 |
 |
|
"LifePrep" - A Plan of Service for Independent Living |
|
|
|
“LifePrep”, a comprehensive, customized and highly coordinated array of existing transitional services with the purpose of assisting students and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their valued outcomes toward independent living and community-based employment.
The following is the executive summary extracted from the Schenectady ARC’s NYS-OPTS proposal to create “LifePrep”, a comprehensive, customized and highly coordinated array of existing transitional services with the purpose of assisting students and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their valued outcomes toward independent living and community-based employment.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since 1952, the Schenectady ARC has established a reputation for developing innovative and progressive services to meet the ever-changing needs of individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Over the past several years, we have become aware of a growing desire on behalf of consumers in our day and school-to-work programs for new approaches that will help them eventually achieve a greater sense of community integration. In response, the Schenectady ARC created “LifePrep” in which10 persons with developmental disabilities will create a customized and consolidated plan of service that ultimately satisfies their independent living and employment-related valued outcomes. This concept was presented to consumers, families, advocates and other agency professionals for their input and recommendations, given our desire for a truly consumer-driven, person-centered initiative.
The service delivery approach used through LifePrep differs significantly from current agency operations in several ways. First, consumers need apply only once for all employment-related and independent living services offered through LifePrep in direct contrast to current OMRDD regulations which require separate applications for individual HCBS waiver programs. Second, consumers will have one unified plan of service including one or more HCBS waiver or non-waiver services. Units of service will be blended so that an aggregate bill, plan and documentation are produced. Third, from the onset of services, consumers will be made aware of and have access to a broader array of services. Fourth, participants will receive a greater degree of individualized attention, allowing increased flexibility of scheduling.
Several resources will need to be committed to this proposal. A new community-based day service “hub-site” will serve as a centralized base of operations with easy access to a variety of employers and activities. Staffing will consist of specialists who will provide the bulk of services. Overall service plan development and coordination, consumer and family education and program oversight will be provided by a staff person who will coordinate life preparation services. This new initiative will also require two mini-vans for consumer transportation to and from community activities. Altogether, the budget for LifePrep is expected to be $316,326.00.
In order to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the ultimate effectiveness of LifePrep in assisting students and adults to achieve their independent living and employment-related goals, the Schenectady ARC will use a consumer and family satisfaction survey methodology administered before program commencement as well as six and twelve months thereafter.
|
|
|
|
|
