ARPA Project Pulse Newsletter | |
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Good afternoon,
A quick reminder that the Project Pulse Newsletter is now being sent in the middle of each month as opposed to the end of each month.
For this issue, we will be focusing on our projects in the Emergency Preparedness category and highlighting an exciting partner we are working with to bring these to the community, the University of Colorado Center for Inclusive Design & Engineering (CIDE).
The pandemic has illustrated how crisis preparation and a swift response can dramatically change the outcome in the wake of an emergency. Individuals with disabilities, who live in the community, may not have the support or resources needed to be adequately prepared for an emergency, putting them at increased risk when a crisis arises. Building the capacity for both emergency preparedness and rapid response in the face of disasters, such as fires, floods, or a pandemic, will ensure Coloradans living with disabilities are protected.
We look forward to releasing more detailed information in the coming months about these unique opportunities that CIDE will be offering to members. In the meantime, read about the projects and the wonderful work that CIDE does and spread the word about these opportunities so that the community is ready to take full advantage when the time comes.
~ The ARPA Team
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An Exciting ARPA Partner: CIDE | |
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During the past 26 years, the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) has grown from a small program into an internationally recognized hub for engineering, design, clinical services, community programming, and industry partnerships. Their work envisions a world where people with disabilities and, those aging into disability, are engaged in life at home, school, work, and play without barriers through appropriate technology solutions.
CIDE faculty in the Department of Bioengineering are teaching the next generation of engineering students who will go on to create more inclusive products that are usable by people with disabilities. Faculty members also engage in a robust research program focused on designing and improving existing and cutting-edge technologies to enhance the lives of those living with a disability. CIDE also provides expert consultation and usability testing to industry partners focused on increasing the accessibility of websites, software, and hardware products.
CIDE’s community outreach programs support Coloradans with disabilities by connecting them with assistive technology devices and services through technical assistance, outreach and training. Our programs cross the lifespan from early childhood and K-12 public education through improving tech literacy for older adults. CIDE also runs an Assistive Technology clinic which provides comprehensive assessment and training for people needing wheelchairs, augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) devices, learning and cognitive supports, smart home technology, accessible gaming as well as technology to support access to the workplace.
The Department will be partnering with CIDE on three ARPA projects, leveraging their vast expertise and phenomenal resources to benefit Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) members. In 6.05 Member Tech Literacy, CIDE will be launching a pilot project and building brand new train the trainer and member-focused training curricula to improve and enhance members' use of technology to access Health First Colorado services and benefits, a crucial skill in our increasingly digital-dependent world. In 7.01 Emergency Response Plans and 7.02 Member Emergency Preparedness CIDE will be tackling two critical needs for HCBS members that the COVID-19 pandemic and recent Colorado wildfires have revealed - backup power access for those with critical health care-related needs and emergency response planning that ensures members have the tools, knowledge, and resources in place should they need to evacuate or shelter-in-place in the event of an emergency.
All three projects are working through the final stages of contracting and will begin work soon. Look for more information in the ARPA Project Pulse (this newsletter) and the Office of Community Living Newsletter for announcements about Stakeholder Engagement opportunities as well as how to apply for these exciting projects.
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Stakeholder Spotlight
Name: Julia Beems
Title: Emergency Preparedness Program Coordinator
Organization: University of Colorado Denver – Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE)
Projects*: 7.01 - Emergency Response Plans; 7.02 - Member Emergency Preparedness
*Note - A final contract has not yet been signed with CIDE for this work but is in the process of being finalized.
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How long have you been with CIDE and how would you describe your role?
I have been with CIDE for 26 years as the Outreach Coordinator and Emergency Preparedness Program Coordinator. I connect with community members across the state to assist in the awareness of assistive technology devices and services and how they can level the playing field at school and work and maintain an individual’s independence and safety at home and in the community.
What excites you most about the ARPA Projects that you are working on?
These emergency preparedness projects further the education of agencies to be prepared for any emergency or disaster that may occur in their community and continue to provide services to their clientele. It also allows us to continue to educate individuals with disabilities, their family members, and caregivers to be prepared and take personal responsibility for their safety reducing the burden on local response agencies and organizations and the overall financial impact on the community. Another exciting piece will be the opportunity to test different backup supply devices for a variety of life-sustaining medical devices to determine the most effective and efficient use of these devices in a power outage emergency and distribute them so individuals can shelter in place reducing the impact on the medical community and maintain their individual health.
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How do you think these projects will most impact HCBS members and their families?
This project will provide service providers and individuals with important information to make the necessary choices and decisions for them to sustain their independence and safety during all emergencies, specifically during a power outage.
What other projects are you working on at CIDE?
A lot of my work falls under the federally funded Colorado Assistive Technology Program where I provide information and training on assistive technology devices and services for all disabilities across the lifespan. I manage a funding database (AF Funding $ources) where individuals can locate potential national, state, and local funding opportunities; and a device exchange site (Colorado AT Exchange) where new and used equipment can be posted for sale, exchange, or donation. I collaborate with the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind where I demonstrate telephone equipment for individuals with hearing and vision loss to assist in their equipment decision-making and train them on how to use their choice for the greatest benefit. I assist in recruiting individuals for our research projects and participate in other special projects that arise throughout the year. I am also responsible for collecting data on all the agency's activities and preparing the annual report to the Federal Administration for Community Living (ACL).
What is your vision for the future of assistive technology for individuals with a disability?
I envision a world where individuals have access to the technology they need to have equal access to world around them whether it be at home, school, work, or the community to maintain their dignity, independence and safety.
What’s a favorite book/movie/show that you’ve enjoyed in the past 12 months?
I attended Hamilton at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. I truly appreciated the creativity and artistic freedom to relay a new perspective on history.
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Open Grants Requesting Applications:
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Upcoming ARPA Stakeholder Engagement | |
To see all the meetings listed below on a calendar or to find meeting materials and recordings from previous ARPA-related Stakeholder Engagement, visit the ARPA Stakeholder Engagement webpage anytime. | |
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Webinar for the Disability, Older Adult, & Advocacy Communities
Topic: ARPA and Department Updates
An update for members, family members, and advocates on the Department's implementation of the HCBS provision of the American Rescue Plan Act. Interested stakeholders include advocates, caregivers, families, long-term services and supports (LTSS) stakeholders, members, older adult stakeholders.
Webinar documents are on the OCL webinar page.
The next meeting will be held:
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022
9:30 - 11 a.m. MT
Join via Zoom
Join by Phone:
(Toll-free) 1-877-853-5257
Meeting ID: 993 1700 7314, Passcode: 396389
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Updates & Technical Assistance Webinar for LTSS Providers
Topic: ARPA and Department Updates
An update for LTSS providers on the Department's implementation of the HCBS provision of the American Rescue Plan Act. Audience includes case management agencies (CMAs), community centered boards (CCBs), HCBS providers, nursing facilities, providers, and single entry point (SEP) agencies.
Webinar documents are on the OCL webinar page.
The next meeting will be held:
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022
3:30 - 5 p.m. MT
Join via Zoom
Join by Phone:
(Toll-free) 1-877-853-5257
Meeting ID: 993 1700 7314, Passcode: 396389
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Direct Care Workforce Compensation & Benefits Action Group
Supporting the Direct Care Workforce Collaborative, this Action Group meeting brings stakeholders together to develop solutions that recognize the diverse needs of this workforce. All interested stakeholders are welcome.
For more information, please see the Join Direct Care Workforce Collaborative webpage.
The next meeting will be held:
Friday, Nov. 18, 2022
1 - 2 p.m. MT
Join via Zoom
Join by Phone:
(Toll-free) 1-877-853-5257
Meeting ID: 993 1700 7314, Passcode: 396389
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HCBS Provider Training Fund Grant Application Process Webinar
This is an informational webinar, intended for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Providers, relating to the ARPA 1.05 Provider Training Grant. This training will provide a walk-through of the training grant application and budget workbook. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the Department website. Additional webinars will be scheduled for future grant cycles. HCBS providers will be interested in this webinar.
Visit the ARPA 1.05 Grant portion of the ARPA webpage for information on the Request for Applications or other information on the grant program.
The meeting will be held:
Monday, Nov. 21, 2022
3 - 4 p.m. MT
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 993 1700 7314 , Passcode:396389
Join via Phone:
(Toll-free) 1-877-5257
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ARPA 2.02 Statewide Mobile Crisis Response: Providers and Potential Providers Technical Assistance
This is a meeting for providers and potential providers to ask questions and receive Technical Assistance related to implementing the Mobile Crisis Medicaid benefit. All interested stakeholders are welcome to attend.
This first meeting in this meeting series will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 10 - 11 a.m. MT. After that, these meetings will occur on the third Thursday of the month from 10 - 11 a.m. MT, beginning Thursday, Dec. 22, 2002, and then through at least July 2023.
The meeting will be held:
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022
10 - 11 a.m. MT
Join via Google Meet
Join by Phone:
Join via Phone: 1-929-277-6449, PIN: 192 128 446#
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ARPA 2.02 Statewide Mobile Crisis Response: General Technical Assistance
This is an opportunity for any interested stakeholders to ask questions and receive support for the Mobile Crisis Medicaid benefit implementation. This meeting will include full program updates. We recommend it if you can only attend one meeting a month. All interested stakeholders are welcome.
These meetings will occur on the first Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. MT, through at least July 2023.
The meeting will be held:
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT
Join via Google Meet
Join by Phone:
Join via Phone: 1-361-248-9976, PIN: 239 867 541#
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Direct Care Workforce Value & Awareness Action Group
Supporting the Direct Care Workforce Collaborative, this Action Group brings stakeholders together to develop awareness and advocacy strategies that increase community understanding and support for this workforce. All interested stakeholders are welcome.
For more information, please see the Join Direct Care Workforce Collaborative webpage.
The next meeting will be held:
Friday, Dec 2, 2022
1 - 2 p.m. MT
Join via Zoom
Join by Phone:
(Toll-free) 1-877-853-5257
Meeting ID: 969 4053 6000, Passcode: 115140
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ARPA 2.02 Statewide Mobile Crisis Response: Administrative Service Organization (ASO) and Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) Technical Assistance
This is an opportunity for ASOs & RAEs to ask questions and receive technical assistance related to implementing the Mobile Crisis Medicaid Benefit. All interested stakeholders are welcome to attend.
These meetings will occur on the second Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. MT, through at least July 2023.
The meeting will be held:
Thursday, Dec 8, 2022
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT
Join via Google Meet
Join via Phone:
Join via Phone: 1-240-560-3613,PIN: 440 764 383#
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ARPA 2.02 Statewide Mobile Crisis Response: Member & Community Technical Assistance
This is a meeting for Health First Colorado members and the community to ask questions and receive technical assistance related to implementing the Mobile Crisis Medicaid benefit. All interested stakeholders are welcome to attend.
These meetings will occur on the third Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. MT, through at least July 2023.
The meeting will be held:
Thursday, Dec 15, 2022
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT
Join via Google Meet
Join via Phone: 1-920-476-8490,PIN: 166 459 822#
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ARPA Community Engagement Listening Session:
Educational materials for members and families surrounding Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
The Department is holding a listening session to engage the community on their experience with the currently available educational materials surrounding Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) located on the Department website Long-Term Services and Supports Programs webpage. This is also an opportunity for the community to learn about the exciting work being done through the ARPA project 3.04 Educational Materials for Members and Families. The engagement of members, family, advocates, providers, and all other stakeholders is a critical part of this process.
The Department has identified a need to create additional information to support our communities with understanding the different HCBS waivers and LTSS programs that are available. This project will provide educational materials to help members and their families navigate through the different HCBS waivers, the services within each waiver, state plan benefits, etc. Material will be Member-focused, person-centered and in plain language for ease of use.
The meeting will be held:
Monday, Dec 19, 2022
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT
Register via Zoom
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Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose first language is not English may be provided upon request. Please notify John Barry at 303-866-3173 or John.R.Barry@state.co.us or the 504/ADA Coordinator at hcpf504ada@state.co.us at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements. | |
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