The school year is coming to an end. It's not just the school year, but the school years that are ending for Marisa. What comes next? We are taking a leap of faith into what other hopeful parents before us have done ... putting their faith into the Consolidated Supports and Services Self-Determination program, a program that is meant to develop a Person Centered Plan. A Person Centered Plan means that all funding of services is to go toward meeting the needs and goals of an individual. Rather than have funds go to an agency running a program with a pre-set agenda for a group of individuals, the funds are specifically set aside for a specific individual to focus on the goals they want to achieve.
Self Determination is a Medicaid funded program in New York State. As such, those seeking services through CSS (Consolidated Supports and Services) must be Medicaid and HCBS (Home & Community Based Waiver) eligible. Self Determination/CSS is a HCBS Waiver funded program that is available throughout NYS. Hopefully, the positive outcomes of those using the program here in NY, will help other states to recognize and take interest in developing similar programs in their states. This can only help advance the potential of people with developmental disabilities, which will ultimately lead to many more happier, fulfilling lives.
Many of our adult children with developmental disabilities have talents and potential to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Placing these individuals in Day Habilitation programs will not help these individuals grow in ways that are meaningful to them. Being in a group and following along submissively, does not encourage those involved to think for themselves or develop personal skills that are useful to society. There may be some small contribution to helping out in the community, but it is not in a way that was chosen by the individuals involved. Day Hab provides a place for these individuals to be cared for safely during the day while caregivers are working or personally occupied in other ways. There is nothing wrong with this if that is what the person is happy with or if they truly need to have all their daily activities decided for them.
However, if you have a child who has hidden talents, goals for their future and ideas of how they would like to live their lives, then take note. Think twice before leaping onto the bandwagon of day habilitation care. If you are willing to take the initiative, invest time and effort and commit to your child's adult development and growth, then self-determination is something to consider. As parents, isn't our job to help our children grow into happy and productive adults?
We all dream, but only those who work hard enough to achieve their dreams may actually achieve them. Isn't that what living is supposed to be about? Don't our children with developmental disabilities have that same right? If capable, shouldn't they too be given a chance at deciding their own future? Marisa will have that chance, so stay tuned for updates as we watch Marisa's dreams unfold.
Self Determination is a Medicaid funded program in New York State. As such, those seeking services through CSS (Consolidated Supports and Services) must be Medicaid and HCBS (Home & Community Based Waiver) eligible. Self Determination/CSS is a HCBS Waiver funded program that is available throughout NYS. Hopefully, the positive outcomes of those using the program here in NY, will help other states to recognize and take interest in developing similar programs in their states. This can only help advance the potential of people with developmental disabilities, which will ultimately lead to many more happier, fulfilling lives.
Many of our adult children with developmental disabilities have talents and potential to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Placing these individuals in Day Habilitation programs will not help these individuals grow in ways that are meaningful to them. Being in a group and following along submissively, does not encourage those involved to think for themselves or develop personal skills that are useful to society. There may be some small contribution to helping out in the community, but it is not in a way that was chosen by the individuals involved. Day Hab provides a place for these individuals to be cared for safely during the day while caregivers are working or personally occupied in other ways. There is nothing wrong with this if that is what the person is happy with or if they truly need to have all their daily activities decided for them.
However, if you have a child who has hidden talents, goals for their future and ideas of how they would like to live their lives, then take note. Think twice before leaping onto the bandwagon of day habilitation care. If you are willing to take the initiative, invest time and effort and commit to your child's adult development and growth, then self-determination is something to consider. As parents, isn't our job to help our children grow into happy and productive adults?
We all dream, but only those who work hard enough to achieve their dreams may actually achieve them. Isn't that what living is supposed to be about? Don't our children with developmental disabilities have that same right? If capable, shouldn't they too be given a chance at deciding their own future? Marisa will have that chance, so stay tuned for updates as we watch Marisa's dreams unfold.
Congratulations to her graduation!
ReplyDeletemy son has been involved in the consolidated supports and services program since January 2006. he lived in a group home for 5 years and moved back to your home on 1.2.06 where he lived for 5 years with staff support through CSS. In november 2010 he moved into his own home. This would not be possible with the support of CSS. It is a wonderful program and i support it and those participating in it 100%. i am a parent who happened to be an MSC for almost 10 years. i am also a broker for this program. God Bless those who made this possible.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all your support and encouragement to those parents who may doubt the potential of the CSS program. Your comment is a wonderful contribution and will encourage those who may be afraid to venture this path.
Hey! Just linked from Advocatesincorporated.org...I am the writer of the other blog they recommend. I have been somewhat involved in the whole self determination process when advocates was first setting it up. It is a great opportunity. I look forward to reading how it goes. I know from speaking with other parents that it takes much effort and input from the family, but how rewarding to see the result. My daughter is almost 14 so we are heading that way faster than I can imagine. Great for you all and look forward to reading more. deb www.momofmanyneeds.com
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for such an encouraging comment. I will certainly do my best to update Marisa's progress on this new journey. I have faith in Marisa's ability to make her dreams come true, because she's so full of enthusiasm. Part of that may be due to the positive reinforcements provided here at home. I believe parents play a big role in helping their children build their self esteem and have the strong self image necessary to achieve. That's partly what this blog is all about ... the small moments to learn from that contribute to the healthy self image we all need to succeed.