OADS A Path for ME Highlights - February 2024

A Path for ME Highlights - February 2024
In this new quarterly newsletter, we will be highlighting important information about the SIS-A assessment tool, the Lifespan Waiver, and other services relating to A Path for ME. We hope you find this newsletter helpful and welcome your feedback.  

REMINDER: $100 Assessment Incentive Still Available for Section 21 or 29 or Waitlist MembersIf you or a member that you support has not taken the SIS-A assessment yet, there is a recent SIS-A member incentive to take the SIS-A right now. The SIS-A is high-quality data that helps inform the Person-Centered Planning process. It also provides OADS with support information for the design of innovative service options through the new Lifespan Waiver.
This SIS-A member incentive is available for people who are: 

• A Section 21 or 29 member or on the waitlist for these waivers
• Among the first 800 members who received an assessment
• A member or someone on Section 21 or 29 waitlists who have fully completed a valid, non-training assessment earlier in 2023. You will also be compensated.

What does not qualify for the SIS-A member incentive include:

• Previously performed training assessments do not qualify, as there has already been reimbursement for training assessments. 
• Other SIS-A assessment attendees, like family members or guardians, do not qualify for this member-only incentive.  

Would you like to learn more about the SIS-A Member Incentive or assessment processes? Click here to see frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the SIS-A assessment and the current incentive.
Contact the Maximus Help Desk to schedule a SIS-A assessment:
Call 833.771.4639 or email [email protected].  

SHARING YOUR FEEDBACK: A Case Manager Discusses Her SIS-A ExperienceOADS and the SIS-A team at Maximus appreciate all the continued feedback received from members, families, CCMs and others involved in the assessment process. We recently heard from LEAP (Life Enrichment Advancing People) Case Manager, Kelly DeRoche. Based in Farmington, Kelly has participated in several SIS-A assessments with Assessor, Donna Umbro over the past few months. She’s kindly shared some thoughts with us about her experiences.
The assessment process was transparent and very easy. I have done several assessments with Donna and continue to be incredibly pleased. She is professional, thorough, and caring for the individuals that exhibit anxiety or concern with the process. The assessment continues to be a tool for me to learn new things about the individuals that I provide support for. This assessment is overall a wonderful experience. I hope it is effective in providing more person-centered support in the future. 

MEET THE TEAM: Lisa Horan, Operations Manager 
For this edition of “Meet the Team”, we introduce you to Operations Manager, Lisa Horan. In her role, Lisa works with all program stakeholders, and providing ongoing training for the Assessor team and providing support for Members, CCMs, family members, guardians, and others.
Tell us in a few sentences about your professional background/work history as related to your current role: I have worked in the field of human services for over 30 years. I have a Master’s Degree in Special Education. I have worked for Maximus since 2015 and have worked with SIS since that time as a trainer.
What area(s) of the state do you service in your role? I provide support to all Maine SIS Assessors, so essentially cover the entire state in my role. 
What is your favorite part of the work you do? I enjoy getting to meet so many different people. It is important to me to ensure that people have a meaningful experience during their SIS Assessments.  
Where have you lived besides Maine – other states, countries? Over the years, I have lived in seven states to include Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas. I have actually never lived in Maine.

• SIS-A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for members, family and other support team members – updated 10/27/23

• SIS-A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for community case managers (CCMs)

• OADS Website - "A Path for ME" Needs Assessments
• Maine SIS-A Resources - Maximus Website

• SIS-A Assessment Report - AAIDD Sample

• OADS Presentation - Orientation to "A Path for ME" Needs Assessment
• American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Website

SUPPORT: Contact the Maine SIS Assessments Help DeskInterested members should contact the Maine SIS Help Desk and ask that an assessment be scheduled: (call 833.771.4639 or email: [email protected]). Maximus will follow up to schedule an appropriate date/time and location.
If you have other SIS assessment related questions:  Contact the Maximus – Maine SIS Help Desk team from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday to learn more:

• Phone: 833.771.4639     

Email: [email protected]