As briefly posted about in the August Newsletter, Wisconsin has made the updates and changes to HCBS 1915(c) and 1915(i). These new changes will put restrictions on Sheltered Workshops such as Valley Packaging, and Lakeside Packaging Plus, and housing situations such as group homes. As noted in the newsletter article, individuals leaving high school and entering the workforce will have to participate in activities through the Department of Vocational Rehab before being able to enter working in a sheltered workshop. This plan is also trying to ensure that IRIS dollars are being spent on the most integrated, and least segregated settings as possible. The changes also include differences in the ways group homes might operate. Residents of group homes will now have more options, such as roommates, doors with locks, what they watch on TV, and what they eat. At the bottom of this post is a link that will direct you to the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services page that contains the 5 year transition plan for these changes, and information on who to contact with your feelings or opinions about the changes and/or plan. The state will be taking comments on this topic until September 2, 2014.
If you are interested in reviewing any of the documents on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Plan and Comment Page:
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ltcare/StateFedReqs/waiver.htm
