ACL Profiles in Integrated Employment Blog Series
Home and community-based services (HCBS) provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities and older adults to receive services in their own home or community. On January 16, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published a final rule that sets forth new requirements for states using Medicaid funds to pay for HCBS, supports enhanced quality in HCBS programs, and adds protections for individuals receiving these services. In addition, the rule reflects the intent of CMS to ensure that individuals receiving services and supports through Medicaid’s HCBS programs have full access to the benefits of community living and are able to receive services in the most integrated setting.
ACL is highlighting examples of promising practices for employment benefits designed to meet the needs of individuals, promote integrated employment, and comply with requirements of the HCBS settings rule and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead v. L.C. ruling. With regard to Medicaid-funded employment services it is the state’s responsibility to ensure that 1915(c) HCBS supported employment waiver services are furnished to a waiver participant to the extent that they are not available as vocational rehabilitation services funded under section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Learn about agencies and states leading the way towards integrated employment for people with disabilities:
- SRVS in Tennessee: From Workshop to Workforce
- EBI in California: Aligning Services and Funding to Promote Integrated Employment in the Bay Area
- LIFEDesigns in Indiana: Increasing Opportunities for Community Living and Integrated Employment
- Community Link in Colorado: Lessons on the Path to Integrated Employment
- The ARC of Washington County in Maryland: Taking the Leap for Integrated Employment
- Able South Carolina: A Center for Independent Living Leads the Way on Employment
Many of the providers we heard from described their experiences transitioning from a sheltered workshop to more integrated community-based models. For National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2016, we compiled the many tips, strategies, and leverage points that providers identified as critical to their success. These include tips for planning, cultivating partners and funding, staffing, and supporting beneficiaries.
ACL is interested in hearing from states, providers, and advocates working on integrated employment. Share your successes, challenges, and questions by sending an email to aclinfo@acl.gov.