Description:Services under the OPWDD umbrella support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. AIM has programs for individuals who choose to self-direct, as well as for individuals who choose traditional services.
BROKERAGE: AIM employs experienced brokers who work with individuals and their circles of support to complete both phases of their self-directed plan.
Start-up Broker (Phase one): Using a person-centered planning process, AIM brokers work with individuals and their circles of support to develop a self-directed plan. Using the person-centered planning process, the broker will meet regularly with the individual and his/her circle of support to design a plan that has identified the valued outcomes the individual seeks to achieve, the learning process they wish to use to acquire these skills, and the people who will help teach the desired skills. As part of this process, brokers also work with the individual’s circle of support to develop a budget that will fund the plan. Brokers record all information in an OPWDD-mandated format and work with the family and the Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) to ensure the plan is submitted and approved.
Support Broker (Phase two): Once a self-directed plan is approved, families work with a support broker to maintain the plan. Brokers can help recruit, interview and train new staff. They work closely with the participant and a Medicaid service coordinator to ensure the plan continues to meet the participant’s needs. The broker also monitors the established budget and ensures necessary paperwork is completed in a timely manner.
FISCAL INTERMEDIARY SERVICES (FI): This service ensures that costs related to the self-directed plan – staff wages, activity fees, gym memberships etc. – are paid in accordance with plan guidelines and authorized budgets. The FI is the employer of record, and the participant and his/her circle of support are the supervisors. This co-management style allows the participant and his/her circle of support to maintain the day-to-day control while the FI ensures federal and state labor laws are followed. The FI ensures that hiring paperwork is completed. The FI also maintains personnel files, processes payroll and writes checks for other authorized expenses.
In order to participate in these programs, an individual must be OPWDD-eligible, be enrolled in the Medicaid waiver and have authorization from the DDRO.
MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATION (MSC): This service helps people gain access to needed services and supports. The core responsibilities of MSC are linkage and referral, advocating for services, and monitoring safety and satisfaction of services.
FAMILY SUPPORTS AND SERVICES: The Family Support Services Program assists families who are caring for a relative with a developmental disability at home by aiding the caregivers and thereby enhancing family stability.
The goals of the program are:
•To Maintain family unity
•To prevent premature or inappropriate out-of-home placement
•To enhance parenting skills
•To maximize the potential of the family member with a developmental disability
•To provide a quality life
AIM administrates two specific programs under the Family Support Services umbrella.
Service Access: The Front Door Service helps families and individuals seeking OPWDD eligibility. For parents and caregivers, it offers training and support that provide insight into services and supports for someone with a developmental disability.
Navigation assistance can include services and supports such as Medicaid Service Coordination, transition, understanding the special education system (including 504 plans and individual education plans), housing and supported employment opportunities.
Once OPWDD eligibility is obtained, the FSS Coordinator can assist individuals with referral to services and supports in the community and OPWDD system