provides a contact point for admission, information about agency programs and services and referral
Eligibility requirements:
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Type
of Disability- individuals must have a Developmental Disability (defined as
a condition occurring before the age of 22 that includes mental retardation, cerebral
palsy, epilepsy, autism and neurological impairments) to receive the following services:
Individuals with developmental disabilities as well as learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, physical impairments or other types of disabilities are eligible to receive vocational services. |
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Age- Individuals over the age of 18 who meet specific program requirements are eligible for all services provided by the agency. Individuals under the age of 18 who meet specific program requirements are eligible for case management, service coordination, early intervention and recreation. |
If Opportunities Unlimited is not able to address the needs of the consumer, we will make referral to another human service agency that can.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara's case management services are
provided by program specialists at three day program sites: Niagara Falls, Lockport and
Wheatfield. The purpose of program specialists is to address the every day needs of
individuals attending the agency's day services center or who are receiving services in a
sheltered employment setting and do not have a Medicaid Service Coordinator (MSC).
Although some services are similar to that of an MSC, the program specialist's
responsibilities are specific to the day program. These include:
 | Advocate on behalf of individual's within their case load |
| Coordinate and conduct treatment team meetings |
| Work as a liaison between the day program, parents and residential staff |
| Ensure programs are provided as indicated in the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and are addressing the individual's needs and desires |
| Ensure consumer satisfaction and quality of care. |
COORDINATED SERVICES
Providing choices to individuals with disabilities is Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara's
philosophy. Coordinated Services is an innovative way of giving consumers the freedom to
choose what they want and need.
GOAL OF COORDINATED SERVICES
To create service environments for people focusing on:
| Individualization |
| Independence |
| Inclusion |
| Productivity |
THE GOVERNING PRINCIPLES OF COORDINATED SERVICES
| A person with a developmental disability shall relate to his or her family, friends and communities when and how he or she chooses. |
| A person with a developmental disability shall be as independent as possible and determine the direction of his or her life. |
| A person with a developmental disability shall have the opportunity to make life choices that do not compromise health and safety, and such choices shall be respected and valued. |
| A person with a developmental disability should have the opportunity to communicate his or her fears and have them addressed, and not to be subjected to fear, harm or reprisal in connection with the provision of supports and services. |
| A person with a developmental disability should receive support and services, which are effective and meet his or her needs. |
THE BASIC SKILLS OF A SERVICE COORDINATOR
| Able to put the consumer's needs and desire first. |
| Knowledgeable about person/family; respect their desires and choices. |
| Knowledgeable about services and supports. |
| Willing to share information with consumer/family. |
| Skilled in accessing services. |
| Innovative in planning, developing services and natural supports. |
| Creative in building a community for the consumer. Develops and implements individualized inclusion activities. |
| Flexible in planning and able to think "out of the box." |
| Available to the consumer and willing to listen. |
| Diligent in monitoring and evaluating progress toward goals. |
| Effective in advocating for consumer/family rights. |
| Able to provide opportunities for consumer to learn to make choices. |
| Aware of cultural customs, norms and preferences. |
The purpose of a Service Coordinator is to provide effective management of care in
accordance with the consumer's Individual Service Plan (ISP).
ROLE OF THE MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATOR
The service Coordinator works for the individual and in partnership with the person in
order to develop an Individualized Service Environment (ISE) consistent with their
personal goals, preferences and desired activities.
This process results in the development of an Individual Service Plan (ISP), which serves
as an outline of the services and supports either needed or desired by the person to meet
their specific needs or that will assist them in achieving their personal life goals. The
aim of the ISP is to ensure that a person receives as many supports or services as
possible, consistent with their valued outcomes as identified in the plan.
Specific services and supports provided by the Service Coordinator range from assistance
with financial matters, arranging respite, securing leisure and recreational activities,
identifying environmental modifications and adaptive equipment if necessary, housing
issues and providing in-home services, etc.
Enabling individuals to make their own choices promotes change, growth and the ability to
meet new challenges every day.
Advocating
The Medicaid Service Coordinator serves as an advocate who assists the individual with
informed decision making which impacts the quality of the individual's life. The Medicaid
Service Coordinator provides an "arms length" relationship with all providers
who deliver services in order to avoid any conflict of interest. Their primary role is to
promote self-advocacy whenever possible, and advocate in the event that the individual is
unable to do so themselves.
Linkage and Referral
Process of assisting the individual/advocate to identify and access specific services
appropriate to the persons needs and interests, as well as, completing/providing any
necessary paperwork to ensure that services are obtained.
Follow-up and Monitoring
Actions taken to oversee an individual's participation in the needed/desired services,
support, activities and benefits as identified in the ISP. The Service Coordinator ensures
that services are delivered as requested by the individual, in accordance with the ISP.
ELIGIBILITY
MSC
| Documentation of Developmental Disability |
| Medicaid eligibility. |
| Live in own home or with family. |
| Live in Individual Residential Alternative (IRA) or other residence certified by OMRDD (e.g., Community Residence or Family Care Home). |
Waiver
Same criteria as listed above with the addition of ICF/MR level of care eligibility
determination.
SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE INDIVIDUAL SERVICE PLAN
Residential Habilitation
Services that are habilitative in nature, relating to activities of daily living such as
personal grooming and cleanliness, bed making and household chores, preparation of food
and social skills to enable the individual to live in his or her own home, family's home,
a family care home or an Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA).
Day Habilitation
Day Habilitation services may stand alone with no connection to pre-vocational and
supported employment services. In other instances, Day Habilitation serves as a transition
to and/or enhances pre-vocational and supported employment supports. Day Habilitation
services may include mobility training; training and assistance in developing appropriate
social behaviors, communication skills, basic safety skills, personal care skills, health
care skills, money management skills, and transportation specific to participation in
community activities or programming integral to the person's day habilitation service
plan.
Respite
A service designed to provide temporary relief to primary care giver of an individual with
a developmental disability.
Environmental Modifications
Changes made to the home environment necessary to ensure the health, welfare and safety of
an individual and to allow maximum independence.
Adaptive Technologies
Devices, aides, controls, appliances or supplies of either a communication or adaptive
type that are necessary to allow a person to live at home.
Pre-Vocational
Services that assist individuals who are interested in joining the "world of
work."
Supported Employment
Services that assist individuals in finding and keeping employment which is meaningful to
them in the community.
State Plan Services
Services that assist individuals with maintaining their health and well being; and
transportation services.
MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATORS RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
| Develop, implement, and maintain the consumer's Individualized Service Plan (ISP). |
| Review the ISP at least every six months. This review includes other types of service plans the person may have that generate from the ISP. Forwards copies to the person, advocates, and major service providers. |
| Maintain the person's service coordination record. |
| Attend 15 hours of professional development training annually. |
| Meet with the person face-to-face at least once each month. These meetings must occur in the person's home at least once every three months. |
| For service coordinators who do not serve members of the Willowbrook class, maintain a caseload not the exceed 30. |
| Facilitate the person's entry into MSC; change of MSC vendor; and withdrawal from MSC. |
| Complete the Service Coordinator Observation Report (SCOR) every three months for people living in OMRDD certified residences. Report any suspected health or safety issues. |
| Complete and maintain service coordination notes. |
| Document ISP reviews in the service coordinator's notes. |
RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFIC TO WAIVER SERVICES
| Complete HCBS Waiver Enrollment Forms. |
| Ensure the completion of an annual level of care for ICF/MR enrollment. |
| Secure or continue searching for an advocate for each enrolled person who requires one. |
| Notify DDSO of HCBS terminations, and inform the terminated individual about connecting with follow-along services. |
Ensure that the person's fire safety needs are addressed as stated in the ISP. If a
person lives in an IRA, the Service Coordinator ensures the assessment of that person's
fire safety needs at least annually. The fire safety needs of people living in their own
homes should be reviewed and discussed, but an assessment is not required.
provides individualized day programming designed for adults with severe or multiple developmental disabilities and health-related needs
Services offered include:
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assistance in personal hygiene, independent living skills, adaptive daily living skills, pre-vocational skills training and therapeutic recreation |
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medical oversight, nursing and nutrition services |
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occupational and physical therapy |
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Day Habilitation |
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state-wide acclaimed senior programming |
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state-of-the-art sensory programming, including a specialized room |
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psychological services - assessments, behavioral services, counseling |
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speech pathology and language stimulation program |
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community-based recreation activities |
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community-based volunteer opportunities |
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horticulture therapy through the Niagara Floral Center & Greenhouse |
The following specialty
services are available:
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social
work -
assists with personal, interpersonal, domestic and environmental challenges |
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psychology - assessment, screening,
evaluation, counseling and behavioral services |
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physical
therapy -
functional mobility training; assistive device training to consumers & families |
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occupational
therapy
– evaluates upper extremity/hand function, visual perceptual skills, ergonomics,
adaptive equipment, splint fabrication, wheelchair clinic, evaluations, repairs &
seating solutions. Also evaluates and assists in ADL functioning. Evaluate and develop
strategies to assist with sensory integrative dysfunction, sensory and tactile
defensiveness. |
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speech/language
pathology - assesses
and improves expressive and receptive communication
skills, assesses for feeding/swallowing problems as well as use of assistive technology
devices |
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medical/nursing
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provides screening and monitoring of chronic conditions and vital signs; administers
medications and Mantoux tests; provides health-related information |
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nutrition
- assessment,
screening, intake evaluations, menu planning, counseling for weight control |
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rehabilitation
counseling - addresses
career exploration and counseling, job skill development, interview and resume
preparation, work environment evaluation, workplace social skills, financial management
and assistive technology services to maximize an individual's vocational preparation |
|
psychiatry
-
addresses mental, emotional or behavioral disorders with appropriate |
Our staff of licensed professionals
specializes in providing services to people with developmental disabilities under the
direction of a board certified medical director.
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William “Buddy” Wall, 2006 Residential Consumer of the Year, is described as the “perfect” housemate who is always cheerful, willing to help, trustworthy and an all around gentleman. Living in an urban, community-based residence he has successfully become an active member of his neighborhood. Through the agency he is also furthering his educational goals. For more information on the honorees, click here. |
A variety of options and supports are available that include:
Supportive Individual Residential Alternatives offer individuals who are ready for new levels of independence and achievement a supportive living environment with minimum staff support and supervision. Services are geared toward developing independent living skills while living in their own apartment.
Supervised Individual Residential Alternatives provide 24-hour staff supervision and utilize person-centered planning to establish services consistent with the protective oversight needs of each individual, while maximizing the pursuit of individual goals and quality of life for each person. These residences typically house fewer individuals than Intermediate Care Facilities.
Intermediate Care Facilities offer the most intensive and highly supervised residential setting for individuals with extensive needs. Programming is based upon professionally developed activities, experiences or therapies (i.e., nursing, nutrition, recreation, social work, psychology and self-care) appropriate to individual needs.
Family Care Homes allow individuals an opportunity to live within a family setting in the community. The family care provider in conjunction with agency staff provides supervision and training.
In-home Residential Habilitation Services provide support to individuals in their own home using a person-centered approach to assist individuals in achieving meaningful life goals.
provides a variety of work training, placement and employment support to individuals with disabilities
The activities offered increase independence, productivity and integration of people with disabilities in a work setting and prepare them for potential employment in the community.
Training options include:
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subcontracting services |
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food service- Cafe Unlimited |
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environmental services |
(click on any option above, to find out how your business can take advantage of quality services & products)
Program options include:
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evaluation/personal adjustment training - each individual entering a work training area is provided with three weeks of vocational assessment to determine vocational strengths and interests. The individual is provided with eight weeks of training and support through Personal Adjustment Training (P.A.T.) to assist in making the transition into the "work world". |
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day habilitation - services are provided to consumers based on their individual goals and desires. Consumers are given training on work skills and habits, as well as community inclusion opportunities through volunteer placements. The intent of the program is to provide life skills training in a naturally occurring setting outside of the work environment. |
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vocational skills program - provides training in activities of daily living, cognitive skills and social skills development for 90 minutes to half-day of service which may also include clinical supports. |
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supported employment - offers choices for competitive employment to individuals transitioning from school, sheltered employment or the community. Job development and job coaching services provide on-the-job training and support. The intent of the program is to build P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S. (Providing Assessment, Rehabilitation and Training to New Employees Reaching for Success) with employers |
provides assistance to families with a family member who is disabled or to individuals with disabilities who live on their own
Services include:
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home care training/life planning assistance - areas include banking, cleaning and shopping. The goal is to transition from living with a family to living independently. |
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guardianship - assists families with legal arrangements to appoint a guardian who will manage the personal and/or financial affairs and make decisions for a person with a disability over the age of 18, who is unable to make life decisions for themselves. Click here for more information on guardianship. |
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exceptional parenting - training parents who are developmentally disabled to improve parenting skills with an emphasis on health, safety and discipline. |
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residential habilitation - provides support for individuals with disabilities living in the community. Includes training in cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, banking and recreation. |
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self advocacy - provides a mechanism for individuals with disabilities to advocate for and promote their rights. |
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recreation – gives families the support that can make the difference in preserving and strengthening a positive family environment. While giving family members a well deserved “break,” recreational activities enable the family’s loved one to make new friends and enrich their lives through participation in a variety of social and physically oriented activities. There are programs for youth (ages 12-18) and adults (19+). Click here for more information on eligibility. |
offers social and physically oriented community-based activities for youth and adults designed to promote community inclusion and the opportunity to make new friends
Activities include:
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regional travel |
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small excursions |
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sporting events |
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concerts & movies |
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seasonal activities |
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roller skating and community walks |
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bingo, bowling, dinner and dances. |
Eligibility for individuals who:
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reside in Niagara or Orleans Counties,
or the neighboring communities of Grand Island, Tonawanda, Kenmore or West Amherst |
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live with a family member |
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possess a developmental disability |
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have a “notification of
Decision” (I.Q. under 69) |
A new youth program serves individuals ages 12-18.
The adult program serves individuals 19 and above.
Door to door transportation is provided.
Trained staff provide appropriate supervision to all participants.
Please call the Admissions department at (716) 504-2617 to discuss enrolling your family
member into this exciting program.
A monthly calendar of upcoming events is available by contacting (716)434-4050.
click here for location and contact information
provides a partnership with students, parents, teachers and school districts which will enhance a student's success as they leave school and enter a career or the adult service system
S.T.E.P.S can provide assistance to your students through:
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Transition Exposure- provides students with paid work experience by performing contract work for area companies while working to build self-esteem and confidence. |
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Shadowing Program- provides an opportunity for students to work "side-by-side" with another worker and experience career interests in vocational training areas. |
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Shadowing Through Volunteerism- provides students with opportunities to expand their exposure to the community by developing work habits and attitudes through community involvement. |
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Tours of Supported Employment Sites- provides students with a tour of a community-based supported employment job site. |
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Functional On-site Assessment- provides ongoing observations and feedback on the job, their skills, performance and interactions. |
S.T.E.P.S. offers the following supports to school personnel and administrators:
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Attendance at Committee on Special Education Meetings |
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Written reports on student performance, observations and recommendations |
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Tours of day or residential programs |
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Teacher training |
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Teacher assistance with linkage and referral to other supports needed upon transitioning |
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Parent training on a variety of topics related to transition to the adult service world |
Taking S.T.E.P.S. Toward Success After Graduation
Program: The School Transition and Employment Program for Success (S.T.E.P.S)
Services Offered: The program provides a partnership with students, parents, teachers and school districts. Services Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara offers through this program include: rehabilitation counseling, transition exposures, shadowing program, shadowing through volunteerism, tours of supported employment sites, functional on-site assessment, parent and teacher training and assistance as well as written reports. For more details, please see enclosed brochure.
Brief History: The program was developed by agency personnel. A committee was formed to focus on developing a solid relationship between schools and the agency in order to transition individuals with disabilities out of school and into the workforce. Outreach efforts have been targeted to special education teachers and coordinators as well as students' families. The goal is to educate these individuals on the services Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara provides once the student enters the adult service system.
Area School District Involvement:
| Six school districts are currently taking advantage of the services S.T.E.P.S can provide. |
| Orleans-Niagara BOCES currently sends 10 students daily to the sheltered employment program for half days. The students are accompanied by a teacher and an aide. Here they learn valuable work habits and attitudes while earning a paycheck. |
| Also, through Opportunities Unlimited's Clinical Services, students are receiving rehabilitation counseling designed to assist them in achieving their vocational outcomes, including assessment and job preparation. |
| Currently 16 students are successfully enrolled in the program. |
Many parents are unsure of what services are available for their children upon graduation. The S.T.E.P.S. Program creates a link to these services putting a parents mind at ease. If eligible for the program, the special education student has options such as supportive services, recreational opportunities, clinical services and residential placement that are available through the agency. The S.T.E.P.S. Program has assisted many students in smoothly transitioning to the adult service system. The transition exposures students receive has given many individuals the needed training and work skills to be successful in a job after graduation with support from Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara.
| Are you a student with special needs or parent of a student with a disability? Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara's School Transition and Employment Program for Success (S.T.E.P.S.) provides comprehensive training to students with disabilities. In partnership with local school districts, special education students can make a smooth transition into the workforce and the community. Call Pete Drew at (716)297-6400 for more information. |
assists individuals in achieving their vocational outcomes, including vocational assessment, job preparation and skills training, resume' writing, personal hygiene and work habits and attitudes
