Oregon Electronic Visit Verification: True or False Series
As we get closer to Oregon’s planned Electronic Visit Verification roll out for Personal Support Workers statewide, ODDS has begun posting a series of Fact or Fiction Facebook posts to help community members better understand what’s happening and what to expect.
Currently, there is an EVV pilot happening in southern Oregon with one brokerage and one county (Creative Supports Inc. and Jackson County). Full implementation is expected sometime summer 2019. Information and training details are all forthcoming.
If you need a refresher, here’s some details from Oregon Developmental Disabilities Services:
“EVV is part of a federal law that was passed by Congress in 2016. The 21st Century Cures Act requires states to verify the delivery of Medicaid-funded Attendant or Personal Care services in real time (at the time the service is occurring) from providers. The EVV system must electronically capture the following information at the time the service is occurring:
- Type of service performed
- Individual receiving the service
- Date of the service
- Location of the service
- Individual providing the service
- Time the service begins and ends
EVV will be required of all PSWs in Oregon by 2019. The 21st Century Cures Act also recommends that states seek stakeholder input from family caregivers, PSWs, and individuals receiving services along with other stakeholders when developing their EVV systems. See PDF presentation for more information.”
Be sure to follow the eXPRS Facebook page and bookmark the ODDS Electronic Visit Verification Project web page to stay on top of the latest developments.
Check out the slideshow below with a few of the True or False posts from the eXPRS Facebook page.
eXPRS EVV True or False
eXPRS EVV True or False
eXPRS EVV True or False
eXPRS EVV True or False
eXPRS EVV True or False
eXPRS EVV True or False
ODDS Announces Change to Provider Agency Billing Process
The following message was emailed to Provider Organization contacts by the six Portland metro area brokerages on 02/02/2019.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OREGON PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS
RE: APD-PT-19-003* Policy Transmittal: Agency Billing Activities Effective 2/1/2019
As of Friday, 2/1/19, most eXPRS submissions by provider organizations will automatically be paid by ODDS without case management review. (Service codes OR539, OR570, and OR310 are excluded from this change.) The Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) will conduct post-payment reviews of provider organization documentation. This change may expedite payment to some provider organizations, but it does not change documentation requirements.
Oregon Administrative Rule 411-415-0090 requires Case Management Entities (both CDDPs/counties and Brokerages) to conduct extensive and specific monitoring of services including but not limited to:
- Ensuring all services provided align with those authorized in the ISP
- Confirming support and progress toward goals
- Confirming individual choice is being honored
The review of provider organization progress notes is an invaluable tool in meeting these monitoring mandates. For this reason, the six Portland metro-area brokerages will continue to expect to receive progress notes for all services delivered. Per the state’s transmittal, these notes must include:
- Customer name
- Provider of service
- Dates of service (the date range is sufficient)
- Units of service provided (total number of units for the period is sufficient)
- A progress note summarizing the service provided and progress toward goals (weekly or monthly summaries are perfectly acceptable)
As guidance, please review the following from the Indirect Case Management Monitoring Worker’s Guide:
Adequate provider agency progress notes focus on describing the supports a person received to achieve the desired outcome. These include the ADL, IADL, medical and behavioral supports identified on the ISP as being needed. The notes should focus on the specific activities (i.e. “visited a museum”) only insofar as they are important to achieving the desired outcomes as described in the ISP. Simply stating the name of the service associated with the procedure code is not sufficient (i.e. “Provided Day Support Activities” is not an adequate progress note to support a claim by the agency or for the purposes of indirect monitoring.) An adequate note will allow a SC/PA to determine if the services are consistent with those authorized in the ISP. Provider agency progress notes are also a place for the provider to convey observations about possible changes in support needs, challenging behaviors and a wide variety of topics. These reported observations should be reviewed by the SC/PA for their potential impact on risk identification, new person-centered information, and service planning. The SC/PA’s supporting progress note should reflect their assessment of the observations and the actions they will take in response, if any.
This excerpt demonstrates that progress notes are an important tool in monitoring supports and communicating changes in an individual’s needs and choices. As such, we request that providers submit progress notes for all supports no later than one month after the provision of services. For example, notes for services provided in February will be due by the end of March.
In compliance with the transmittal, we will be notifying ODDS when we do not receive progress notes within the 30-day window.
We anticipate that issues with overlapping billings will likely continue. As CDDPs/counties Brokerages are no longer part of the invoicing and payment processes, providers will need to seek resolution of these issues from ODDS.
Finally, we trust that our provider organization partners share our values with regard to continuing to offer customers the authority to review and authorize their services via signature. We will have one-on-one conversations with each of our customers regarding their options, and plan to solicit broad customer and family input on how to ensure choice continues to be offered and honored.
Thank you for your continued partnership and your service to our shared customer base as we work together through this next transition.
*Source: http://www.dhs.state.or.us/policy/spd/transmit/pt/2019/pt19003.pdf
Ready for College? Learn More About PSU’s Inclusive College and Employment Program
A Special Announcement from Ann Fullerton, Professor Emeritus of Special Education, Portland State University
Do you know an adult with developmental disabilities that wants to go to college? The Career & Community Studies Certificate at Portland State University provides a four year inclusive college and employment program for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Oregon.
- Person-centered planning and self-directed goal setting
- A unique weekly schedule including academic courses, employment and campus involvement
- Students learn to manage their own schedule and use supports they need
- Part-time employment on or off campus each term
- Enrollment in 1-2 college courses each term with other PSU students
- Choose and participate in PSU’s recreational, social and student organizations
- Academic coaches, peer navigators and CCS advisors support students to succeed in college
But how could they afford it? We have adult students in CCS that are financially independent, receiving SSI and working part time while they attend college. They are eligible for financial aid to go to college. Also, because our students are working in competitive wage integrated employment, they are eligible for an Individual Development Account (IDA). For dollar they earn and place in their IDA account they receive a $3 match up to a total of $12,000 for their education. Lastly, Charles Taylor of Mountain Crest Counseling Services has created our first scholarship for CCS students.
How can we learn more? Attend INFO NIGHT Jan 17th. 6 pm Smith Memorial Union 1825 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97201 ROOM 330
Email us at tcio@pdx.edu. We would love to talk to you. We can respond via email, phone call, or schedule an appointment to visit us. Review information on our website: https://www.pdx.edu/career-and-community-studies/
What is the deadline to apply? Application Deadline March 2, 2019 (We provide support to apply!)
How My Son Cody Sullivan Made History
By Ann Sullivan
When my son Cody Sullivan (AKA Coach Cody), was born with Down syndrome, I knew he would make a great difference in the world. This has rung true for the past twenty-two years, culminating on April 28th, 2018 when he became the first person with Down syndrome to graduate from higher education.
Cody was included in general education from kindergarten through grade 12. He wasn’t shoved into a secluded classroom where they took trips to the park to pick up litter or wipe down tables in the cafeteria. Cody learned alongside his peers – and just by being included – he taught people that having a disability isn’t scary.
When he was a high school senior, Cody’s friends were delightfully sharing where they were going to college. This inspired him to seek the same. Concordia University Portland agreed to have Cody attend classes and work toward earning a certificate of achievement in elementary education. We have been part of the West Coast Think College Coalition, which is focused on creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to attend higher education.
On April 28th, graduation day at Concordia University, Cody was the first person with Down syndrome in Oregon to cross the stage and receive his certificate. As he crossed, his many friends erupted in love and joy with a standing ovation.
Today, Cody works as a Teacher’s Aide at a local charter school.
Learn more about the West Coast Think College Coalition here and listen to Cody’s interview on KXL FM News 101 here.
Additional Links:
Update on 2019 PSW Electronic Verification Visit Requirement
On December 11th, 2018, the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services sent the following message to Personal Support Workers statewide:
This message is to notify Personal Support Workers about the latest news with Electronic Visit Verification (EVV).
A new federal law requires that states implement an electronic way for verifying attendant care services, called Electronic Visit Verification (EVV).
EVV is required for all Medicaid personal care services and home health services that require an in-home visit by a provider.
EVV is a new way to collect information in eXPRS. It will record these federally-required items in real time:
- Personal Support Worker (PSW) name
- Person receiving services
- Type of service
- Date of the service
- Time the service begins and ends
- Location of the service
The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) will be making changes to eXPRS that will allow it to be used for EVV.
A pilot for EVV in Oregon will take place in early 2019. EVV will be required of all PSWs in Oregon by 2019. Information will be sent to PSWs regarding full implementation in spring 2019.
EVV will work on smart phones and tablets that can access the eXPRS website. eXPRS will be changed to have a website made especially for phones and tablets. There will be trainings to help PSWs learn how to use this new part of eXPRS.
For PSWs who do not have a smart phone or tablet with Internet access, there will be an exception process. You will get more information about this before EVV is required. “
For more information and to subscribe to get the latest updates:
https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS- DISABILITIES/DD/PROVIDERS-PARTNERS/Pages/evv.aspx
Meet Jami Cowling: A Story of Determination and Gratitude
“It’s kind of amazing. One year you’re going this way, then the next you’re in a completely different place.”
Twenty year old Jamison Cowling knows well of what he speaks. 2017 was a deeply challenging year for the Estacada resident. Jami, who experiences autism, has spent the last year and a half adjusting to life after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI.)
In March of 2017, he was involved in a snow-tubing accident that left him with a broken neck, broken back, fractured skull, and brain hemorrhage. The months that followed were painful and difficult, requiring around the clock care as he slowly learned to walk and communicate again. He found comfort in family support, friends, and his faith.
Says mother Beki, “When I first received the call letting us know he had been injured and was being loaded into an ambulance, my world tilted for a minute… I struggled to breathe. And then our whole family sort of went on pause for months and months while we helped Jami deal with his TBI and we advocated for all the supports he needed.”
In the early days following his discharge from the hospital, Jami slept twenty-two hours a day at times, requiring around the clock supports. His parents balanced helping Jami recover with raising his four younger siblings. “It was so hard for Jami, but he was strong,” says Beki. “A brain injury changes everything.”
He underwent extensive occupational, speech, and neurofeedback therapy and credits the exceptional supports he received from Dr. Swingen, a chiropractic functional neurologist in SW Portland, with crafting an individualized physical therapy plan that eventually got him back on his feet.
Building a Circle of Support
The life he leads today is light years away from where things were for him and his family just eighteen months ago. Soon after the accident, he enrolled as a customer of Independence Northwest support services brokerage. “Options matter,” says Beki. “The whole last year has been about creating the right Team Jami.”
Team Jami is made up of friends, family members, and paid home and community-based supports. By combining supports from his brokerage Personal Agent, medical professionals, a behavior specialist, and Personal Support Workers to help him increase his independent living skills, Jami has been able to build a firm foundation for his new life.
Success rarely comes in a straight line. As soon as he was feeling well and stable enough, Jami set his sights on employment. His initial attempt moving into the workforce wasn’t without its challenges. “I had a job and it wasn’t good for me,” he says, referring to a position he held about a year after the accident. His brain was still healing and he needed a low stress, adaptive environment. People in his circle noticed he was starting to struggle and became concerned things might be moving too swiftly. “We needed something different, something that would give me the space to think and do a good job.”
Jami’s Brokerage Personal Agent Andrea Ochsner brainstormed with the family on possible options to better support him in future job environments. She connected them with a Behavior Specialist by the name of Gabrielle Taylor, who soon joined the circle of support. Gabrielle worked with Jami to perform a functional behavior assessment, laying the groundwork for communication strategies at home and in future employment settings. “She really helped me,” he says.
Concurrently, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Mark Foster assisted Jami with developing an employment plan that focused on his strengths and capacities, bringing provider organization Adult Learning Systems of Oregon (ALSO) on board. ALSO helped Jami land a volunteer position with Store to Door, a nonprofit program where Jami grocery shopped on behalf of seniors and people with physical disabilities.
“Communication is everything and it furthers what Jami is able to do… (Personal Agent) Andrea has facilitated communication amazingly! She is very skilled at gathering the different members of Team Jami together, either by email or in-person meetings, and then diplomatically addresses sensitive issues in ways that put everyone at ease. When all of (us) are on the same page, then Jami wins. He gets clear, consistent, and congruent supports.”
Preparation, Connectivity, and Opportunity
In the fall of 2018, everything converged. Before he knew it, Jami was preparing for an interview with Fred Meyer.
“It shocked them I got this job so quick,” says Jami. “It was really fast.” He says the experience he gained as a volunteer at Store to Door helped pave the way for the position.
Today, Jami is working five days a week at a Fred Meyer in Clackamas County, a member of their Click List team. He reviews online grocery orders, shops the store for the items, and assists customers when they come to pick up their purchases.
“There’s a lot of variety in the job,” he says. “I have a lot less social anxiety. This weekend was Veterans Day and I thanked two veterans for their service. One served in the Vietnam War and really appreciated being thanked.”
Watching her son talk about his success, Beki beams with pride.
“When I think of all that Jami and our family has gone through in the last eighteen months, I am just so profoundly filled with gratitude that Jami is alive and breathing and walking and talking… Now we are seeing the fruits of all the efforts that everyone has made supporting our son and it is truly beautiful. We are getting our sweet Jami back and he is even better than before.”
Jami’s First Day of Work at Fred Meyer
Oct 15th: Join Oregon DHS for Program/Legislative Updates, Q&A Session
Join the Oregon Department of Human Services on Monday October 15th from 1:30pm – 3:00pm either online or in person! DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht and the DHS Executive Team will present brief program and legislative updates followed by a question-and-answer period.
Join in person, by phone, through live streaming or follow along on Facebook or Twitter.
- When: Monday, October 15, 2018, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, Room 137 500 Summer Street NE in Salem
- How: Conference call 1-866-233-3842; Access Code: 455584#Participate in the conversation by using #ORDHSforum on Twitter
Questions or accommodation requests related to a disability, please contact Communications.DHS@state.or.us. A good faith effort will be made to fulfill requests.
Please forward this message to interested stakeholders and partners.
Note: Deadline for in-person RSVP is Thursday, October 11th.
Read the full announcement here.
PSU’s Inclusive College and Employment Program Announces New Job Opportunity
Portland State University’s Career & Community Studies: Inclusive College and Employment
Ann Fullerton is a Professor of Special Education at Portland State University and the Co-Director of the Think College Inclusion Oregon Project. Photo Credit: PSU
By Ann Fullerton
High school students with intellectual disability typically attend public school with their same age peers. But what happens at graduation? Historically, those peers go on to college or vocational training or work but the student with ID may go home with few options to continue their growth toward the adult life they want. Until recently, individuals with ID were excluded from attending college and sometimes from work in gainful integrated employment.
Recent national and Oregon legislation has removed barriers and established funding to develop inclusive college and employment experiences for students with ID. The U.S. Department of Education awarded funds to 44 universities nationwide, including Portland State University to lead the way in the creation of inclusive college and career experiences for students with ID. Research indicates that graduates of these inclusive college/employment certificate programs are achieving gainful integrated employment and higher wages (www.thinkcollege.net).
One of the best ways to envision these is to view this 4 minute movie trailer or 25 minute film: http://www.thinkcollege.net/rethinking-college And to read about college students with ID here: http://www.thinkcollege.net/publications/think-college-stories
Portland State University (PSU) has created the first four year inclusive college and employment program for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Oregon. The mission of Career & Community Studies (CCS) is to “…. establish a fully inclusive college experience for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) with the expectation that matriculated students will have access and opportunity to the same services, programs and courses as other PSU students. Each student’s college experience will be individually designed to support inclusive academic and career experiences leading to meaningful, integrated employment and self determination….”
You may know this project as “Think College Inclusion Oregon,” the grant that supports this work. PSU’s project is part of a larger national effort described here: https://thinkcollege.net/
How It Works
CCS students establish their career goals through a person centered planning process and then work in competitive wage integrated employment on or off campus. Advisors help student find college courses that add to their preparation for their career area. In years 3 and 4 students move into off campus employment that aligns with their career interests.
Students attend college classes on their own. They receive academic support through an Individualized Learning Plan and academic coaching frorn other PSU students. They explore and engage in campus life with a peer navigator if they wish. A goal of PSU is for all graduates to become engaged citizens in the community and this goal is enacted through community based learning in courses and through 150+ student – run organizations.
PSU students in CCS are thriving and PSU staff, faculty, students and employers on and off campus are committed partners in this exciting endeavor.
New Job Opportunity within the Program
PSU – CCS is currently seeking applicants for the CCS Employment and Campus Inclusion Coordinator. This position supports student employment throughout the 4-year college and employment experience. We are looking for applicants who value employment for all and have extensive experience and demonstrated skills in the areas of job development, job coaching, other job supports. An excerpt of description is below…
The purpose of this Advisor/Counselor position is to support the inclusion of college students with intellectual disabilities in employment experiences and campus involvement throughout their 4-year Career and Community Studies Certificate (CCS) experience at Portland State University. This position will focus on developing integrated, paid employment for all students starting in year one within typical jobs opportunities on campus and in the community. CCS students will need to transition to career-focused off-campus jobs prior to completing their 4th year of college.
Specific job responsibilities will include providing individualized supports with CCS students (e.g., weekly advising, job development, providing job supports, implementing person-centered planning processes with students and their teams, planning and supporting the transition to campus housing), coordinating supports for employment and campus inclusion (e.g., support campus employers, coordinate job coaching supports, facilitate inclusion into campus housing), maintaining internal and external partnerships (e.g., facilitating the monthly CCS Employment team meetings with employment partners, collaborate with campus partners), and supporting the CCS team to implement the program (e.g., program admissions, on-boarding new students, assisting with planned events with students and families, program evaluation tasks). This position is currently grant funded through 2020. We are optimistic that there will be continued funding for this position after the grant ends.
Here is a link to the position announcement and application:
https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/27765
Other colleges in Oregon are also moving toward creating more inclusive college and employment programs across the state. For the right individual, this is a unique opportunity to be a part of ground breaking work.
After reading the position announcement, contact Susan Bert, Co-Director of Career & Community if you have with questions about the position berts@pdx.edu.
Photo Credit: PSU
All About Transition Services in Oregon
Download a copy of the Transition Resource Handbook
ODDS Statewide Employment First Coordinator Acacia McGuire Anderson writes:
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that transition planning must begin at age 16. However, transition planning may begin as early as 14 years of age. The sooner we start transition planning, the better for the young person so they can connect to ODDS (Office of Developmental Disabilities Services) and VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) services and begin the process of exploring career options and skills needed to be successful in the workforce.
In Oregon, we have Transition Network Facilitators (TNFs) who provide outreach, technical assistance, and training opportunities for educators, individuals and families, and collaborate with VR counselors, providers and DD case management entities (such as Brokerages and CDDPs/counties). The TNFs are also launching a podcast series in January aimed at providing information and resources to educators, individuals and families throughout Oregon.
There is a website with a wide variety of resources: http://triwou.org/projects/tcn. This includes the Transition Resource Handbook, a map of TNFs by region, and much more.
A list of the ODDS regional specialists, VR I/DD counselors, TNFs and Pre-ETS Specialists is on the Employment First Training web page: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/EMPLOYMENT/EMPLOYMENT-FIRST/Documents/VR-ODE-ODDS-Regional-Employment-Specialists.pdf
There are upcoming trainings where educators, as well as VR staff and DD providers and case managers, can learn more about transition planning. These include the Oregon Statewide Transition Conference, happening March 7-8, 2019, in Eugene. In addition, ODE, ODDS and VR collaborate to put on regional trainings throughout the state.
If you have any questions regarding transition planning beginning as early as age 14, or any questions regarding transition services in general, email: employment.first@state.or.us. Thank you for all your efforts as we strive to support people with I/DD to live and work in their communities.
Mother Bears: To Market We Go
This article originally appeared in the Oregon Clarion in October of 2001, written by then-editor Diann Drummond. Her daughter, Molly Drummond, is one of the five plaintiffs of Staley v. Kitzhaber, the class action lawsuit responsible for creating Oregon’s progressive self-directed brokerage system, which currently serves nearly 8,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This is a tale of one of those dreaded supermarket encounters talked about among parents of children with disabilities. The sidelong looks, the stares, and the whispers feel like a stab in the heart.
My daughter Molly is very small for a 23 year-old and her spine is sharply curved over to one side. When we are grocery shopping, being pushed around the store in the basket is her favorite way to go. She giggles and talks her mysterious language while the food is piled all around her. Admittedly, we make an interesting sight.
Sometimes we pass someone who smiles warmly or says hello, and I think, “There is a fine person.”
Most of the time we go about our business, get our food, and head for home, eager to break into the tortilla chips or gummy bears. But on one particular day, that isn’t the way things went.
We had stopped by our local market for a quick shopping trip. This is the place where the clerks chat with us, and we often run into neighborhood friends.
I made my way down the aisles with Molly trailing behind. For some reason that day, Molly wasn’t into basket-riding. Just as I was squeezing the cantaloupes in the produce section, a herd of boys, maybe around kindergarten or early school-age, thundered up. The leader of the little ruffians exclaimed loudly, “Hey, look at her – she’s weird!”
I could see their mother close by, not phased in the least by what I considered to be a serious affront.
That’s when the mother bear came out in me. I scooped Molly protectively toward me. I felt like growling but hurried down the aisle instead. I headed to the other side of the store, thinking we could quickly grab our groceries and head for the safety of home.
However, no sooner had we rounded another corner when we ran into them again. There was a repeat of the earlier scene and that word “weird” again. Mother bear was ready to charge.
I don’t usually admonish other people’s children, but I turned a stern eye on them and said, “Boys, don’t be cruel.”
They stopped and huddled together, wide-eyed and slack-jawed. That’s when I saw mother bear number two streak forward and gather her offspring close. She said in a steely voice, “I will speak to them.” I spoke back with an equally steely voice, “I wish you would.” The face-off!
After a few moments, we turned in separate directions, herding our cubs along, when mother bear number two offered, “They’ve never seen a handicapped person before.”
I looked at the boys, then at their mother, and then back at the boys. I paused. “Would you like to meet Molly?” I asked. They cautiously sidled forward. “This is Molly. She has a disability and she was born with a crooked back. She doesn’t talk, but she can understand what you say. She goes to school.”
One of the four said “hi” to Molly and asked, “Does she go to school every day?”
I replied, “Yes, she rides the bus every day.”
Another offered, “I’m five.”
A few social pleasantries and we were on our way. I felt a bit sheepish, wondering if I’d been too hard on the boys who were pretty young. But the olive branch had been extended, and at least I didn’t swat it away with my paws.
We finished gathering our groceries, went through the checkout stand, and were going out the door when I heard someone call, “Bye.” I turned to see mom and her four boys smiling and waving. I smiled and waived back. Molly and I headed for the car. She was her usual happy self, apparently unconcerned with the incident. I was relieved that the confrontation ended the way it did.
I let out a tired sigh.
Time for mother bear and her cub to head back to their den and hibernate for a while.
The Oregon Clarion Volume 7, Number 3
October 2001
Oregon Implements New Assessment Process for People with Disabilities
The Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities has developed a single assessment tool to be used in determining the support needs of children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Brokerages and CDDPs have just begun using the new assessment, known as the ONA (Oregon Needs Assessment). The ONA will roll out between now and June 30th, 2019.
To help you understand what’s happening and what to expect, we have developed a new ONA (Oregon Needs Assessment page on our website. The page includes helpful resources, links, frequently asked questions, and more. Check it out by clicking here.
Provider Spotlight: Exceed Enterprises
This week’s Provider Spotlight is Exceed Enterprises in Milwaukie. Exceed works to with adults living with disabilities to find and retain both customized and competitive employment in the Pacific Northwest area. Because they have been around for several decades, they have the experience and expertise needed to make community employment a reality for job seekers all over the Metro Area. Check out their Facebook page here.
Provider Spotlight: EQC Home Care
Meet EQC Home Care! In addition to housekeeping, personal care, and meal support, they also have nursing services for end of life care, medication assistance, and 24 hour availability for respite. Nurses are available for community outings and they serve children as well. EQC is this week’s provider spotlight. Details here: http://www.eqchomecare.com
Provider Spotlight: Empowerment Services
This week’s Provider Spotlight is on Empowerment Services, LLC. ES delivers individualized employment alternatives and life-skills training to teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities. Given the unique behavioral and sensory needs of everyone they serve, support plans are highly customized.
Be sure to check them out on the web at www.empowermentservicesllc.org
Provider Spotlight: Edwards Center Aloha Center
Edwards Center remains one of the best kept secrets in Washington County. Founded in 1972 by a group of parents, this agency puts family front and center. This week’s provider spotlight is on the Aloha Community Center where Edwards takes community inclusion to the next level. A quarterly online catalog is available full of classes and outings for people of all ages and abilities. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/alohacommunitycenter/
Provider Spotlight: Eastco Diversified Services
This week’s provider spotlight is on Eastco Diversified Services. Eastco’s Supported Employment Program places adults with I/DD into integrated jobs, based on individual interest and work experience. Prospective employees are carefully screened to guarantee a successful match of job requirements, individual abilities, and needs. Eastco provides a Job Coach on-the-job until he or she can independently perform the job to the employer’s quality and production standards. To find out more, check out their Facebook page.
Provider Spotlight: Destination Autonomy
Good things come in small packages – that’s what Destination Autonomy founder Rochelle Moore believes. She started her company in 1999 to serve adults with Developmental Disabilities in Washington County. DA provides community activities both individually and in groups, in home and employment supports. Check out the photos of their awesome activities on Facebook.
Provider Spotlight: Community Vision
Community Vision was founded to provide Supported Living services to individuals who wanted to live in their own home with one-on-one support. While this service remains a core mission, CV also provides in home supports, employment supports and anything that fits their customers’ unique needs, goals, and dreams. This helps the person live, work and thrive in the communities of their choice.
Provider Spotlight: Community Access Services
This week’s provider spotlight is on Community Access Services. CAS is a private nonprofit organization that provides residential, community, and employment services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live and work in our community. CAS has a personal commitment to those they serve and are one of the best in the business. If you’re looking for top-notch service, check them out!
Provider Spotlight: Right at Home
Right At Home may be a national agency but that won’t prevent you from experiencing great, local customer care. Serving the Metro area, Right at Home caregivers provide services for almost any family and practically any situation. Right at Home will tailor care to your unique situation through a Custom Care Plan. They have lots of caregivers on standby so they are also a great option in a pinch.
Provider Spotlight: Bender Rehabilitation and Consulting
Byron and Kim Bender
Small but mighty. That’s your take away from this week’s Provider Spotlight. Bender Rehabilitation and Consulting is a family run business that focuses on helping people with disabilities get jobs in the community.
Ask your VR Counselor or your Personal Agent about their job development, placement, and coaching services or visit them by clicking here.
Provider Spotlight: Assisted Community Ties
Assisted Community Ties is an active provider organization focused on helping people make friends and learn social skills. Based in Washington County, ACT offers community engagement 1:1 or in groups. Check out their Facebook page to learn more!
Provider Spotlight: Arise Mentors
Business partners Rex Goode and Drew Stinson didn’t realize that flexibility would be their new middle name when they founded Arise Mentors. Arise Mentors is this week’s provider spotlight because they currently have capacity to take on new customers. They focus on independent living and inclusion in the community with an aim for utmost flexibility and creativity. Learn more at their website www.arisementors.com.
Provider Spotlight: Advocates for Empowerment
This week’s Provider Spotlight features Advocates for Empowerment.
AFE provides in-home, community inclusion, and job services for both adults and children. This values-based organization makes a strong commitment to matching families with the right provider upfront. They even publish biographies of all their employees on their website. Check them out here.
INW Proudly Sponsors All Born (In) Conference in 2018 – Registration Now Open
Independence Northwest is a proud sponsor again this year for the exceptional All Born (In) Conference. Registration is open now!
The annual All Born (in) Conference is an exciting day for parents, caregivers, and professionals working to end segregation in neighborhood schools and the community. It’s a day of celebrating community and learning how to use Universal Design for Learning and Best Practices to reach and teach every child. Share, learn and make connections so that we can all go forth to open the eyes of the wider community to the fact that our children are all born “in”. The Conference was founded by Northwest Down Syndrome Association in 2006 in partnership with Portland State University’s joint certification program and the Center on Inclusive Education. It has grown to be a cornerstone resource in the Northwest region, engaging many innovative parents, professionals, and community partners to embrace the gifts of every learner.
Brokerage customers with Family Training written into their ISP can use support services funding to pay customer and non-paid caregiver conference costs. Please contact your Personal Agent with any questions.
Full details about the conference can be found here.