June 2021 Newsletter

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is undertaking a major initiative called Case Management Redesign (CMRD) that refers to several changes, including Conflict-Free Case Management (CFCM), one place to go for all Medicaid Waivers, and a New Assessment and Person-Centered Support Plan Process. The aim of these changes is to help make accessing long-term service and supports easier, to create the right number of case management agencies, and increase the quality of case management services in Colorado. The five-key outcomes of Case Management Redesign are: federal compliance, simplicity, quality, stability, and accountability.

CFCM is a Federal rule and Colorado law that a person that conducts the Service Plan and case management services cannot be employed by a Home and Community Based Services provider, which means that individuals will not be able to receive their Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and case management from the same organization.

The process of assisting and implementing CMRD is underway, and your input is vital. A goal of CMRD is determining the “right number” of case management agencies and regions. This means the boundaries or counites making up each case management agency may be reconfigured into new, larger, or smaller catchment areas or regions. The specifics of what measures would define the “right” number of agencies or regions have yet to be finalized. Please share your ideas with HCPF and HCBS Strategies. The map above shows DDRC’s current catchment area in green, which includes Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin and Summit Counties.

HCPF is contracting with HCBS Strategies to manage the process of determining the number of case management agencies and regions and full implementation of CMRD. They invite broader stakeholder input. Even though full implementation of CMRD is not required until July 2024, the process, decisions, and implementation are complex, so communications are underway now. They are conducting a survey to get stakeholder input on the grouping of Case Management Agencies and Regions. The survey is open until June 7. Please take a look and share your opinions and ideas, using the link below.

The next stakeholder meeting about Case Management Redesign, held virtually, will be June 16, 2021 from 1 – 3 p.m. To participate, go to the stakeholder calendar invite section of the Office of Community Living (OCL), which has the relevant information to connect on that day: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/OCL-stakeholder-engagement. Sign up for OCL emails to receive information on meetings and engagement efforts.

Marti has always enjoyed sports. She was active in DDRC’s Therapeutic Learning Connections/Recreation (TLC/Rec) program playing Bocce ball and this spring she’s been part of a group of 13 individuals on DDRC’s team training for Special Olympics Track and Field competitions, involving distance racing, softball throw and long jump.

During a Saturday morning practice, Marti explained that she had won 1^st place in her race walking event at the regional competition, saying, “It was hard not to cry when I won because I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I did! I was proud and happy!”  

Rick Lovato and Kristina Cripe, DDRC Recreation Specialists, said that the DDRC TLC/Rec program brings a variety of people together. Some individuals live in group residential settings and others live independently, and the program meets the needs and abilities of all participants. “They are building friendships and it’s a supportive environment,” Rick says.

Bret, an individual on the team who lives in his own apartment and drives to practice, has taken on a mentor role with his teammates as one of two Fitness Captains. He leads the team in warm-up and cool-down exercises. He comes prepared with his notes and leads the group as they count out movements. “Very good” he says to encourage the group, a few of whom have let out some “ahhhhs” as the tight muscles loosen.

Then the group assembles at the starting line. Rick and Kristina talk through tips about good race form and Kristina and Marti discuss pumping the arms and going heel to toe for race walking. The athletes line up and then go off in waves for each race category, as shouts of “go-go” are heard.

For the race walking, Marti has her eyes fixed on the finish line and is pumping hard. By the fourth time she is winded at the finish line, but she beams as she says. “I love my DDRC Special Olympics people.” And while usually it’s the coaches who give out the kudos, Marti adds, “Rick and Kristina are doing a good job and I’m proud of them,” showing that the supportive culture has rubbed off on everyone!

If you or someone you know would like to participate in DDRC’s TLC/Rec programs, which include sports and other activities responsive to participants’ interests, please contact Kristina.Cripe@ddrcco.com or call 720.544.8115. You can also talk with your Resource Coordinator to explore other programs and providers too.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) provides rental assistance to income-eligible tenants by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent and utilities and paying it directly to their landlords.

Men and women with disabilities or families with a household member with a disability can apply to be added to the HCV Program waitlist through DDRC. DDRC will only accept applications from June 28 through June 30.

Official notice with additional information about our application period and how to request an application will be posted at www.ddrcco.com.

DDRC’s Behavioral Health Team is hosting a free, online Zoom session to help parents, teachers and providers learn how to motivate positive behavior from people they support. The concepts are applicable to many ages, settings and situations, and participants can ask questions relevant their circumstance. The class is based on practices of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Advance registration required: email your name and phone number to Zachary.Maple@ddrcco.com.  

Employment First is the practice and philosophy of meaningful work for meaningful pay, and the Colorado Office of Employment First is holding a virtual conference June 9-11 to advance Employment First. The intended audience is people with disabilities, family members, service providers and employers.

We are pleased to share that DDRC’s Employment Services will be among the conference presenters with a session on "Elevating Employment First at DDRC.” In addition to other presentations, there will be two keynote speakers, a “Fireside Chat” with presenters and attendees, and optional social hours. Presentations will touch on three tracks: the future of work, innovative practices, and advocacy, empowerment, and leadership.

It’s exciting to see Employment First continue to gain momentum. Be a part of it and register for the conference being held June 9- and June 10 (1-5 p.m.) and June 11 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.).

Can't attend the conference but want to learn more about what DDRC is doing to support individuals of all abilities with their career goals and Employment First?

Visit https://ddrcco.com/vocational/home and email heather.hagen@ddrcco.com.

We are continuing to monitor our operations in response to changes in pandemic guidance from federal, state, and local entities, which are prompted by increasing vaccinations and decreasing hospitalizations. The State of Colorado recently updated the state's mask order to fall in line with new guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who have not yet been vaccinated should continue to wear masks. For people who are fully vaccinated, there is no state mandate requiring masks.

Some businesses can require mask-wearing on their premises. Jefferson County has moved to "Level Clear," reflecting the same loosening of mask mandates, and revising building occupancy levels.

For now, DDRC has not yet made changes in our operations. We are continuing to require masks for staff, visitors and all who are able to wear a mask, in each of our facilities and our licensed group homes, and surveillance testing continues at our group homes.

DDRC helps other organizations with surveys, where relevant to our audience and when the timing works. The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council), which advises the Governor and General Assembly, is looking for your comments to guide their 5-year plan regarding their partnerships, use of time and resources, and addressing unmet needs of Coloradans with IDD. See: http://coddc.org/Five-Year-Plan-2017-2021. Comment by June 14 to Joelle.Brouner@state.co.us. Note “Public Comment” in the subject line.

The Colorado Office of Early Childhood is seeking input from parents or caregivers of a child receiving Early Intervention Services for at least 6 months as of April 1, 2021. Their survey is online only, relates to “Family Outcomes,” and is important for their planning and reporting. Respond by June 30. Watch for their emails or contact your DDRC Service Coordinator or call the Office of Early Childhood at 1-800-799-5876.

Happy 60^th and Congratulations to The Arc, Jefferson Clear Creek, Gilpin

It’s said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend – but diamonds also symbolize the longevity of our friends.

We congratulate The Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties as they celebrate their diamond anniversary! We appreciate our partnering and collaborations with The Arc. For 60 years, they have advocated, encouraged and problem-solved alongside the individuals and families they touch, and they do it with such shining commitment!

They are holding their Annual Members Meeting virtually on June 30, 6:00- 6:45 p.m., where they will celebrate how far they’ve come and all they have done. You can become a member with any contribution, and regardless, everyone may still register to attend. They ask for registration by June 23. Go to https://www.arcjc.org/.

Make a Difference – Serve on DDRC’s Family Support Council

Serving as a volunteer on DDRC’s Family Support Council is a chance to guide financial support to help families “most-in-need.” The Council is looking for additional members and invites applicants.

The Council provides direction to DDRC about how to administer the state-funded Family Support Services Program and allocations of the Jeffco Children and Family Services Fund. They determine the number of families to be served with state and county resources, approve the process for identifying families "most in need," establish funding limits for awards consistent with the State's rules, and set priorities based on available resources and state guidelines.

The Council is a state-mandated entity made up of family members, professionals, citizens, and people with an intellectual and developmental disability. They meet virtually at 4 PM on the first Thursday of each quarter. Applications will be reviewed by the Council, then forwarded to the DDRC Board of Directors who make a final decision regarding appointments. To apply, click the button below.

Access to broadband is crucial in order for individuals we serve to fully tap into services, resources, and the community. Now, a new source of help is available. The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.

See the program flyer.

More Details at: https://getemergencybroadband.org/

If you haven’t gotten your COVID-19 vaccine yet, STRIDE Community Health is doing free vaccinations on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. in the RTD Parking Garage at 14^th Ave and Colfax in Lakewood (enter the garage off 14^th Ave.) and at the Hyatt Hotel garage across from the Anschutz Medical Center in Aurora. For other options, check your county health department web site and consider these vaccine clinics below:

COVID - 19 Resources

The Colorado Vaccine Website          

Vaccine Hotline 1-877-268-2926

COVID-19 Testing Information: Jeffco, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Summit

Update relating to DDRC operations during the pandemic: here

Persevering, Adapting and Resilient

Take a look at how we have adapted and persevered

during this pandemic to fulfill our mission and serve thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

See it here

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