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Free Family Fun, Fitness and Film Festival in Windham Thurs Aug 18th 5pm-8pm Greetings Community Partners, Please help spread the word about this free fun family and community event! Join us! At this year’s Family Fun, Fitness and Film Festival at Tassel Top Beach in Windham. While there visit Maine Behavioral HealthCare’s Family Peer Support table for information and a game of lobster toss among the other fun family and community activities. Public Listening and Information Session
Office of Aging and Disability Services Virtual Listening Session Assistive Technology Professional Grants The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services is hosting a virtual listening session to gather input on Supporting Access to Technology by Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The emergence of both generic smart home and disability-specific Assistive Technologies (AT) has resulted in unprecedented opportunities for individuals with IDD to live more independently and to participate more fully in their communities. Unfortunately, many individuals with IDD, their family members, and providers remain unaware of the opportunities that these technologies offer, how to obtain those technologies, and how they might be integrated to meet individual needs. Waiver funding for assistive technology is available for Maine adults with IDD but only after individuals have received an assessment/evaluation from an Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, or Assistive Technology Professional. A cohort of individuals trained to provide AT assessments will be created who will be able to continue providing assessments using existing waiver funding after this project has ended. Ongoing participation in the Maine Cite AT Consortium will allow them to obtain up-to-date information on AT and assessment. The majority of the funding for the online technology resource site will be used in creating and populating the site. Funds will be sought to maintain the site after the project has ended. Listening/Information Session Date: August 10, 2022 11:30a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. To register, please use the link below. Interpreter services will be provided during the listening session. Written comments may also be submitted to scott.carter@maine.gov until Friday, August 26, 2022. Please register in advance for this meeting: https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlf-qurD8tE9X3Xq51OvqKSwU8CArLbOHz After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. OADS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Innovation Grants Funding Opportunity
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is seeking applications for innovative pilot projects in alignment with Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to promote greater opportunities for independence and integration in community life for HCBS waiver program members. Project grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to successful applicants. Applications are due by November 8, 2022. The projects will be funded using American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds and this provides an opportunity to implement and pilot projects outside the scope of existing MaineCare services. The goal of this initiative, called the “HCBS Innovation Grants Funding Opportunity”, is to test innovative service options for waiver members enrolled in MaineCare Sections 18, 19, 20, 21, and 29. Piloted service options that achieve desired outcomes may be considered for potential MaineCare reimbursement in the future. How to apply: Eligible providers must apply for this grant through a Request for Application (RFA) process through the Maine Department of Administration and Finance Services (DAFS) website. Please refer to RFA 202208125 for provider eligibility requirements (see part C, “Eligibility” of the “Details and Instructions” section). All communication and questions regarding the RFA must go through the official RFA Coordinator, as listed on the cover page of the RFA document. Thank you and we look forward to receiving your applications. Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Remediation Grants
Registration Opens Monday, August 1 for Eligible HCBS Providers The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is announcing the availability of funds to support provider agencies subject to Maine’s Global HCBS Waiver Settings rule, referred to as the HCBS Settings rule. The goal of this initiative is to assist HCBS providers to implement the requirements of the HCBS Settings Rule. Who can apply: Providers who are participating in the Department’s HCBS Settings Rule transition to compliance process and are up to date with any submissions due to the Department or its contractors in that process. Eligible providers must register for a grant using this web form. Registration opens on Monday, August 1 and is due by August 15, 2022, at 5 PM EST. For more information, please refer to the Remediation Grants Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Office of Aging and Disability Services HCBS Web page (Resources Box). If you have any questions that are not addressed in the FAQs, please direct them to: Remediation.HCBS.DHHS@maine.gov Thank you and we look forward to receiving your registration. DHHS-OADS
Waiver Provider Training on the Person-Centered Planning Process (Sections 21 and 29) Please join the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) for an introduction to the recently updated Person-Centered Planning (PCP) Process with focus on the role of a waiver provider. This updated process was introduced to help individuals develop a vision for a “good life” and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live. OADS’ vision is to promote individual dignity through respect, choice, and support for all adults. This session will cover:
This Zoom meeting will be held on Wednesday August 17, 2022 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm Registration Link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErd-2gqDosH9yXEU34BrsEerqLcirEFNUc If you require accommodation, such as real time transcription and captioning (CART) or American Sign Language (ASL) or other language interpretation, please contact Miranda Whalen at miranda.whalen@maine.gov by August 3, 2022. Public Listening Session Office of Aging and Disability Services Virtual Listening Session FMAP Project 201.8
The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services is hosting a virtual listening session to gather input on Supporting Access to Technology by Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The Department will be providing grant opportunities for individuals for obtaining ATP certification to increase the number of professionals who conduct Assistive Technology Assessments (waiver service) in Sections 21 and 29. The emergence of both generic smart home and disability-specific assistive technologies has resulted in unprecedented opportunities for individuals with IDD to live more independently and to participate more fully in their communities. Unfortunately, many individuals with IDD, their family members, and providers remain unaware of the opportunities that these technologies offer, how to obtain those technologies, and how they might be integrated to meet individual needs. Waiver funding for assistive technology is available for Maine adults with IDD but only after individuals have received an assistive technology evaluation. A cohort of individuals trained to provide AT assessments will be created who will be able to continue providing assessments using existing Waiver funding after this project has ended. Ongoing participation in the Maine Cite AT Consortium will allow them to obtain up-to-date information on AT and assessment. The majority of the funding for the online technology resource site will be used in creating and populating the site. Funds will be sought to maintain the site after the project has ended. Listening Session Date: July 20, 2022 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. To register, please use the link below. Interpreter services will be provided during the listening session. Written comments may also be submitted to scott.carter@maine.gov until Friday, August 5, 2022. Please register in advance for this meeting: https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlf-mpqzIiEtOSLL5GeFNjrxy6sz58ySuf After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. OADS has two public rulemaking hearings scheduled for this week. The first hearing is about amendments to the grievance policy. The second is about a new rule related to rights and basic protections for individuals with an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder or acquired brain injury. Here are the links to the hearing information:
Chapter 1, Rights and Basic Protections for Persons with an Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder or Acquired Brain Injury
DHHS - Implementing Self-Direction In Section 29 HCBS Support Waiver
Corrected Zoom Link: Please use the updated link below to join the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) and GT Independence for an in-depth presentation on the implementation of self-direction for members receiving the waiver program under Section 29. During this presentation case managers, members, and families will receive information on the role of the Financial Management service, the role of the Support Broker and how to make a referral to GT Independence. We are hosting 4 sessions over the month of July that will introduce Case Managers, Members and their Families to Financial Management Services, Support Brokerage and the services members will be able to self-direct. When: July 7, 2022 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://gtindependence.zoom.us/j/89365532684?pwd=NDN3Y0RqSUh1bnF4VE9nWDc2MXpDdz09 Meeting ID: 893 6553 2684 Passcode: 148647 One tap mobile: +13017158592,,89365532684# US Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 893 6553 2684 Find your local number: https://gtindependence.zoom.us/u/kexlUZQNlf July 14, 2022 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://gtindependence.zoom.us/j/86270998514?pwd=eGtXNjZxSFFIV0RJT2g1VTE1L1JUdz09 Meeting ID: 862 7099 8514 Passcode: 853036 One tap mobile: +16468769923,,86270998514# US Dial by your location: +1 646 876 9923 US Meeting ID: 862 7099 8514 Find your local number: https://gtindependence.zoom.us/u/kenYGUorXQ July 21, 2022 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://gtindependence.zoom.us/j/83855667881?pwd=Qk8rMHV5cUtLaVByVzhML2xReGdZdz09 Meeting ID: 838 5566 7881 Passcode: 741703 One tap mobile: +16469313860,,83855667881# US Dial by your location: +1 646 931 3860 US Meeting ID: 838 5566 7881 Find your local number: https://gtindependence.zoom.us/u/kdL1tsBK2s July 28, 2022 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Join Zoom Meeting https://gtindependence.zoom.us/j/87962891194?pwd=bnVoMm5kMnBJdnQraEZweGd3a0pLdz09 Meeting ID: 879 6289 1194 Passcode: 502494 One tap mobile: +16468769923,,87962891194# US Dial by your location: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 879 6289 1194 Find your local number: https://gtindependence.zoom.us/u/kvmj8poVz All Community Case Managers, Members and Family members are welcome to attend. If you require accommodations such as real time transcription and captioning (CART) or American Sign Language (ASL) or other language interpretation to attend a session, please contact Miranda Whalen at miranda.whalen@maine.gov by June 30, 2022. Notice of Agency Rulemaking Proposal
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Title 14-197, Chapter 1, Rights and Basic Protections of Persons with an Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder or Acquired Brain Injury TYPE OF RULE: Routine Technical PROPOSED RULE NUMBER: BRIEF SUMMARY: This proposed new rule sets forth the rights and basic protection of persons with an intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder or acquired brain injury in accordance with 22 M.R.S. § 3089 and 34-B M.R.S. § 5605. P.L. 2021, ch. 284 extended certain rights and basic protections set forth in 34-B M.R.S. § 5605 to persons with an acquired brain injury; directed the Commissioner to convene a task force to make recommendations on rules and procedures regarding the rights and basic protections of persons with acquired brain injuries; and directed the Department to consider the task force’s recommendations and to adopt rules regarding the rights and basic protections of individuals with an acquired brain injury. Because the Department had not previously undertaken rulemaking regarding the rights and basic protections of persons with an intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder, the proposed rule also states the statutory rights and basic protections of these persons. Most of these rights and basic protections apply to all persons with an intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or acquired brain injury – not just those who receive services from a provider that is funded or licensed by the Department. This distinction is reflected in the rule. The proposed rule also describes the procedures for notifying persons receiving services of their rights and basic protections, and states the remedies available for alleged violations of rights and basic protections. Please visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/about-us/policy-planning for rules and related rulemaking documents. Date, time and location of PUBLIC HEARING (if any): Friday, July 15, 2022, at 10 a.m. This hearing will be held virtually via Zoom. Anyone wishing to attend should email Hilary Gove at hilary.gove@maine.gov to register. A Zoom link will be sent following registration. The Department requests that any interested party requiring accommodations to attend the hearing contact Hilary Gove at hilary.gove@maine.gov prior to Friday, July 8, 2022. COMMENT DEADLINE: Monday, July 25, 2022, by 11:59 p.m. Written comments may be submitted by mail, email, or fax to the contact person before the end of the comment period. To ensure the comments are considered, they must include the name of the commenter and the organization represented, if any. CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Hilary Gove, Policy Writer Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services 41 Anthony Avenue 11 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333-0011 EMAIL: Hilary.Gove@maine.gov PHONE: 207-446-8305 FAX: 207-287-9915 TTY: 711 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing) CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT (if different): N/A FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): The Department does not anticipate that this rulemaking will have any impact on municipalities or counties. STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: P.L. 2021, ch. 284; 22 M.R.S. § 3089(3); 34-B M.R.S. § 5605 SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED (if different): N/A AGENCY WEBSITE: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads EMAIL FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULEMAKING LIAISON: kevin.wells@maine.gov US Department of Justice Press Release - 6/22/2022
Justice Department Finds Maine in Violation of ADA For Over-Institutionalization of Children with Disabilities Announcement Comes on 23rd Anniversary of Landmark Supreme Court Decision in Olmstead v. L.C. On the 23rd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C., the Department of Justice announced today that it has concluded that Maine unnecessarily segregates children with mental health and/or developmental disabilities, in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and a state-operated juvenile detention facility. The Olmstead decision held that people with disabilities have a right to live and receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs — typically in their homes and communities instead of in institutions. Disability Rights Maine, the protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Maine, filed a complaint with the department on behalf of a group of children with disabilities, alleging that these children cannot access needed community-based services, resulting in their institutionalization or risk of institutionalization in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead. The department’s findings, detailed in a letter to Maine Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey, follow a thorough investigation into the complaint and the State’s system of care for children with behavioral health needs. Many children with disabilities in Maine, especially those in rural areas or with more intensive needs, are unable to live at home with their families due to a lack of community-based behavioral health services. These services can include assistance with daily activities, behavior management, and individual or family counseling. Community-based behavioral health services also include crisis services that can prevent a child from being institutionalized during a mental health crisis. Absent these services, Maine children with disabilities enter emergency rooms, come into contact with law enforcement, and remain in institutions when many of them could be at home if Maine put in place sufficient community-based services. “Children with disabilities deserve the opportunity to live at home with the services they need and grow up in the community alongside their nondisabled peers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “With the increase in children’s mental health needs during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to provide support to children and families. We look forward to bringing Maine into compliance with federal law and achieving a resolution that will benefit children with disabilities across the state.” “Access to local community-based services for children with mental health and/or developmental disabilities is a critical need for families across Maine,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine. “I hope that the violations identified by the Justice Department can be remedied so that these children and their families are able to obtain quality services in their own communities.” The department’s investigation found a number of barriers to accessing children’s behavioral health services in the community, including lengthy waitlists, an insufficient provider network, inadequate crisis services, and a lack of support for foster care parents who provide specialized care to children with behavioral health needs. As a result, Maine children must enter in- and out-of-state facilities, or even the state-operated juvenile detention facility, Long Creek Youth Development Center, to receive behavioral health services. This investigation was conducted by the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. The full findings letter can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/disability-rights-cases. The Justice Department’s statement commemorating the Olmstead anniversary can be found here. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s Olmstead enforcement is available on its website at https://www.ada.gov/olmstead/. Attachment(s): Download Letter of Findings.pdf Topic(s): Civil Rights Disability Rights Component(s): Civil Rights Division Civil Rights - Disability Rights Section Press Release Number: 22-653 |
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