The Link Issue 4.2

The 360

Volume 4, Issue 2

Challenge

Make Your Two Cents

Count

The Power of Positive Change

TBI Military ProgramHelps Veterans

DENVER OPTIONSWOULD LIKE TO THANK

FOR HELPING CREATE COMMUNITY AWARENESS ABOUT THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE

WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN DENVER COUNTY

THANK K YOUYOU

BECOME A HOST HOME PROVIDER

Earn up to $4,800 tax free dollars/month*BECOME A HOST HOME PROVIDER

Care for People with Special Health Care or Behavioral Needs

We are looking for skilled, compassionate people who:» Will open their homes to people with developmental disabilities» Provide care for special behavioral needs» Offer health care support and monitoring

The work is ideal for singles and couples without children who:» Can provide a caring, nurturing environment» Keep people connected to their community » Offer personal care support » Develop relationships with care providers » Manage crisis situations

*Pay ranges vary depending on type of disability and the number of people that are in your care

For more information, contact Denver Options at (303) 636-5625.9900 East Iliff AvenueDenver, CO 80231www.denveroptions.org

Volume 4, Issue 2

» INSIDE

On the CoverVote to Make Your Two Cents Count........................ 4

TBI Military Program Helps Veterans........................... 6

The 360º Challenge..................... 12

The Power of Positive Change.....15

EditorBarb [email protected](303) 636-5814

Design Corey [email protected](303) 636-5933

Board of Directors CHAIR Bill ParkhillVICE CHAIR Roger CarstensT REASURER Jim LongSECRETARY Gail StrobelPAST CHAIR Ann Erickson GiffordMEMBERS Pat Adams; Barry Martin, MD; Scott Schowalter, MD; Stephanie Townsend;Niki Tuttle; Christine WesterCEO Stephen R. Block, PhD

NEWSNew Website Search Engine...................3

CTAT TBI Survivor Series....................... 3

LIFEReuse, Recycle and Give Back ................ 8

Family Support Funds Meet a Small Percent of Family Needs............10

Denver Options Helps Boys with Disabilities Become Boy Scouts............. 14

HEALTH We Help People Achieve Success............ 16

The Denver Options’ Link is published by Denver Options, a non-profit organization that provides service coordination and program services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visit Denver Options’ website at www.denveroptions.org.

Denver Options, Inc.9900 E. Iliff Ave.Denver, CO 80231Phone: (303) 636-5600Fax: (303) 636-5603T DD: (303) 636-5602

link to...

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23

6 10

RESOURCESNew Resources Help FamiliesThroughout Colorado............................. 17

Understanding the SupportsIntensity Scale (SIS)............................... 18

Resources at Your Fingertips..................20

EDUCATIONDenver Options and DPSStreamline Service Transitions.............. 21

It Takes a Network................................. 22

COMMUNITY Out and About........................................ 23

Summer Luau Thank You....................... 24

Questions? Concerns? Comments?

Mark your calendar for CTAT’s upcoming T BI Survivor Series! Sponsored by the T BI Trust Fund of Colorado, this interactive series offers tools and information intended to increase the quality of life of T BI survivors, family members, caretakers and professionals. Come share your experiences and network with others!

Friday, August 29 12:30-2:30 > Organize Your Life

Friday, September 1912:30-2:30 > Employment: Return to Work

**FREE LUNCH INCLUDED WIT H ALL SESSIONS**

All sessions will be held at Denver Options9900 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80231

For more information, contact Wendy Sain at (303) 636-5727.

Searching for something on our website? Check out our new search engine at www.denveroptions.org!

Just type in what you are looking for and have the information come to you! We have implemented this new feature to make sureyou get the information you are looking for with the click of a button. Check

it out!

If you need assistance with a question, help with a problem or have a concern, contact Lori Schult at (303) 636-5600.

Friday, October 3112:30-2:30 > An Inspirational and Informational Panel of Successful Survivors

Friday, November 14 12:30-2:30 > Energy Management

TBISURVIVORSERIES

The LiNK 4.2 - Summer/Fall 2008 | 3

» link to NEWS

Talk to Us!

Vote and Make Your Two Cents Count Your help is urgently needed regarding a very important issue to eliminate the wait for services for 12,000 adults and children. We need more voters to support the End the Developmental Disability Wait list measure which will be on the November ballot. The measure is for a two cent tax for every ten dollars spent, which will go directly towards helping to end the wait list for developmental disability services. Our efforts to pass a statewide ballot measure is vitally important. With the expected high turnout for the 2008 election, we have an unparalleled opportunity to reach supportive voters.

Solving this urgent problem is critically needed and long overdue. It is so important that the ARC of Colorado, all ARC chapters, Denver Options and all other Community Center Boards have joined forces to address this crisis. In fact, more than 100 organizations have endorsed the effort.

Two pennies on ten dollars is a small price to help provide vital services for adults and children, who through no fault of their own, face tremendous challenges on a daily basis. The money will help access services they need now and in the future, such as life long residential care, supervision, help with daily living tasks, job training, nursing services, early intervention, and transportation among many other services.

If passed, this new tax will not apply to groceries, prescription drugs, medical services, gasoline or household utilities. These basic services and items are exempt from tax.

“Solving this urgent problem is critical long overdue. Two pennies on $10 is a small price to pay to provide vital services for adults and children who face tremendous challenges on a daily basis.” - Dr. Stephen Block, Denver Options’ Executive Director

» link to NEWS

4 | The LiNK 4.2 - Summer/Fall 2008

Asking people to raise their taxes is never easy. However, the state budget is so tight there is no other way to fund the critical services so desperately needed.

Along with organizations that range from parent groups and advocates to providers who have endorsed this effort, you, too, can ensure a safety net for people with developmental disabilities. Colorado needs $180 to $195 million every year to eliminate the waiting list and keep it from coming back. Your vote to support two cents on every $10 of spending can create that critical funding.

If you would like to volunteer your time, please call Marijo Rymer, Arc of Colorado, at (303) 864-9334.

»Did You Know?Thousands of people with developmental disabilities in the state of Colorado are waiting for services...some for 15 years.

Your 2¢ on $10 could mean:An additional 3¢

on a lunch for two at Chipotle

An additional 12¢ on a $60 pair of shoes

An additional 90¢ on a modestly priced laptop computer

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Three years ago, Joel Hunt became a solider and went to Iraq soon after completing basic training. He made powerful friendships, survived fierce combat, and sustained blast injuries to his brain. He didn’t see the signs of any problems after his first tour, or his second tour, and he did not want to see it after his third tour. But exposure to blast injuries finally took its toll.

Philosophical about his traumatic brain injury (TBI), Joel has a message for his buddies: “I want to tell soldiers who are fighting now that they should be honest when answering questions on the TBI assessment. It’s important to start getting help. I didn’t get help until a year and a half after I returned home.”

Joel is one of the first Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) soldiers to take advantage of a new TBI program for veterans offered through Denver Options. A very generous donor earmarked funding to support veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF/OIF) conflicts who have returned with traumatic brain injury. He approached Denver Options to oversee the program because of its experience providing case management to people with brain injuries.

“It’s difficult for veterans to find the community resources they need to make a successful transition back to civilian life,” said Jennifer Anderson, a manager for the program.

T BI Military Program

Helps Veterans Heal

» link to LIFE


“When I think of Fredia, I think of that line fromAmazing Grace that says ‘I was lost but now I’m found.’” - Joel Hunt

Many soldiers who experience a TBI also have significant post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “We work with the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense, and community veterans service organizations to help soldiers find the services they need to reach optimum health. We help them set and achieve goals as they create life beyond their service years.”

Fredia Johnson provides care coordination for Joel. A veteran herself, she knows the road back isn’t always easy. “Joel is setting some clear goals and has begun to work on them. One of the neat goals Joel has for himself is to be able to again go country line-dancing.” Fredia encourages Joel to stick with the different therapies and instructions he receives from the VA that will help him reach his goals. She has helped Joel complete countless applications for services throughout the nation and locally. They are working together to raise the quality of Joel’s life. Fredia has assisted Joel with finding needed information on his finances, household budget, victims’ services, and other necessary resources. Joel values Fredia’s willingness to listen to him.

Joel is moving forward, including helping one of his buddies identify a TBI and get help from Denver Options. Joel is working on balance problems, putting time into therapy every day. He has high praise for the care he’s received both through the Veterans Administration and Denver Options. He smiles when he talks about how much Fredia’s support has meant to his recovery. “Once I found Frieda, things started looking up. I can talk with her when I need to —even when things are tough.”

Joel is making progress in every aspect of the healing process. Increasingly, he is able to put the difficult memories of the war behind him. He can take his dog, Cowboy, for a walk using his new cane, which also offers him a seat if he gets too tired. And, he hopes to be driving again within a year. Joel turned 30 this summer, and he knows the future holds promise with all the support he is receiving; he can see new opportunities opening up every day.

» link to LIFE


Gloria is a collector, a giver, and an advocate for reusing and recycling. Her passion for collecting newspaper, clothes, and aluminum cans, however, reached a point where her home was too full of stuff for her to fit in it comfortably. Gloria’s support team was concerned her collections were pushing her out of her own apartment and into an unsafe situation. Her Denver Options’ support broker, Eric Coon, joined with Gloria; her community access partner, Melinda Henderson; and some of Gloria’s friends and neighbors to keep the joy of collecting as part of Gloria’s life while introducing her to the joy of reusing, recycling, and giving back.

People begin collecting more than they need for many different reasons. One reason is a fear of getting rid of something that may be useful in the future. Some people simply form a strong emotional attachment to certain objects.

and Give Back

Reuse, Recycle,

Gloria and her team found a way of addressing Gloria’s inclination to collect, without endangering her well-being. Now when Gloria stacks up too many newspapers, she takes them to King Soopers to be recycled. She gives her store of aluminum cans to a neighbor who can benefit from the money he gets by recycling them. When Gloria collects knick-knacks, she gives them to her daughter who will them take to work and donate it on the “free” take what you need table. She and Melinda take unneeded clothing to ARC, Salvation Army, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) thrift shops.

Now Gloria is committed to cleaning up her environment and using her collections as resources to provide for others. She also promotes recycling. Gloria was excited when Eric compared her generosity and good will to Oprah Winfrey. “Yeah, I’m like Oprah,” Gloria said. She is happy collecting and giving her treasures to others to enjoy.

» link to LIFE


Your Vote Counts!

Thursday, October 25 - 7 PM

Denver Options9900 E. Iliff Ave.Denver, CO 80231

Come Join Us...

An explanation of the ballot issues!

For an informational session regarding the upcoming election!

A voting machine topractice voting on!

Featuring

When:

Where:

For more information, contact Lori Schult at (303) 636-5867

Presented by Faith Gross, The Legal Center for Persons with Disabilities

Did You Know?

Supported Living Services (SLS) assists customers in developing long-term plans and resolving everyday problems, regardless of whether they live on their own or with family members. Our SLS support brokers help adults with developmental disabilities define personal goals, develop individual talents, and find career opportunities. They also help people tap into free and low-cost resources.

Gloria is focusing on helping herself as well. She is learning to read and write, and she plans to learn about money and paying bills. Gloria will work with a new community access partner, Mary Sue, to achieve these goals and to learn more about her community.

What’s to come for Gloria? With her generosity and eagerness, Gloria will surely keep moving forward to learn new skills and increase her ability to keep giving to others.


Family Support Funds Can Meet Only a Small Percent of Family Needs The way in which Denver Options allocates Family Support funding is undergoing change. Jean Heath, program manager for Family Support, said, “CCBs must, as mandated by Colorado’s Division for Developmental Disabilities, prioritize the funding for ‘families most in need.’ This directive has been made because the Family Support Program in Colorado has limited funding, which does not begin to cover the requests from families who care for family members with disabilities in their homes.” Heath noted that Denver Options passes on every Family Support dollar received from the state and also contributes more than $650,000 to the program.

“We receive funding from the state to serve 151 families, although we actually serve almost 900,” Heath said. Among those served in the Family Support Program are families caring for children who are on ventilators to breathe, children who are tube fed, children with partial brain stems requiring 24-hour care, children with severe

Rana Trujillo is grateful to receive funding from Denver Options that helps provide extensive health care to her two children, Chrisanta and Claudio.

seizure disorders, children who are terminally ill, children who are both blind and deaf, and children who cannot walk or crawl. Many families manage the care for loved ones with severe and multiple disabilities and complex medical problems that require expensive assistive equipment and constant support. These are the families who are often the most in need. Family Support funding only slightly eases the financial challenges these families face.

Denver Options’ service coordinators will complete a “most in need” assessment with each family, and the score on that assessment will be used to allocate funding, Heath explained. “The assessment looks at several things, including the child’s disability, overall care needs, behaviors, need for supervision, family composition and stability and access to support networks and other resources.” Families with children who have very high needs are prioritized for Family Support funding.

» link to LIFE


WHEN: Tuesday, September 16 6 PM to 8 PM

WHERE: Denver Options 9900 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80231

The Family Support Meet & Greet is intended to give families a chance to meet and chat with their Service Coordinators. You will also hear an overview of the changes in the Family Support Services Program and have the oppportunity to ask questions, share your positive experiences or your concerns.

A LIGHT DINNER WILL BE SERVED!

For more information,please contact Jean Heath at(303) 636-5709.

Heath points to the Trujillos as an example of a family stretched to the limit. Single mom Rana is busy every minute caring for two-year-old son Claudio and 10-year-old daughter Chrisanta. Her daughter’s cognitive and mental health challenges are exacerbated by a seizure disorder. Recently, Chrisanta’s aggressive and self-injurious behavior was so difficult to manage, it warranted an out-of-home hospitalization.

“Chrisanta has a difficult time attending school; she wanders away and has difficulty focusing. She requires 24-hour hands-on care because of the unpredictable nature of her outbursts. I could not care for her without Denver Options’ help,” Rana said. Her other child, Claudio, requires oxygen when he sleeps, and he can only consume liquids. The family lives in a crowded, two-bedroom apartment where Rana has had to convert her closet into a space for Claudio’s crib and oxygen so she can monitor his breathing and other health concerns throughout the night.

Avery’s family is another example of how Denver Options provides a small measure of help to a family who is using every available resource, including help from grandparents, to provide the constant care the 12-year-old requires. Avery needs constant supervision because of destructive behaviors and toileting challenges. He is on a limited gluten-free, low-dairy diet. His family provides day-to-day supports with toileting, bathing, dressing, and eating.

With the help of his therapies, Avery is learning new alternatives to destructive behaviors. He is making “glacial progress,” according to his mom, Marjorie. “Avery’s dad, Nate, and I want Avery to have a good life, to be appreciated and loved and to make contributions to the community.” His brother Declan, a precocious 9-year-old, has developed a grown-up appreciation of the need in his family for so many of the physical, emotional and monetary resources having to go to Avery’s care. Family Support respite funding has made a big difference in giving Avery’s caregivers a break while the family waits for Avery to come off of the Children’s Extensive Support Waiver waitlist that is now three to four years long.

Save the Date!Family SupportMEET & GREET

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» link to LIFE

Challenge 3600

The

Employment Coordinator Donna Clark reminds her clients that finding a job is an attainable goal, which helps reinforce self-confidence and makes them feel empowered.

» link to LIFE

“We designed the program to meet the needs of the entire family. We connect them to health care, disability services, and community supports to decrease day-to-day crises. We focus on employment and training so parents can find and keep paid employment.” - John Trienen, Denver 360 Program Manager

Starting a job for anyone who has been out of the workforce is tough. Add single parenting and little education beyond high school, as well as few job experiences, and the prospects become even more challenging. The Denver 360 Program provides a unique blend of support to families who have been on welfare and who have children with special health care needs and disabilities. The 360 Program combines family counseling services with employment services to support long-term success.

John Treinen, program manager of Denver 360, said this partnership between the City and County of Denver and Denver Options has been very fruitful. “We designed the program to meet the needs of the entire family. We help families stabilize and connect to health care, disability services, and community supports to decrease day-to-day crises. We also focus on employment and training so parents can find and keep paid employment. We partner with programs such as the Women’s Bean Project to increase sustained employment for low income families.”

Employment coordinator Donna Clark says the first thing she tells her clients is, “You can do this!” Clark, who has extensive experience in job placement for people who have been out of the workforce, says attitude is a key factor in making a positive job match. “Many of these women feel overwhelmed. They often face big barriers such as homelessness or involvement in an abusive relationship, and many struggle with low self-esteem. We provide personal development, job preparation and training, and supervised work activities. Once they have that background, we move on to identify good job matches and help them stay in the job.”

Social worker Deloris Thomas provides the family support. “I help find the resources these families can use to move ahead. Many parents feel isolated and alone because the schools have not given their children the extra support they need. I help parents talk with teachers and soon parents find they can advocate for their kids on their own. They feel relief, and they feel someone is listening to them.”

Denver 360 participants are finding employment. One young mother told Donna she wanted to work in customer service. Donna took her to a grocery store job fair, and she was hired as a courtesy clerk, but she got stuck in the training stage. “I realized she was very nervous so I went in to coach her through the training. By the second day, she felt confident and is now on the job. She did well there and within a month, she was promoted to a cashier position.”

Another woman returned to work after coping with a medical problem for five years that kept her from working. She is a licensed certified nurses assistant (CNA), but her license was about to expire and she had trouble navigating the license renewal process. The Denver 360 program administrator, Sue Isselhard, helped her push through the paperwork maze. After weeks of delay, the license was renewed and her pay jumped from minimum wage to $13.50 an hour.

Providing support at every stage of the job process and supporting family needs are key investments in making this program work. As they move forward, Denver 360 is building a network of employers who trust the program to match skilled capable workers to their needs. That partnership will increase job placements. For more information about Denver 360, please call (303) 636-3810.

» link to LIFE


The Second Annual Denver Parent Transition Training took place on February 2, 2008, at the Tivoli Conference Center on the Auraria Campus. The attendance has doubled since the first year, reaching 195 family members, teachers, and community agencies.

The event offered a host of resources to the participants, including employment opportunities for youth, post-secondary options, legal/financial information, guardianship, housing, and mental health information.

Families reacted positively, indicating that “this is very helpful information to all of us who have special needs kids. We are so thankful” and “I am thankful this event was made available to parents and students. This gives me hope as a parent for my child’s future.”

The Third Annual Denver Parent Transition Training will be held March 7, 2009, at the Tivoli Conference Center.

You think your son might be interested in scouting, and you’re wondering what it’s all about. Scouting is about making new friends, learning about teamwork, discovering the outdoors, having fun, and gaining new interests.

How do you involve your child with special needs?

Denver Options has built a strong and lasting partnership with the Denver Area Council Special Needs District of the Boy Scouts. After talking with families and troop leaders, Denver Options has designed a charter Boy Scout troop for youth ages 11 to 18 years to help boys and their families experience scouting before choosing a neighborhood troop.

This pilot troop will be facilitated by a leader in the Boy Scout program who has special needs training. Scouts will enroll and attend meetings twice a month for four to six months. They will have the opportunity to earn the scout rank and the Disabilities Merit Badge, and the boys will learn the scout oath and scout law. They will also have a chance to participate in a leadership role.

Parents will be asked to stay for the scout meetings to support their sons through the project. This will give parents a chance to learn the program and also become a resource in the troop their sons may decide to join.

During the “off” weeks, the parents and boys will be encouraged to visit troops in their neighborhood, giving them the ability to see how a traditional troop runs. When the family chooses a troop to join, scout masters from both the pilot project and the new troop will work together to transition the scout to his new troop without interrupting his current experience.

If scouting is something you believe your son might be interested in, please watch the mail for more details. There is a projected start date for the pilot troop in mid-September.

We look forward to having you join us!

Denver Options Helps Boys with Disabilities

Become Boy Scouts

Did You Know? Scouting provides youth with an opportunity to try new things, provide service to others,

build self-confidence, and reinforce ethical standards.

» link to LIFE


Life has recently gone from good to great for Cameron Pratt. Easy going and gregarious, Cameron lived on his own for a long time. He enjoyed having friends over and seeing his girlfriend Kristen.

The only thing he had a tough time doing was controlling his diabetes. “Because his schedule was so flexible, Cameron found it difficult to keep to a regular eating regimen and would often stay up late. His health suffered. Both his diabetes and weight control became difficult to manage,” said Residential Specialist Kelly Miller. “We talked about ways Cameron could maintain his independence and get the help he needed with meal planning and regular exercise. A host home seemed a good option.”

Cameron quickly found he enjoyed home-cooked meals. His host home provider says Cameron has been very open to learning about healthy eating options. He now looks at labels to see which foods are low in carbohydrates and enjoys helping around the kitchen.

Cameron also enjoys playing tennis and likes when his girlfriend, Kristen, joins him on the courts. They also take long bike rides together. He tries to make exercise enjoyable. “When I’m out having fun with friends, I don’t even think about the fact that I’m keeping my weight down,” Cameron said.

The changes Cameron has made in his life have added up to improved health. His diabetes is now under control and he has lost weight through his exercise routine. He still connects with friends and sees Kristen a couple of times a week.

“I like host home living,” Cameron said, surveying the neat living room. “My life would be perfect if I could find a job.” He enjoys doing janitorial work, especially when it involves running floor scrubbers, buffers or other cleaning machines. He’s hoping to find part-time work.

Sometimes making a small change can result in big dividends. Working with his team, Cameron got a chance to look at his independence from a different perspective. His move to a host home improved not only his health but his overall attitude. He’s upbeat, feels good about his life, and is planning for the future.

The Power of Positive Change

» link to LIFE

By finding a Host Home placement that was a good fit, Cameron Pratt has been able to maintain his independence while getting the meal and exercise help he needs.


Psychologist Greg Thaler has spent more than four decades helping people with cognitive disabilities manage mental health concerns. “It’s a specialized area in mental health care,” Dr. Thaler explained. “We have special strategies for testing, providing therapies, and supporting long-term progress.”

People with developmental disabilities often have communication barriers and learning differences that have to be understood to make mental health care effective. Thaler is one of eight mental health clinicians on Denver Options’ Clinical Team. This group of professionals provides services for people with cognitive challenges including developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.

“First, we test for vocabulary so we can understand a person’s communication comfort level. We also focus on how much information someone can take in at a time. We have had clients who can process only four or five words at a time. Once we have communication options clarified, we design our clinical approach around those individual needs,” Thaler said.

We Help People Achieve Success

All therapists are trained to be sensitive to learning style. When providing support to people with cognitive barriers, that sensitivity can make the difference between success and failure. “We spend time establishing trust, and we often get caregivers involved in the discussions so they can reinforce positive behaviors and strategies established in therapy,” Thaler noted.

Without extensive experience in understanding the complexities of cognitive disabilities, therapists can find it difficult to identify mental health concerns separately from disability-related issues. “Changes in behavior can be a red flag,” Thaler said. “We explore what was happening in a client’s life at the time of a behavior change, and we are alert to possible trauma or abuse. Behavior changes can also signal the onset of change in an underlying mental health condition.”

the Scoop

» link to HEALTH

“We all want to help people feel good about themselves and feel hopeful about the future. When we do that, we feel we have made a real contribution.”

- Dr. Greg Thaler, Denver Options’ Psychologist


Lance Wheeland, director of Denver Options’ Adult Services, said that families of people with developmental disabilities who shared their stories with legislators earlier in the year made a difference. “For the last several years, we have only been able to take families in crisis off the waiting list,” he noted. For this coming year, legislators made a one-time statewide funding allocation to reduce the waiting list because families told lawmakers how the lack of services affected the well-being of their entire family.

Denver Options will be able to take 36 people off the waiting list with the new resources. Wheeland estimated that one-third of those resources will be comprehensive services and Supported Living Services (SLS) will make up the rest: “We will allocate the resources based on those people who have been waiting the longest. We anticipate we will be able the fill the resources quickly.”

Wheeland noted that thousands of people are still waiting for services, not only in Denver County but throughout Colorado. Although he was encouraged that the legislators made people with developmental disabilities a priority when allocating funds this year, he hopes reducing the waiting list remains a high priority. “We have no idea if we will see similar spending in the future. We know budget limitations created the waiting list, and it will take a significant and steady commitment of funds to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities in Colorado.”

New Resources Help Families Throughout Colorado

» link to RESOURCES

Thaler works with a doctoral intern every year, which he says helps him grow as a therapist: “We often give presentations at the end of an internship on different subjects. This year we are speaking about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Whenever I work on a presentation, I deepen my knowledge.” Thaler likes to train interns because he wants to increase the number of therapists who have hands-on skills working with people with cognitive challenges.

“We include families and caregivers throughout the process, often providing specific strategies they can use day-to-day to help our clients achieve success. It’s the combination of understanding mental health challenges, finding the right therapies, offering positive behavior supports, and at times, finding the right medications to support personal success.”

Dr. Thaler talked about a young man who came to Denver Options with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He was taking an antidepressant and had difficulty holding down jobs and creating sustained relationships. Dr. Thaler, along with psychiatrist Dr. Margaret Davis, realized something was wrong. She changed his medication, and he quickly improved with therapy and the right prescription. He found a job he enjoys and has been working successfully now for many years.

For Greg Thaler, every day brings a new challenge. He finds his work is most satisfying when he can help people with a cognitive disability manage their mental health care needs in a way that allows them to explore their personal interests and achieve their personal goals. “Our Clinical Team works closely with clients, their families, case managers, and service providers. We all want to help people feel good about themselves and feel hopeful about the future. When we do that, we feel we have made a real contribution.”


What is the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS)?

The SIS is a structured interview that is designed to identify the supports a person with developmental disabilities needs to be successful in the world. It is designed as a planning tool for individuals, agencies, and systems.

Why is the SIS being used in Colorado?

In 2004, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is the federal Medicaid agency, conducted a review of Colorado’s Comprehensive Services waiver. In November 2005, concerns were raised by CMS about the adequacy of the “audit trail” in Colorado. As a result, the Department of Human Services was directed to develop a new way of determining how levels of reimbursement are decided for people with developmental disabilities who are receiving services through the state’s comprehensive Medicaid waiver. It is required that the new rate-setting methodology be uniform and transparent.

Why was the SIS chosen?

The SIS was chosen based on an analysis done by the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI). HSRI is an independent contractor that was hired by the state to analyze assessment tools that the state could utilize to establish tiered funding rates tied to consumer support needs for residential and day services provided under the Comprehensive Services waiver. HSRI recommended the SIS, and the state agreed.

Understanding the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS)



for more info

For more information on the SIS, call 303.866.7143 or visit www.siswebsite.org.

What do I need to know about the SIS?

The SIS is principally designed to directly feed into and support the development of person- centered plans by measuring the frequency, intensity, and volume of support individuals need in various dimensions of everyday functioning and living.

The SIS includes a focus on employment- related supports.

The SIS focuses on an individual’s current needs rather than a look-back approach. Although historical usage is important information, the SIS identifies needs for supports that may not have been used in the past.

The SIS yields reliable and valid information about individual support needs, and thereby, is a foundation for linking funding to such needs.

The SIS is a national tool that was normed on a sample of more than 1,300 adults with intellectual disabilities from thirty-three states and two Canadian provinces.

Agencies can use the results to help plan for staffing, staff training, budgeting, strategic planning, and evaluation. Systems can use the results for systems planning, program evaluation, and resource allocation.

Who should be at the SIS interview with the consumer?

It is the responsibility of the certified SIS interviewer to ensure that, along with the individual, one or more appropriate respondents are included in the SIS interview. A qualified respondent is someone who knows the individual well and has had recent and frequent contact with him or her. According to AAMR, a respondent must have known the person for at least three months (a full year is recommended) and have had recent opportunities to observe the person in one or more environments for substantial periods of time (at least several hours per setting). Since all initial SIS interviews will be with individuals in Comprehensive

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Services, guardians or authorized representatives may not have had as much recent opportunities to spend as much time with the individual as service providers. While a residential manager, staff, or host home provider may have the most recent knowledge about the individual’s needs for support, the interested guardian or authorized representative and parent—with consumer consent—should always be invited to participate in the interview.

How are SIS results going to be used to determine the funding level for each person being served?

That process has been designed by HSRI and Navigant Consulting (independent contractors) based on the results of SIS interviews with a sample of approximately 500 people currently being served under the Comprehensive Services Medicaid waiver. All customers in Comprehensive Services have had a SIS assessment completed. All customers in Supported Living Services were scheduled to have had their SIS assessments completed by June 9, 2008.

Where can I get more information about the SIS and its use in Colorado?

For more information about the use of the SIS in the state, contact Gail Bernstein at the Division for Developmental Disabilities at [email protected] or (303) 866-7143. For general information about the SIS instrument, go to www.siswebsite.org.




Brain Injury Association of Colorado4200 W. Conejos Pl. #524Denver, CO 80204Phone: (303) 355-9969 Improving the quality of life for survivors of brain injury and their families and supporting programs that prevent brain injury

Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado, Inc.234 Columbine St., Suite 333Denver, CO 80206Phone: (303) 377-9774 Preventing, controlling and curing epilepsy, as well as ensuring people with seizure disorders are able to participate in all life experiences

Parent Training and Information ProjectPEAK Parent Center, Inc.611 N. Weber, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: (719) 531-9400 Providing training, information and technical assistance to equip families of children birth through twenty-six including all disability conditions with strategies to advocate successfully for their children

The Autism Society of ColoradoThe mission of the Autism Society of Colorado is to promote the quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Founded in 1970, the Autism Society of Colorado educates, advocates, collaborates, and develops support programs to help meet the needs of individuals and families in Colorado affected by autism. For more information call (866) 733-0794 or visit their web site at www.autismcolorado.org.

OT HER RESOURCES OF INT ERESTThe Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People455 Sherman St., Suite 130 Denver, CO 80203 Phone: (303) 722-0300Helping individuals with disabilities live and work in the community, enjoying—to the fullest extent possible—independent and productive lives

Mile High Down Syndrome Association 1899 Gaylord St. Denver, CO 80206Phone: (303) 797-1699Assuring inclusion and enhance independence of people with Down syndrome by providing education, resources and support in partnership with individuals, families, professionals and the community

RESOURCES AT YOUR FINGERT IPS

Many children born in Denver each year will need some kind of therapeutic intervention for learning delays or disabilities. Denver Options provides early intervention developmental services to children from birth to three years of age. Denver Public Schools (DPS) provides services to children ages 3 to 21 who are eligible for school-based services.

“The change from Denver Options to Denver Public School can be confusing for parents because the service source changes and the requirement for qualifying for services also changes,” said Nancy Hodges, director of Children and Family Services at Denver Options. “Denver Public School determines if a child qualifies for special education. Some children who received Early Intervention services from Denver Options will not be eligible for special education.” Children remain in Denver Options’ Family Support Services Program after they transfer to Denver Public Schools, if they meet eligibility requirements.

Both Denver Options and DPS realize how confusing and potentially frustrating the transition from early intervention to school-based services can be, so they joined forces to make the move easier. When a child reaches two years, three months old, Denver Options and DPS begin planning for the transition.

Denver Options will:Ask families if they can share information they’ve gathered

about a child with DPSExplain the transition process to families and give them a

parent transition packet that details each stepSet up a transition plan meeting that includes families, the

child’s Denver Options’ early intervention service coordinator and DPS special education services so parents can ask questions and learn about educational services before their child turns three

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Denver Public Schools will:Review a child’s records and set

up additional testing, if needed, to determine a child’s eligibility for Special Education services to help speed the transition process

Set up an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting to explain the service options

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Denver Options and DPS Streamline ServiceTransitions

» link to EDUCATION

Denver Options will set up this meeting three to nine months before a child turns three. The transition plan meeting and the IEP will be held together whenever possible. The transition plan meeting includes discussion about specific transition steps and helps families understand the differences between developmental services and educational services.


“It Takes a Network” to Begin this SpringDenver Options and Families & Allies are partnering on a project aimed at supporting the people who have been waiting for adult services. This collaborative pilot project, “It Takes a Network,” will conduct PATHs and activate personal networks for 20 adults, 18 years and older, who are currently on the Denver Options waiting list.

A PATH plan is a tool to help a person realize his or her deepest dreams and assist in developing a plan for how this can best be accomplished through a network of families, friends, or acquaintances. Through these efforts, individuals will develop attainable goals for the next one to two years and create supportive personal networks that meet regularly to help achieve their goals and develop connections to the larger community. The outcome of this project will empower these 20 people to lead less isolated and more satisfying lives.

Meet Eugene TooleDenver Options’ Solutions Program customer Eugene Toole recently celebrated his 88th birthday. This senior stays active by exercising everyday “to keep everything pumping.” Active in his church, Eugene feels his faith “in my heart.” He also serves as safety manager when on daytime outings, making sure everyone has their seat belts buckled before heading out for activities. Here’s wishing Eugene many more happy birthdays to come!

“Age is a matter of feeling... not of years.”George William Curtis


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» link to COMMUNITY

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One Mom on a Mission recently donated a percentage of the proceeds of a cookie sale to Denver Options. One Mom on a Mission strives to enhance the lives of children and adults with special needs in the Denver area.

Out and

About

Customers registered to vote on June 24 at Denver Options. The event was hosted by the FIESTA committee, and the Spicy Pickle donated a tasty dinner.

Jose Mendoza paints at an Art Through My Eyes art workshops, which are being held at TOSA Gallery.

FIESTA’s Cookless Cooking Class was recently held at Thomas Jefferson High School. The classes are held to show how easy and fun cooking can be.


SummerLUAU

» link to COMMUNITY

Thank you!Denver Options would like to thank Denver Parks and Recreation and the Denver Area Boy Scouts for helping to make the Summer Luau a success!


December 3 - February 18Relationships 201: Building Friendships and Improving RelationshipsAdvanced social interactions and achieving goals through approprate social behavior

September 10 - November 12Safety 201: Making Safe Choices at Home and in the CommunityFocus on decision making techniques and application to good health and self-advocacy

ALIVE!

CHECK OUT FALL & WINTER CLASSES!

Sponsored by the Denver Adult Down Syndrome Clinic

Ability, Life Skills, Independence,Vitality, and Eduation

CLEAR YOUR CLOSET TO GIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO BOY SCOUTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

September 20, 20089 AM to 2 PM

Main Drop Off LocationSunken Gardens/West HighW. 11th Ave & Speer Blvd

Other locations include First Banks around the area

For More Information Please contact Edie Pena

at (303) 455-5522 X140

When:

Where:

What’s In Your Closet?

All proceeds will go to the Denver Area Council Special Needs District

Change A FUTURE. Change A LIFE. Donate TODAY. | www.denveroptions.org

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDENVER, CO

PERMIT NO. 169

9900 East Iliff AvenueDenver, CO 80231

HAVE YOU MOVED? Help us keep our records up to date by sending all address changes to Denver Options, Communications and Outreach, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., Denver, CO 80231.

“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving to the present.” - Albert Camus

The Link Issue 4.2

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Transcript of The Link Issue 4.2