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.
