.
 
The rule changes proposed would essentially exclude any individuals with autism from receiving Section 17, regardless of co-occurring mental health diagnosis/treatment need. If you have an individual with autism and currently have section 17 you should be aware of these rule changes.

DEADLINE for public comment is open until tomorrow December 11 at midnight.
 
The Department of Health and Human Services Maine Care Services is seeking comments by 12/11/15 on Proposed rule changes to Section 17:  Community Support Services. 
Review the proposed rule change here. In summary, changes:
  • Change eligibility requirements to exclude adults (18 years or older) who have a diagnosis of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (this includes Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability) and
  • Requires a clinician written report that the individual would be at risk for homelessness, criminal justice involvement or require mental health inpatient treatment for more than 72 hours or residential treatment
Since many individuals have a dual diagnosis (Autism Spectrum Disorder/Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Disorders), depending on the needs, they may have utilized Section 17 Community Support Services, particularly while waiting for funding for Developmental Services or when Section 29 Home and Community Supports did not provide adequate supports.  Please comment/questions to: 
Heidi Bechard, Comprehensive Health Planner II at [email protected].

Autism Society of Maine
ACTION ALERT
 
Currently the Chapter 5 Regulations Governing Behavioral Support, Modification and Management for People with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism are in an extended public comment period.  The Department extended the timeframe and is offering an additional public hearing option on December 8th because stakeholders requested more time to respond. Written comments are due December 18th.   The link to the regulations is here: 14-197.Ch.5-Proposed.RuleFINAL10.20.15-3.docx
 
Because the Department listened to stakeholders by extending the comment period, we now have an opportunity to reinforce their good actions by sending in comments and/or participating in the public hearing.  Dates, time and locations:
 
Public Hearing:    December 8, 2015, 19 Union Street, Room 110, Augusta, ME, 9:00 am
 
Comment Deadline: Midnight, December 18, 2015
 
A document compiled on points to consider may assist your understanding of the regulations.  Click here for the document.
 
We have an opportunity now to influence the final version of the behavioral regulations policy that will affect many within the developmental disabilities community for years to come.  Please take this opportunity to express your opinion.
Community Connect

Community Connect will be meeting in Bangor, Lewiston/Auburn, and the Bath/Brunswick midcoast area in January 2016!
 
We are excited to announce the launching of a new family-driven effort called Community Connect that will be starting in January of 2016. 

The initial Community Connect meetings will be held in three regions: Lewiston/Auburn, the Bath/Brunswick midcoast and Bangor.  The first meeting will provide some background on what Community Connect is about and what we hope to do. It will also allow us to hear from you and members of your community. Our goal is to explore what matters most to you as local family and community members involved with supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in your area.
 
OUR AIM:
We envision Community Connect as an avenue for providing opportunities to partner with existing state and community resources. We want to support efforts to develop, expand, strengthen and sustain individual, family and community resources. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities--and for those that represent, support and care for them.
 
STAY TUNED!
To sign up to receive further notices about this event and Community Connect please e-mail me, Kim Humphrey at [email protected]. We also look forward to posting additional information on specific dates and times in the near future on the Maine Coalition of Housing and Quality Services website: http://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings.html
 
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions please contact me, Kim Humphrey at [email protected] or call me at 207-754-3435.
 
 
THANKS FOR THINKING ABOUT JOINING US
Click here for the Fall 2015 Specialized Housing newsletter, the SHInsider!
Seeking Roommate(s) in York County
Dennis and Debbie Dean are in the very early planning stages for housing arrangements for their daughter.  They are looking for one or two young women with special needs to share an apartment with their daughter in the Kittery/York area (a location has not yet been chosen).  Ideally, potential roommates would be between 20 and 40 years old and have some independent living skills.  The Deans are looking to have staff on site when people are present (staff arrangement have not yet been made).  If you are, or know of someone who may be, interested please contact:  

Dennis and Debbie Dean
9 Highpointe Circle
Kittery, Me 03904
207 451-7469
[email protected]
DHHS-OADS SIS Training Sessions - SAVE THE DATE! February 8-12th, 2016
The Office of Aging and Disability Services is hosting a series of training sessions in relation to the implementation of the Supporting Individual Success initiative. This will cover information about the implementation, procedure, policies, rule and other tools for members, families, guardians, case managers, and providers. Click here for the Save the Date; more information about times, venues and RSVP will be provided soon.
Public Feedback Forums
 
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), family members, siblings, guardians, correspondents, friends, advocates and service providers for adults with I/DD, are encouraged to provide feedback on services provided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services.

Forum locations and dates:
  • ​Houlton Member Public Forum - ​November 6th, 10:00 am
  • ​Houlton Family/Friends Public Forum - ​November 6th, 4:00 pm
  • Brunswick Member Public Forum - November 12th, 10:00 am 
  • Brunswick Family/Friends Public Forum - November 12th, 1:00 pm 
For more information of forums locations, dates, and times please click here.
For a PDF version of the flyer below click here.
Information Session on second Specialized Housing program in Maine 
Save the date:  November 19, 2015 at 6:15PM at the South Portland Community Center, 21 Nelson Road.
​
Three families have signed on to start a new house and are looking for families and residents to join them.
To save a seat, RSVP at [email protected] and confirm the number of seats.  Click here to view the flyer.
Click here for the October 28th newsletter Washington DC Update from Family Voices.   Washington DC Update is a weekly e-newsletter that shares news from the policy arena affecting families of children/youth with special health care needs.  Subscribe to this newsletter and other Family Voices newsletters on their Keep Informed page. 
Click here for the technology conference registration flyer.  This event is sponsored by MACSP (Maine Association for Community Service Providers).  There will be a rich array of speakers and panelists representing diverse perspectives in the realm of technology and its place in working with people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Public Feedback Forums
 
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), family members, siblings, guardians, correspondents, friends, advocates and service providers for adults with I/DD, are encouraged to provide feedback on services provided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services.  For more information please click here.

Public Feedback Forum Online Surveys
The surveys are live and ready to use.  Please see the links below.  
 
Individual: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2318934/Public-Feedback-Forum-Individual-Survey-2015
Click here for the Individual Survey Flyer
 
Family/Guardian/Corrrespondent: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2347659/Public-Forum-Family-Member-Guardian-Correspondent-Survey-2015
Click here for the Family Flyer
 
Providers: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2361715/Public-Feedback-Forum-for-Providers-2015
Click here for the Provider Flyer
Please see below for information compiled by a parent that you may find helpful:
 
In honor of school being back in full swing, which always presents many changes to our children’s routines, I decided to create a list of some of the articles I’ve come across in the past few months that shed light on many of the ways we can support our special needs kids. 
 
The Office of MaineCare Services wants to hear from members regarding transportation!  They are holding listening sessions to provide an opportunity for members to share feedback on the Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program.   For more information, including the locations, dates, and times of the sessions click here.
Today is #AutismBigGive day!  Click here for more information on donating to Autism Society of Maine!
From:  Maine Parent Federation, Inc.

We are pleased to have been awarded the state PTI grant (SPIN) for another five years.  Part of the new requirements are to work with youth across the state, so, we will be hiring a part-time Youth Activities Coordinator.   Click here for the job description.  I would appreciate it if you would distribute it to individuals who might be interested.

Thanks so much.

Janice

Janice L. LaChance, Executive Director
Maine Parent Federation, Inc.
We are members of the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council; Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory
Board and Volunteer Correspondent Program; Maine Parent Federation; Speaking Up for Us (SUFU); and University of
Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies.

Thank you for helping us with our 2015 Public Feedback Forum Series.

Click here to take the Public Feedback Forum Individual Survey - 2015.  Your answers to the questions are confidential - this means that we will not know who you are.  This survey will take you about 10 minutes to complete.  You may stop and save your answers by clicking on the "Save and take this survey later" bar which appears on all pages after the first one.  You will need to supply an email address to save your progress.  Reminder:  This email address will not be available to anyone!

Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is helping us reach as many people as we can, and will use all
the survey answers to help them improve their services.

Again—thank you for your help!
Social Security Disability Benefits Face Cuts in 2016, Trustees Say.  Click here for an article with more information.
FROM:  MAINEHOUSING
TO:  SERVICE PROVIDERS AND ELIGIBLE CONSUMERS
REGARDING:    RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Please share this information with all consumers receiving waiver services as listed below.

MaineHousing now has a limited number of Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) to help with rent payments. 

Do you receive support services in your home or community?

Waiver services that apply to this program are Section 18, 19, 20, 21 and 29.

Are you over the age of 18?

You are eligible to apply if your income is at or below our very-low income level.

To learn more about the HCV Program please visit our website at www.mainehousing.org and click on rental assistance.

If you are looking for assistance please contact Maureen Brown at MaineHousing for an application. Phone number 207.626.4695 Email address [email protected]. 

Hi All,

If you have not yet viewed to the public letter to DHHS OADS regarding improving the Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) proposal, for your convenience, you can view it here.  If you agree with the recommendations for improvement, please sign-on and share broadly. The link is on the letter and also here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/633XKXY

Please sign-on by September 15th. 

Thank you to all of you who have already added your name and shared this letter with others. 

Kim
-- 
Kim Fulmer Humphrey, MPH
Public Health Advocate/Consultant
[email protected]
207-754-3435
STRIVE U in Portland, Maine
STRIVE U provides post-secondary education and training to young adults with developmental disabilities.

Please join us for our Open House!
Sunday, September 20th
10:00am-2:00pm
STRIVE U Campus
12 Nye Street, Portland, Maine

STRIVE U is inclusive, comprehensive and groundbreaking. The program is designed to teach its students necessary skills to live independently in the community. STRIVE U is founded on four main program areas: 

Community Living
  • Students enrolled at STRIVE U learn critical independent living skills in off-campus apartment buildings. These apartments serve as skills classrooms for independent living, training in money management, self-care, nutrition, health and wellness, and household management. Each student will have maximum independence and choices including the opportunity to learn from mistakes in a safe environment.

Post-Secondary Education
  • STRIVE U collaborates with Kaplan University Maine to provide an inclusive education opportunity for students. Kaplan provides an Advisor/Coordinator for STRIVE U students to help them identify personal and academic goals and how to meet their goals through collegiate academics. STRIVE U students have full access to campus life. 

Employment
  • STRIVE U and its employment partners are committed to providing students with valuable, competitive work experience and the support needed to ensure successful professional experiences. Students will be given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of employment opportunities focusing on areas in which students express interests. STRIVE U also provides extensive job preparation and training to complement work experience.

Transition
  • The transition process will take place throughout the students two years at STRIVE U. This will begin with enrollment, and the creation of a written transition plan, including goals set by the individual. Students will graduate with two certificates of completion and an official transcript from Kaplan. STRIVE U will also assist graduates with housing, employment support, and further connection for their community.
 
Please contact Bill Hughes for more information at [email protected] or 207-774-6278.
http://www.pslstrive.org/striveu 
New Date!
ADA 25th Anniversary Celebration in Capitol Park
Rain or Shine! 

Friday, September 4, 2015
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Capitol Park, 47 Union Street
Augusta, ME 04330  

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To celebrate the passage of this landmark civil rights law, Disability Rights Maine is hosting a picnic in Capitol Park in Augusta and we're inviting the disability community to join us! Come celebrate and enjoy an afternoon of food, friends, and sharing experiences. This event is free & individuals of all abilities and ages are welcome!

Questions?  
Contact Riley Albair @ 1.800.452.1948 or via email, [email protected]
24 Stone Street, Suite 204, Augusta, ME 04330
207.626.2774 * 1.800.452.1948 * Fax: 207.621.1419 * drme.org
Specialized Housing is pleased to announce that a core group of families has formed to start a second Maine program similar to 
20 E Street in South Portland.

We are in the process of looking for a property, preferably in South Portland.  Opening date is uncertain at this time but we expect early 2017 to mid-2017.

We are looking for 6-8 families to join the group.

Please contact Mary Chris Semrow for more information on the program, costs associated and the assessment process.

[email protected]
207-712-6875
www.Specializedhousing.org

Click here for the PDF version of this announcement.
CREATING A DEMENTIA CAPABLE CARE PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WITH ID AND DEMENTIA WORKSHOP
Presented By: Kathryn G. Pears, MPPM

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015

9:00 AM-4:00 PM BANGOR SAVINGS BANK 5 SENATOR WAY AUGUSTA, MAINE 04330

Based on the concepts of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices’ (NTG) new national model training curriculum, this one-day workshop will present an introduction to the basic skills necessary for creating a dementia capable program for adults with ID who develop dementia or are at risk for developing dementia.

The workshop will be led by Kathryn Pears, MPPM, co-chair of the NTG workgroup that developed the new national model training curriculum and a lead trainer for the NTG’s curriculum.

Workshop Content:
From ID care to dementia capable care
o   Understanding the paradigm shift    

Understanding dementia in adults with ID

o   What is dementia?
o   How does it present differently in adults with ID?
o   Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease 

Early detection and screening for dementia
o   Challenges and resources

   Guidelines and protocols for establishing a diagnosis
o   Diagnostic overshadowing
o   Differential diagnosis

   Understanding challenging behavior in ID and dementia
o   Best practices in non-pharmacologic interventions    

Dementia capable residences
o   Adapting the physical environment to support functioning 

Bridging the Aging and Intellectual Disability networks
o   Tips and strategies for building partnerships

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is appropriate for any staff with direct or ancillary care responsibilities of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in disability-related, health care, and aging-related agencies.

Click here for the PDF version of this flyer, along with registration information.
SUFU STATEWIDE CONFERENCE 2015 - SEPTEMBER 8TH AND 9TH 

Your registration fee includes the workshops, meals, meetings and entertainment.
Each individual attending, including support staff, must register and pay.

Member Rates:
▪ $85 Attendance both days
▪ $55 Attendance 1 Day only
▪ $45 Dinner only
*Please Note: All Rates include the $10 SUFU Annual Membership Fee.

Support Staff Rates:
▪ $75 Attendance both days
▪ $45 Attendance 1 Day only
▪ $35 Dinner only

  • One form must be filled out for EACH attendee.
  •  Remember to include any special dietary or accessibility accommodations.
  •  Please remember that if you plan on voting for your regional Board representative, you must be a current paid SUFU member.
  •  Registration is non-refundable.
This conference is a 2 day event. SUFU will not be providing hotel accommodations but if you choose to stay overnight, the Hilton Garden Inn has a limited number of rooms available for $139+tax a night. Please call the hotel directly and make your reservations: (207) 262-0099. There are a limited number of rooms, so call quickly.

Click here for more information!
DHHS Invites Participation in Olmstead Community Forums

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Monday announced dates for a series of forums designed to improve MaineCare services for people with disabilities.

Olmstead is a 1999 Supreme Court decision that requires states to provide individuals with disabilities options to receive services in the most community-like setting possible. Maine is updating its Olmstead roadmap, which identifies core values, related to being connected to local communities, that drive Maine's long term services and supports system.

"DHHS encourages families and providers to participate in these forums in order to improve services for disabled Mainers," said Ricker Hamilton, Deputy Commissioner of Programs for Maine DHHS. 
"Community-based programs allow disabled Mainers to stay in their homes, and their voices, along with the voices of those who care for them, need to be heard if we are to provide the best services possible through MaineCare."

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking feedback from MaineCare recipients, family members, providers, and other interested parties as we define the updated roadmap. DHHS would like to know what is needed in local communities to support people remaining in their homes and meaningfully connected with their communities in lieu of institutional care.

Forums
August 4, 2015 - Augusta
9:00 – 11:00 AM
Department of Health and Human Services
19 Union Street, Rm. 110
Augusta, ME

August 5, 2015 - Scarborough
1:00 – 3:00 PM   
Scarborough Town Hall   259 U.S. Route 1
Scarborough, ME

August 6, 2015 - Vinalhaven
1:00 – 3:00 PM   
Payne Homestead            
14 Atlantic Avenue
Vinalhaven, ME

August 10, 2015 - Ellsworth
2:00 – 4:00 PM   
Moore Community Center            
5 General Moore Way 
(125 State Street)
Ellsworth, ME

August 11, 2015 - Lewiston
1:00 – 3:00 PM   Seniors Plus         
8 Falcon Road
Lewiston, ME

August 12, 2015 - Caribou
1:00 – 3:00 PM   
Department of Health and Human Services – Caribou         
30 Skyway Drive, Unit 100
Caribou, ME

For questions regarding the forums, please contact Nicole Rooney at 207.287.9221 or email [email protected].
CANCELLED:  ADA 25th
Anniversary Celebration  
in Capitol Park 

Due to the weather that is predicted for tomorrow, Friday, July 24, DRM has made the unfortunate and difficult decision to cancel our ADA Celebration in Capitol Park. 

It is important to recognize and celebrate the passage of this landmark piece of legislation and with that in mind, DRM will be planning for another event to take place in September. We're still working out the details, so stay tuned!!!!

Another opportunity for celebration will be at DRM's 15th Annual Membership Dinner, scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2015 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport. The focus of this year's dinner is the 25th

Anniversary of the ADA and we are pleased to announce that Laura Fortman, Deputy Administrator, Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor is our keynote speaker. 

For more information about attending the dinner, including scholarship opportunities, or to discuss becoming a sponsor, please contact Kim Moody at 800.452.1948 or via e-mail, [email protected]!

Sponsorship Levels:
  • Event Ticket/Patron - 75.00
  • Supporter - 250.00
  • Benefactor - 500.00
  • Sponsor - 1000.00
KFI is looking for a creative solution regarding a roommate.  A young woman is looking for a female housemate.  The information provided below describes the ideal person, but the package it all gets wrapped in could look very different depending on the person.  For example, this person could be someone who does not receive services who could be a supportive roommate.  It could also be a person who is on a waiting list and perhaps living with family and could move out but do not have housing and would be willing to be a supportive roommate.  Another possibility is someone who is receiving services from another agency or someone who might be interested in sharing KFI staff with her.

Seeking Supportive Roommate in Greater Portland

Upbeat female artist looking for a roommate who wants to share a home in Greater Portland.  I am seeking a 3+ bedroom home or apartment in Greater Portland and would like a roommate to share my home and help me out a little in the evenings in exchange for a deal on rent.

I don’t need much support at night. Mostly just some help problem solving and a bit of company.  I have staff during the day who help me with the other stuff I need.

I am friendly and love to do things. I particularly enjoy singing, drumming, arts and crafts, cooking and baking. I love music, both making and listening to it, and enjoy finding places to listen to music in town.  I like to walk and swim, and love riding the bus when the weather is warm. I am not such a fan of cold and winter: I hate them.

 I have a great sense of humor and love to laugh. I also have a bird, a Cinnamon Green Cheeked Conure, which I adore; so you have to be nice to animals.
 
I like to be neat and everything has its place, and I need a roommate who can help me keep things just so.  Sometimes I get anxious or have a headache and I need my own space.  I hope you can respect that, and I will do my best to respect your privacy when you want it.

I am looking for a female roommate who would like to do things together, but also has a life of her own.  My ideal roommate would enjoy cooking and baking with me and be upbeat.  No duds need apply!  I want a roommate who wants to go out to do things and likes to laugh.  Please be neat and clean, and be a non-smoker.

The apartment or home I am looking for will be in a quiet, safe neighborhood on a busline.  It will have at least three bedrooms (one for staff or guests, one for me, and one for you) and two bathrooms.  The ideal set up will allow for some nice private space for each of us and some spacious and bright spaces for us to share.

Do you want to live in the Portland area with a fun roommate who loves to go out and listen to music and utilize the great things this part of the state has to offer?  Please contact Stephanie King at PSL services at 207 671-1987 for more information! 
ADA 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN CAPITOL PARK
Friday, July 24, 2015, 12:00pm ‐ 2:00pm
Capitol Park, 47 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04330

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To celebrate the passage of this landmark civil rights law, Disability Rights Maine is hosting a picnic in Capitol Park in Augusta and we’re inviting the disability community to join us! Come celebrate and enjoy an afternoon of food, friends, and sharing experiences. This event is free & individuals of all abilities and ages are welcome!

Questions? Call or email Riley Albair @ 1.800.452.1948 • [email protected]
** In case of inclement weather, this event will not be rescheduled. **

Disability Rights Maine
24 Stone Street, Suite 204, Augusta, ME 04330
207.626.2774 • 1.800.452.1948 • Fax: 207.621.1419 • drme.org

Click here for a PDF of this flyer.
Click here for a very informative article from The Atlantic, Who Decides Where Autistic Adults Live? by Amy S.F. Lutz.  The article provides both historical and current information regarding housing and individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, including information on community inclusion, the pros and cons of congregate housing and deinstitutionalization, home and community based waivers, and importantly individuals' and families' wants and needs in terms of housing options.
Dear Stakeholder of the Developmental Disabilities Community, 

I am excited to invite you to participate in the upcoming wavier advocacy-training opportunity to prepare your most effective message regarding  the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver proposal.  This would include the use of SIS assessment as a funding allocation tool in addition to other overall changes to the current section 21 HCBS waiver.  Please share this with interested parties!

To sign-up and to help us estimate materials appropriately please RSVP to [email protected] 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Best Regards,

Kim Fulmer Humphrey, MPH
Public Health Advocate/Consultant

Waiver Advocacy- Training Opportunity 

This Waiver Advocacy training will support a two part advocacy-training event for the purpose of improving HCBS waiver proposal for stakeholders interested in such training. Bellows and Company will provide the training.

Dates, Time and Locations

Sessions:
Part 1) Wed. 6/10/15      5:30 P.M. -7:00 P.M.       Conference Call
Part 2) Sat. 6/20/15        9:30 A.M.- 11:00 A.M.    5 Senator Way, Augusta at Bangor Savings Bank 

Participating in the first session is not required to participate in the second session, though the second session builds off of the first.

The purpose is:
  1. To develop a cohesive and effective message to help shape a better outcome for comprehensive services.
  2. To strengthen the collective voice of individuals and families.
  3. Expand and strengthen the family network in Maine for the developmental disabilities community.
 
To sign-up for this training please RSVP to Kim Humphrey at [email protected] or call her at 207-754-3435. 

The training is sponsored through Maine Developmental Disabilities Council
Autism Society of Maine Legislative Action Alert:

Dear Friend! 

Right now there is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of adults with autism and their families!

What's at stake: LD 1350 Resolve, To Increase the Reimbursement Rate for Direct-care Workers Serving Adults with Long-term Care Needs" and LD 886 Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Increase Reimbursement Rates for Home-based and Community-based Services" have had Hearings and will have a Work Session by the Health and Human Services Committee on 5/29 at 1:00 PM.

Both of these resolves direct the Department of Health and Human Services to increase the reimbursement rates for home-based and community-based services. Currently, many of our Maine seniors and disabled adults are on waiting lists for direct-care services because there are simply not enough direct-care workers. In-home and personal care programs are underfunded, resulting in a drastic shortage of people willing to work for less than $10 an hour without benefits. With the price of food, gas, and other living expenses going up, home care agencies can't recruit and retain qualified employees. Why would someone want be become a direct-care Worker, often times a difficult job, when they can make more money working in a store?

What you can do:
Email or call the Health and Human Services Committee before Friday, May 29.

Take action by sending an e-mail or call the Committee Members and tell them how important passing LD 886 and LD 1350 would be. If you have a family member with autism, tell the Committee your personal story about how services affect your loved one. Give them a specific example.

Here are the Health and Human Services Committee members and their contact information. Click on each member and it will take you to their contact information.
Senator Eric L. Brakey (R-Androscoggin), Chair 
Senator Earle L. McCormick (R-Kennebec) 
Senator Anne M. Haskell (D-Cumberland) 
Representative Drew Gattine (D-Westbrook), Chair 
Representative Peter C. Stuckey (D-Portland) 
Representative Matthew J. Peterson (D-Rumford) 
Representative Scott M. Hamann (D-South Portland) 
Representative Christine S. Burstein (D-Lincolnville) 
Representative Patricia Hymanson (D-York) 
Representative Deborah J. Sanderson (R-Chelsea)* 
Representative Richard S. Malaby (R-Hancock) 
Representative Frances M. Head (R-Bethel) 
Representative Karen Vachon (R-Scarborough) 

Thank you. Please let the Autism Society of Maine know that you took action and share any responses that you receive.

Thank you,
Autism Society of Maine 
Waiver Advocacy Training Opportunity

This Waiver Advocacy training will support an advocacy-training event for the purpose of improving the Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) waiver proposal for stakeholders interested in such training.  Bellows and Company will provide the training.

Date(s) and Location TBD

The purpose is:
  • To develop a cohesive and effective message to help shape a better outcome for comprehensive services.
  • To strengthen the collective voice of individuals and families.
  • Expand and strengthen the family network in Maine for the developmental disabilities community.

If you are interested in this advocacy training please contact Kim Humphrey at [email protected] or call her at 207-754-3435.


The training is sponsored through the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council.
Supporting Individual Success
Member & Family Informational Sessions
Office of Aging & Disability Services

Tuesday May 12th
Bangor Day Session at:
UMA Bangor Campus
Eastport Hall, Room 124
10-12am

Portland Evening Session at:
USM- The Wishcamper Center- Muskie School
Lee Auditorium
5:30-7:30pm

For:  People receiving services and family members, and guardians.

The Office of Aging and Disability Services would like to invite you to come to one of the two sessions to learn about implementation of the Supporting Individual Success initiative and what it means for you.

Implementation will begin this summer, July 2015.

There will be time for an open discussion to answer questions & concerns regarding the implementation roll out.

No RSVP is required


Directions to UMA-Bangor (includes a campus map): http://www.uma.edu/umabdirections.html
On the map, Eastport Hall is number 14. Parking is next to the building.

Parking is in the USM Parking Garage. Directions to the garage: https://usm.maine.edu/conferences/directions-parking-abromson-center
https://usm.maine.edu/sites/default/files/about/portland-campus-map.pdf

The Wishcamper Center is the building immediately to the north of the garage and south of the library. Most people will drive by it to access the garage. Lee Auditorium is at the north end of The Wishcamper Center.
SAVE THE DATE
Non-Traditional Communication Conference: BREAKING BARRIERS III

If you live with, work with, or support someone with barriers to communication who uses sign language, iPad apps, or visual gestural communication to understand and make themselves understood, this is the conference for you.

June 19 2015 at Wells Conference Center, U Maine Orono

Afternoon Breakouts
1.  After the iPad: Embedding apps into plans and daily lives
2.  Talking about Sexuality in Visual Gestural Communication
3.  Teamwork and Documentation for DSPs working with non-traditional communicators

Cost:  FREE   Registration:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BB32015


Click here for a PDF version of this announcement.
For more information on the ABLE Act, which was discussed at the April 2015 meeting, click here.
Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services - This is your Coalition.  Thank you for being a part of it!
c/o Community Housing of Maine, One City Center, 4th Floor, Portland, ME 04101 (207) 879-0347