Kentucky develops community healthcare resource for adults with I/DD

People with intellectual disabilities can have a very difficult time accessing good quality healthcare. It’s not uncommon for a parent or guardian to be turned away by a physician’s office due to their child’s challenging behaviors. 

The majority of doctors have been trained on how to treat and diagnose illnesses, but that training does not include taking care of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The New York Times recently profiled one woman’s struggles with finding appropriate care for her adult son with intellectual disability, autism, and cerebral palsy. Read the article and watch the video HERE.  

In memory of Yolande "Yo" Childers Bestgen

Obituary for Yolande Childers Bestgen

Yolande “Yo” Childers Bestgen 66, passed away December 7, 2014 at Homestead Assisted Living in Garden City, Ks. She was born November 10, 1948 in Anthony, Kansas the daughter of Don & Alice (Vlcek) Childers. Yolande is survived by her parents Don and Alice Childers; sister Stacey King of Satanta, Ks.; and a brother James Childers of Huntington Beach, Ca.; three nieces and two nephews.

Yolande graduated from Garden City High School in 1966. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in communications from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Ks and a Master of Science Degree in Speech Pathology.

Yolande is remembered by family, friends, colleagues, politicians, government officials, persons with disabilities, their families, supporters, and advocates across the nation for her lifelong commitment to insuring that justice, equal rights, and access to services and supports become a part of the fabric of state and federal laws and policies and practices.

Ms. Bestgen began her career as a speech pathologist and assistant director of special education in Newton, Ks. She was noted for her work in Kansas as the Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, (now InterHab) where she lead initiatives to significantly expand community services and reduce the waiting list for children and adults with disabilities through the enhancement of the Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver. Her work informed the drafting and ultimate passage of the Kansas Development Disabilities Reform Act, a landmark law in the history of the state of Kansas.

Her success in Kansas, lead her to leadership positions in Washington, DC with the National Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, United Cerebral Palsy National and the President’s Committee on Intellectual Disabilities. She followed this national experience by holding key positions as Vice President for Strategic Development of Commission Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities, and in leadership positions for nonprofit organizations in California. She concluded her professional life in early childhood services program management for the state of Texas. Her final commitment to helping others culminated in her volunteer, then employment in organizations providing support to persons experiencing cancer.

Yo’s life represented the truest commitment to supporting people with disabilities in living lives of independence and dignity. Among numerous honors, she was a Mary Switzer Scholar; a guest at the 1990 Presidential signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, served as faculty for the National Conference State Legislatures, served as Chair-Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Services and a Women in Leadership honoree.

She will be fondly remembered by all for her appreciation of good wine, fine restaurants, a boundless love of dogs, and her sense of fashion as a statement of her vitality and creativity.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the Community Congregational Church in Garden City with Rev. Steve Bridwell and Pastor Kelvin Heitman officiating. A private family interment will take place at a later date. There will be no calling hours. The family requests memorials given to the Yolande Bestgen Scholarship Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.

Judge strikes down wage rule for home health workers

Last week regulations that would have extended overtime and minimum way pay to home healthcare workers were thrown out by a federal district judge.

For more than 40 years, businesses that offer home care services have been exempt from having to pay their employees minimum wage or overtime. However, last year the Department of Labor issued a new rule that takes away these exemptions.

According to an article by The Hill, The Department of Labor ruling determines that care can't be more than 20 percent of a home health companion employee's daily duties. Thus, allowing home health workers for the elderly and disabled to accompany their client after 40 hours a week, but not help them.

The Labor Department said it has 60 days to appeal the ruling, but starting Jan. 1 the revisions to the definition of companionship services will go into effect.

"The district court’s opinion did not address this regulatory provision," the department said in a statement. "Therefore, as of January 1, all employers of home care workers, including third party employers, will be obligated to consider the duties such workers perform in evaluating whether they must pay wages in compliance with the minimum wage and overtime requirements."

InterHab provides feedback on proposed I/DD waiver changes

InterHab provided detailed letter
commenting on KDADS
proposed waiver changes

Today InterHab provided the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services with feedback on the proposed renewal of the Kansas HCBS I/DD waiver. This detailed letter to Secretary Bruffett included comments on case management, eligibility, financial management services, personal attendant services, the required letter from doctors, and preserving choice in service settings.

InterHab urged the Secretary to address these concerns sufficiently before any final determination is made on changes to the Kansas I/DD service system that could have serious impacts on Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization also informed the Secretary that its members stand ready to work with the State to craft solutions to these concerns.

CLICK HERE to read all comments in the letter. 

I/DD advocates object to proposed changes in waivers for Medicaid-funded services

Concern is spreading that the proposed KanCare changes could lead to some Kansans with developmental disabilities losing access to the case managers they’ve come to rely upon for help in determining which services they need, applying for those services and making sure the services are provided.

“There is potential for significant disruption in how case management is performed in the state for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Matt Fletcher, a spokesperson for InterHab.

The proposed changes could eventually allow the managed care companies now charged with administering KanCare to take over the role now played by case managers.

This could lead to decisions which are now based on an individual’s needs, to be influenced by the companies’ need to turn a profit.

“If that’s allowed to happen, a lot of case management-type services that are available now will no longer be financially viable,” Fletcher said. “That’s a huge issue if you’ve come to rely on this individual.”

KDADS Secretary Kari Bruffett told KHI News that the concern is unfounded. “There are no changes in our DD waiver renewal, at all, that impact targeted case management or that would reduce the service that targeted case managers provide,” she said.

KDADS later provided clarification to the KHI article indicating that while no language existed in the waiver renewal document regarding reductions in services, language was included regarding a mandatory separation of case management and service provision due to conflict of interest concerns at the federal level.

In addition, there is also wide-spread concern about one proposed waiver for services for Kansans with developmental disabilities that would require all attendant care providers to be 18 years old and have a high school degree or GED certificate.

The current waiver allows care providers to be 16 and for some people this could lead to limitations and changes in their services.

The proposed waiver changes, posted on the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services website last month, are subject to federal approval. The deadline for submitting public comment is Saturday, Dec. 20

READ MORE

InterHab honors advocate & past president

InterHab honored Bill Craig, President and CEO of Lakemary Center, for his years of service to the Kansas I/DD field during the association's December 2014 Board meeting.

Although Bill is retiring from his position at Lakemary Center at the end of the year, he will always be a proud and active advocate on behalf of the I/DD community.

Watch his retirement speech here and congratulate Bill on his many accomplishments at Lakemary and InterHab!

Remembering Yo Bestgen

Yolande "Yo" Bestgen during her leadership at InterHab

InterHab is sad to report about the passing of Yolande "Yo" Bestgen, our friend, our association's leader from 1987 to 1993, and a nationally known advocate for persons with disabilities and community service organizations. 

She has traveled far and wide since she moved on from here, but she remained a friend of many of us, and a friend of this organization.

Yo gathered and synthesized the ideas, and the inspiration and dedication of the community service movement in Kansas, and, as much as anyone, invented the association we are a part of today.

She helped engineer the reputation that our predecessors developed in the Statehouse both in terms of tenacity, and collaborative spirit as well. It is not too strongly stated to say that during Yo’s years and the years that followed her tenure, she, through the association she led, helped shape every policy issue that counted for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and for the organizations which grew from the grassroots of Kansas compassion to serve those persons and their families in need.

Not everyone today working in the I/DD field may have known Yo or her role in nurturing our roots, but as we think about this good woman – whether or not you knew her – we should now think about her legacy, which has now been passed on to us.

Keep Yo's friends and families in your prayers, that they find comfort in their memories of her, her work, her heart and her legacy.

Spread the word!

The public comment period for the Kansas I/DD HCBS Waiver renewal application has been extended to December 20. 

Click here to access an electronic flyer you can share with other advocates to encourage them to provide feedback directly to the State of Kansas and the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services!

This electronic flyer includes: 

• The 3 issues of concern on this topic

• How to share concerns

• A KDADS survey to collect feedback 

• Who to contact at CMS

Download and share today!

What we are thankful for...

As our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible, there is no time more fitting to say thank you to our valued members and supporters. 

The staff at InterHab wish you a bountiful Thanksgiving holiday with your friends and loved ones. 

May your burdens be light and your bellies be full! 

How will Kansas lawmakers solve its $1 billion problem?

Disability advocates will not be alone this year during the coming budget debates. Every nook and cranny of the State budget is about to be picked apart.  The wholesale give-away of revenues largely driven by historically deep income tax cuts is making dire predictions come closer on our immediate horizon.

Kansas is now poised to face a budget crisis for one simple reason: the same decision-makers whose fiscal policies have created this mess seem convinced (or want us to be convinced) that trickle-down fiscal policies will work, if only we give them time to work. It is our alternative hope that a fact-based examination of the financial hole will cause all thoughtful legislators to revisit some of the decisions which dug the hole.

According to an article in the Wichita Eagle, lawmakers will have to drastically cut spending and/or raise taxes. Republican legislators have already begun dividing into two camps about how to solve the state’s budget woes, foretelling a fight that’ll play out within the party that controls both the Kansas House and Senate. Kansas is projected to have a cumulative budget hole of more than $1.4 billion by July 1, 2016.

Read more here. 

2014 Elections - Moving forward on behalf of Kansans with intellectual & developmental disabilities

Stand up for I/DD issues in KS government

No matter how you voted in this week’s election you can feel pride in knowing that you did your part in promoting the candidates and issues you believe in.  And whether or not the results came back the way you hoped, it doesn't change what your goal should be in the coming months: building and maintaining positive working relationships with legislators and government officials.

Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities need your help. With recent landscape changes to the I/DD service system, changes in federal funding rules, and stagnant funding, your advocacy is needed now more than ever!

Spend time this fall and winter educating legislators and policymakers on the big issues. Be proactive. Write, email, and schedule personal meetings in order to help make your elected officials aware of the challenges facing the I/DD service system in Kansas. If you’re looking for new and creative ways to engage in advocacy, InterHab can help. Just email mfletcher@interhab.org or call 785.235.5103.

November 4th

In less than one week, perhaps the most pivotal election in our lifetime will occur here in Kansas. What’s at stake? The future of Kansas I/DD services.

Sounds like hyperbole, right? Consider however:

• The past four years have ushered in highly disruptive changes to the Kansas    I/DD service system.
• The next State administration will be responsible for interpreting potentially significant changes in federal rules pertaining to I/DD funding.
• The Kansas I/DD service system hasn't received an increase in reimbursement rates for seven years.

As advocates, we want to change the world for the better on behalf of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, that advocacy process begins with exercising our civic duty as voters—to select and elect candidates for office who will make decisions in support of these vital Kansans.

So, begin with the question, “Who are the candidates that support issues that are important for Kansans with I/DD?” Do the research and find out where candidates stand on these important issues. Circle November 4th on your calendar. It’s the day you could help make Kansas a better place for persons with I/DD. It’s the day you will vote.

New Senate Bills Address Economic Access for People with Disabilities

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)

Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa recently introduced bills in the U.S. Senate to promote economic independence for people with disabilities. 

The bills address access to housing, transportation, and exercise and call upon the U.S. Access Board to develop new accessibility guidelines and standards in each of these areas. They are based on findings from an investigation by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee into economic and employment issues faced by people with disabilities.

"To address the economic barriers Americans with disabilities still face, I am introducing three new bills as part of an 'Access for All' agenda to help them achieve the economic success necessary to be independent and lead full and fulfilling lives in their communities," stated Harkin who chairs the HELP Committee. "Today's report makes clear that even as more people with disabilities seek to enter the workforce, there are still too many barriers preventing them from becoming economically independent. When these Americans are not part of the workforce, they are much more likely to be stuck in poverty with no way of getting ahead."

The "Universal Home Design Act" would require certain accessibility features for single family homes and townhouses that are built or purchased with federal financial assistance. These include universal design features that would be established by the Access Board to ensure access to entrances, interior doors, environmental controls, and at least one indoor room, bathroom, and kitchen space. The bill also would create the Office of Accessible Housing and Development within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The "Accessible Transportation for All Act" would require access to taxi services and ban discrimination based on disability by taxi companies and drivers. It would authorize competitions to create affordable and accessible taxi and car designs, require states to develop strategic plans to increase the availability of accessible cabs, direct the Access Board to issue accessible taxi standards and service standards, establish a new tax credit for access improvements undertaken by taxi companies, and create an Accessible Taxi Board at the Department of Transportation.

The "Exercise and Fitness for All Act" would require access to exercise and fitness equipment at gyms, heath clubs, colleges and universities, and other facilities, including treadmills, step machines, stationary bikes, rowing machines, weight machines, and circuit training and strength equipment. The Access Board would be tasked with developing new accessibility guidelines for such equipment within 18 months of enactment.

According to the HELP Committee report, people with disabilities often cannot participate in the workforce due to a lack of access to reliable transportation and to affordable housing, and they continue to report discriminaton in the workplace, including wage inequality. The findings also address other economic issues and barriers faced by people with disabilities. 

Further information, including a summary of the introduced bills, is available on the Help Committee website.

Celebrate DSP Recognition Week

Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a nationally recognized position whose objective, according to Volunteers of America, is “to support developmentally disabled individuals in their development of basic living and social skills with the primary goal of integrating them into the community to the best of their ability.” These supports include personal care, daily living, and realization of personal goals, medical assistance and community inclusion.

This week, beginning Sept. 7, 2014, is National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Join InterHab in recognizing the commitment and achievements of exceptional DSPs, and expressing our gratitude for their significant contribution to communities across Kansas.Show your thanks this week for all the challenging work DSPs do, day in and day out.

Davis advocates thorough exam of KanCare

Democratic candidate for governor says Medicaid provider, recipient concerns should spur review

House Minority Leader Paul Davis,
Courtesy of KHI News Service

By Andy Marso
KHI News Service
Sept. 2, 2014

TOPEKA — House Minority Leader Paul Davis, the Democratic candidate for governor, said Tuesday that if elected he would order a "top-to-bottom" review of KanCare.

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback spearheaded KanCare, which places the state's 400,000 Medicaid recipients under the administration of three private insurance companies, also known as managed care organizations (MCOs).

The governor has said the program is on track to meet its goal of saving the state $1 billion over five years through care coordination without cutting services, eligibility or provider payments.

But health care providers who serve Medicaid recipients have complained of later payments since the switch, and Davis said he's hearing from nursing homes, hospitals, doctors and home health agencies that are becoming financially strapped.

"It's causing a lot of cash flow problems for health care agencies across the state, and I think it's further proof this is just not working very well," Davis said. "What I want to do when we come into office is really take a top-to-bottom look at the KanCare program."

The Brownback campaign referred questions to the Kansas Department for Health and Environment, which administers the KanCare contracts for the three managed care companies: Amerigroup, Sunflower State Health Plan and United HealthCare.

Sara Belfry, a spokeswoman for KDHE, said the state is working with the companies to smooth claims processing. But she said some of the problems lie with the health care providers submitting the claims.

"Individual providers continue to struggle with some aspects of their billing," Belfry said via email. "We are making every effort to assist them. KDHE continues to work with all MCOs on provider payment issues that arise. We believe KanCare is working better and more efficiently for the people it serves than (the) old Medicaid system."

While some payments are delayed, Belfry said claim denials have been cut in half since fiscal year 2008 and now are around 15 percent.

Meanwhile, Belfry said the Medicaid recipients are seeing health care improvement under KanCare versus the previous state-run fee-for-service plan.

She highlighted $1.6 million in newly covered adult dental care, a more than one-third increase in primary care physician usage between 2012 and 2013, and a 4 percent drop in emergency room utilization in the same time frame. For recipients of home- and community-based services, who were added to KanCare this year, ER visits are down 27 percent, she said.

"The KanCare model encourages consumer-centered care at the right time and right amount with more flexibility to address individual situations than ever existed in Kansas Medicaid before KanCare," Belfry said.

Davis said he's "not necessarily against managed care" and that it can work well under some circumstances, but the provider complaints suggest KanCare is "clearly not working very well right now."

If elected, Davis said his administration would consult with medical providers and Medicaid clients to "find out what's working and what's not working."

Officials from KDHE told legislators that in 2013 none of the three managed care companies met the goals for timely claims payment that the agency set in the contracts the companies signed.

Representatives from the companies, which lost more than $100 million in the program's first year, have said the state's goals are aggressive but that they are committed to meeting them.

Belfry said the managed care companies paid 99.98 percent of "clean claims" within a month of receiving them, but the state is shooting for 100 percent.

"All three KanCare contracts require that the MCOs pay providers within 30 days of a clean claim being submitted, and the state is very serious about ensuring providers are paid promptly," Belfry said.

Davis also said Tuesday that it is important for the state to have an inspector general for the KanCare program, but he questioned whether the current position, housed within KDHE, provided enough independence to act as a proper watchdog.

He also questioned the administration's previous choice to appoint Rep. Phil Hermanson, who resigned before going through a Senate confirmation hearing.

"Clearly the last person they put forward was not qualified for the job, and I hope we can find somebody for that job who is well-qualified," Davis said.

Davis said he had no names in mind.

Belfry said KDHE is setting up interviews with candidates for inspector general.

Keen Umbehr, the Libertarian candidate for governor, also has been critical of KanCare.

See the original story here.

Power Up! 2014 Breakout Schedule

With the 2014 Power Up! InterHab Annual Conference fast approaching we are excited to announce our detailed training schedule. Look for updates to the schedule every Friday until the conference!

Visit our conference website at www.powerupks.com to learn more about our exciting keynote Maysoon Zayid!

Power Up! Breakout Schedule

Wednesday, October 15

3:00-4:00 p.m.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Julie Athey, The Miller Group

There are threats in the HR world – and no one knows them better than the compliance wizard from Kansas. Julie Athey, Compliance Director from The Miller Group, will be on hand to discuss the regulatory issues that threaten HR professionals on a daily basis.  With over 15 years in the  industry, Julie will hold a discussion about the compliance requirements now in place that add headache and heartache to your jobs.  Topics include 5500s, Wrap Documents,  Required Notices and Disclosures, Fiduciary Responsibilities, ACA  and HIPAA .   Follow the yellow brick road and discover the knowledge you need to face HR challenges head on.

Swallow and Feeding Therapy, Is There Anyone Out There?

Alisha Delgado, TARC

Discussion will focus on why we started a feeding clinic to address a huge need/gap of service for children/adults with development delay. And discuss why children with feeding issues beyond age 3 who transition to the school districts typically do not receive therapy or support for feeding/swallowing. Most communities even outside of the school systems have limited to no resources for ongoing feeding/swallow therapy for these children. In communities that do have resources, many families are limited to accessing them by barriers of cost, transportation, availability of taking new clients, or distance from services.  Typically school therapist are not providing therapy for feeding/swallowing for various reasons some of which are lack of expertise in feeding/swallowing, high case loads, or belief it is not educationally related.  The families of these children often find themselves stuck with little support for helping their child develop safe swallowing.  Some school aged children remain on feeding tubes due to lack of treatment.  Also, adults with cognitive delays and difficulties with swallowing in many communities don't have access to treatment for swallowing issues until a medical crisis occurs.  These adults would be better supported with evaluation periodically as they age and their swallow changes to support their independence during feeding, which research shows decreases aspiration risk.

6 Ways to Boost Your Creativity – even if you’re not “creative”

Martha Piland, MB Piland

Martha Piland, MB Piland

Whether you're a "creative person" or not, creative thinking gets easier with practice. Put on your thinking caps and join Martha Bartlett Piland from MB Piland Advertising + Marketing for an interactive session on being more creative. In this mini workshop, you'll have the chance to learn some new techniques and try them out. You'll have fun—and gain some new tools for problem solving and idea generation you can use at work, at home and in volunteer roles. Creative thinking can be applied to everyday sitiuations to make things easier and a lot more fun.

Visions for an Integrated Life

Holly Morsbach Sweeney,  Shelly May, Kenn Rogers, Sherry Biddle, Julie Cooper, & Ian Kuenzi, LifeShare

A review of Pathways, an Innovation of LifeShare, in partnership with Sunflower Health Plan will be presented as well as the five Pathways of Integrated Care. LifeShare’s concept is that there are five areas in a person’s life which must be fulfilled.  If any of these areas are lacking, a person will not be happy in his/her life, resulting in a greater need for support, which results in higher costs and a lower quality of life.  This presentation challenges and shapes our current notions on how people with IDD can be supported in the community. We reference the past, present and future of services to people with IDD. In a world where people with IDD are typically protected, our objective is to include people in their communities and protect their civil rights. We discuss best practice with regard to the language we use in the system of IDD, the approaches we take to challenging behavior, common values, dignity of risk and other areas important to fostering independence, productivity, health and happiness for all members within an Integrated Care Management Model.

Adapted Art

Cassandra Phillips, Linda  and Cleo McDonald, Cathi Pullen, TARC

This session will offer information and ideas on how to make art accessible for people who may have challenges holding a paint brush or other art mediums. Adaptive equipment in conjunction with proper positioning can allow an increased level of independence and quality of life. Our Assistive Technology Department has created and adapted many different pieces of equipment for people to be as independent as possible. For example, some of the adults we support do not have sufficient control of their arms or fingers. With the assistance of a Big Mac Switch people can create works of art. We offer several different techniques for them to work with ranging from painting with races cars to marbles rocking back and forth on paper. With these adaptations and AT equipment, we are putting the control and creativity in their hands. We have found that expressions of art can be found in each and every one of us. It is our responsibility to give everyone that we support the opportunity and capability to be as independent as possible.

Transition Planning App – Yes, there’s an App for that!

Rocky Nichols, DRC Kansas

Come learn about this fun, free app for helping students with disabilities write their draft transition plan as part of their Individual Education Program (IEP).  The Disability Rights Center of Kansas has developed an app that will be available for free on the Google Play Store and ITunes.  This tool is also available for free on the Internet.  This tool can be used on smartphones, tablets, or any device that has a browser and access to the Internet (including PCs or laptops). This application will help students, parents, teachers, case managers, agency supports and natural supports create a draft transition plan document. The student simply answers a series of questions and the app will output a draft transition plan that the student can take to their IEP meeting to assist with transition planning. DRC wants case managers, direct care workers, and leaders in the intellectual and developmental disability field to know about this  app so that it will be used to help students with disabilities better plan for their transition to adult life after high school.

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Increasing Diversity in the Workplace

Amanda Kiefer, FHLB Topeka

Ms. Kiefer will discuss opportunities to increase diversity in the workplace and creating a culturally competent work environment.

Understanding the Role of Medications in the Treatment of Behavioral Health

Dr. Sosunmolu O Shoyinka, Cenpatico Behavioral Health; Dr. Jonalan Smith, Sunflower Health Plan

Psycho-active medications are widely used in the treatment of a variety of mental and developmental orders as well as for medical conditions.

However, their role in the treatment of these disorders is often misunderstood, leading to either an over-utilization or an under-use of these powerful medications.

At the end of this session, the audience will understand: The various classes of psycho-active medications; Potential side effects and the the importance of monitoring; Their application in the treatment of mental illness and developmental disability; The role of psychotherapies and psychosocial treatments in helping individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities achieve recovery.

Shoestring Marketing – Using internal branding and non-traditional efforts to stretch budgets

Martha Piland, MB Piland

Every organization is challenged to do more with less. Finding ways to make marketing impact with limited funds can prove difficult. In this session, you’ll learn 4 key elements to get you well on your way to maximizing your marketing/PR budget with a strategic approach:

• the importance of brands and why you must build consistency

• how your employees can help build your brand

• the difference between targeted and shotgun tactics

• ideas for non-traditional and low-cost ways to stretch your budget

With time for Q&A, you’ll also have a chance to ask specific questions about your own challenges.

Visions for an Integrated Life, Part 2

Thursday, October 16

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Keynote

Living in Full Swing… Power Up!

Cathy Newton

Being a developmental disability professional is a high calling and it demands high performance…in full swing! 

In these challenging times, maybe you feel like you’ve been pushed off the swing.  Or maybe you just sense that you were meant to swing higher.  Either way, don’t settle for risk aversion or mediocrity. And don’t lose hope. Power up and get in the swing of purposeful risk taking. Exercise your "risk-taking" muscles and learn practical strategies to develop the head, heart and guts of high performance. Think of the great results you will get. RISK IT!

9:45-10:45 a.m.

Changing Federal Rules: Deciphering Competing Public Interests

Kimberly Pierson & Aquila Jordan, KDADS

January 1, 2015 is going to be a big day.  Several federal rules will become effective or will begin to have an impact on the home and community based services (HCBS) programs administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).  The upcoming changes could have a big impact on the HCBS Programs.  This session is an excellent opportunity to learn about the upcoming changes,  related to the CMS Final Rule for HCBS Settings, the DOL Final Rule for Care and Companionship services and other state and program changes in response to the federal rules.  Join us for this engaging and informative presentation.

Concierge Medicine

Dr. Josh Umbehr & Doug Nunamaker, AtlasMD

Direct primary care (formerly known as concierge medicine) is a growing national trend of insurance free practices that focuses on improving access to care while lowering costs. Our DPC practice charges $10-100/pt/mo based on age only for unlimited visits, no copays, free procedures and access to wholesale medicines and labs for up to 95% savings. In turn, we can lower employer health insurance premiums by 30-60%.

Emerging Artists: An Option for Employment and Community Inclusion

Cary Odell, JCDS/ Michelle Gressel, The Torn Edge

This presentation will include information about how the Emerging Artists concept was developed and what sets it apart from other art programs designed for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The techniques that are utilized to assist the artists in learning how to create pieces that reflect their natural abilities and appeal to art lovers will be described in detail. The presentation will also cover the marketing strategies that have been effective in promoting the program and increasing art sales, such as recruiting volunteer community artists to provide individualized instruction and mentoring. The importance of establishing strong partnerships with the local art community will be discussed and many examples that have led to the inclusion of the Emerging Artists in local art shows and related events will be provided.

Autism 301 – A Year of Learning/Update on Autism

Amy Stevens, Mosaic

This year brings videos and input from those with autism.

Sadness and Misunderstandings; Forever Amazed – Resiliency; Finding Talent and Going with Interest; Stories from the Homefront; How to Connect with autism. This training helps to provide insider information on the mind of someone with autism. Personal stories and application of the lessons learned by a family with autism.

Broken Ground – Mental Health and IDD Collaborative Ventures

Dennis Tucker, Tim DeWeese, Peggy Shear-Martin, Janie Yannacito, Carla Sadler, JCDS

First there was “Breaking Ground.” Then there was “Breaking Ground II.” Now we have “Broken Ground!” Over the past few years, Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) and Johnson County Mental Health (JCMH) have forged practical collaborative relationships to address previously unmet needs for IDD children and adults with co-occurring diagnoses of mental illness. The scope of these ventures includes: formation of a Health Home Partnership (including JC Health & Environment and Health Partnership Clinic); CDDO-Family Focus efforts with PRTF placements and discharges; a new Community Behavior Support Team (CBST - combined mental health and IDD professionals); clinical assessment and technical assistance with IDD adults in day services; and joint participation in the NE Regional KIPBS Collaborative. The session will include a series of brief presentations about each effort followed by Q&A with the audience.

11:00-12:00 p.m.

Changing Federal Rules: Deciphering Competing Public Interests, Part 2

DS100 and DS201

Dan Hermreck, TARC; Robin Kusiak, CLASS LTD; Kathy Walter, Flinthills Services

Learn about DS100 and DS201, two online classes offered by Butler Community College for Direct Support Professionals and Frontline Supervisors. Each class allows students from across the state to earn college credit while producing a professional portfolio which can be used to apply for certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. DS100 was designed for DSPs seeking national certification, while DS201 is focused on the supervisors of DSPs. Lessons from the online College of Direct Support will serve as the “textbook” for both DS100 and DS201.

Balancing Work and Life in a Crazy, Connected World

Cathy Newton

As a busy professional, you balance full schedules, demanding deadlines and stressful challenges in both your work and personal life.  In an increasingly connected world, the distinction between work and life has blurred causing ambiguity and stress.  This session will help you understand energy catalysts and how to best use them.  Get an energetic boost for understanding how to cope with commotion, keep your cool, and claim your life balance.

Autism 301 – A Year of Learning/Update on Autism, Part 2

Broken Ground, Part 2

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Health Homes: An Update

Rebecca Ross, KDHE

July 1, 2014 Kansas implemented Health Homes for people with serious mental illness (SMI).  Services began for Health Home members August 1. Health Homes are designed to provide intensive, comprehensive coordination of all care and services in a holistic manner to achieve improved health outcomes and management of chronic conditions. This presentation will review the Kansas Health Homes model and provide and update on the progress of SMI Health Homes implementation.

The Why, What and How of  Employment

Steve Gieber, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities

Why: Organizations develop and implement a diversity plan that addresses the employment of people with disabilities. Strengthening our society, attracting customers, understanding the hidden benefits of a diversified workforce.

What: Developing the plan, what other successful companies have done. Resources and incentives that help with acquiring top management commitment.

How: Identifying and screening resources and partners that can help. Adjusting and developing new processes. Project SEARCH, job placement organizations, Ticket to Work, Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce Investment Act Case Managers, Department of Commerce.

Balancing Work and Life in a Crazy, Connected World, Part 2

Using a Person’s Interests to Enhance a Meaningful Life

Evan Dean, University of Kansas Medical Center

Discovering and using a person with intellectual disability’s interests and strengths can be challenging.  However, using interests is critical to supporting a person with ID in building or enhancing a meaningful life.  This presentation provides a theoretical background for using a person’s interests to enhance a meaningful life, and provides case examples.  Participants will also be guided through a planning process to begin to use the information provided.  

2:45-3:45

Would You Please Consider… Board Members Making the Asks

Mark Stubbs, Hartsook

Avoiding the Appearance of Conflict: Conflict Free Case Management

Susan Fout & Aquila Jordan, KDADS

March 17, 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule.  the rule is focused on several elements of the home and community based services (HCBS) programs, including targeted case management and how states plan to mitigate or eliminate conflicts of interest that arise.  As professionals, targeted case managers are faced with a number of ethical and personal situations that could result in conflicts of interest or simply the appearance of a conflict.  This session explores the conflicts that can arise and proposed changes to targeted case management that will strengthen the system in Kansas and serve as a best practices guide for other states.

The Why, What and How of  Employment, Part 2

Stayin Alive Through Change

Cathy Newton

Change is happening at lightning speed. It is pervasive and the variables are uncertain.  Are you—and your co-workers—change-ready or change-resistant?  Don’t hunker down in change-resistance when it could affect your reputation, your performance and the quality of service you provide. This interactive presentation will help you confront your own biases on change.  You will learn pro-active methods to support others in shifting change-resistance to change-readiness. And you will learn personal strategies for stayin’ alive through change.

Using a Person’s Interests to Enhance a Meaningful Life, Part 2

4:00-5:00 p.m.

Winning the Hearts and Wallets

Mark Stubbs, Hartsook

Shared Living “Exploring Alternative Living Opportunities”

Susan Fout & Aquila Jordan, KDADS

Shared living is an alternative to traditional residential setting that is available in various states that provides individualize, person-centered living opportunities that promote choice, personal control and positive relationships. This session will share information and encourage dialogue about the shared living system in Kansas, recent work to ensure quality services and supports and compliance with the recent HCBS Final Rule.

Stayin Alive Through Change, Part 2

Yoga Class

Brenda Berg-Dyke

All levels are welcome to this restorative flow yoga class. Please bring a yoga mat or towel.

Friday, October 17

8:30-9:30

Kristin Scott, Scott HR
Consultants

5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team

Kristin Scott, Scott HR Consultants

The famous book, 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni has shared their insights and partnered with a leader in the assessment industry to create 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team. The behaviors build from the bottom up: Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability and Results. Today’s session will delve into Dysfunctional behaviors and Functional behaviors and share tips for launching healthy discussions to move forward. Teams are everywhere!  Having a team that works well together is essential.  All too often, organizations struggle with hiring the right people, assigning the right tasks to the right people and getting people to work together for the good of the organization. When teams, or individuals, are not playing well together, the following are the individuals’ motivating factors:  Will this make me look good to my boss, will this impress others, if I hoard information, then I am necessary; individuals do not accept, acknowledge nor embrace their role in the issue; individuals display passive aggressive behaviors; become gatekeepers of information that is not theirs to keep, and sometimes outright sabotage others. When teams and individuals are working well as a team they display vulnerability, which results in trust; they have healthy debate; there is peer-to-peer accountability; they admit mistakes and ask for help.

HCBS Process: Roles and Responsibilities

Kimberly Pierson & Aquila Jordan, KDADS

This session will provide information about roles and responsibility of KDADS, providers, other agency and organization involved in consumer's access to services. KDADS will provide information about the eligibility process beginning with the time of request for services to the determination/ approval of a request for services. KDADS will discuss the crisis exception process and roles and responsibilities of involved organizations.

9:45-10:45

Listening to their Voices – Improving Healthcare for Kansans with DD

Martha Hodgesmith

This presentation will review the process, content and use of Voices Heard at Healthcare Town Hall Meetings for People with IDD and their support networks held across Kansas to gather consumer feedback on obtaining accessible and culturally competent health care, dental care and long term care services and supports. Six regional meetings in 2012 prioritized: What is most important about healthcare access to members of your community? What should be addressed first?  What barriers and opportunities exist with these systems?  KanCare implementation was imminent, making this process of consumer feedback a foundation for future advocacy, potential policy change, and accountability and oversight of the KanCare system. This session will review the White Paper - Improving Access to Health Care for Kansans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" and incorporate active audience participation in developing strategies for use of the projects results in advocacy and stakeholder involvement in the ongoing implementation of KanCare.  

Whole Foods Nutrition & Good Shopping Choices

Lisa Regnier, Restore Physical Therapy

*schedule subject to change

InterHab Move: paint on walls, paint on canvas

This has been a productive week for the InterHab move! Construction crews are painting walls, stripping carpet, and installing light fixtures on the top floor of the Jayhawk. 

We also received more paintings to be considered for display throughout the office. The paintings are just too beautiful to store, so in the meantime we've hung them all up in our current space. 

Everyone here is very happy with the progress we are making toward our goals. 

Future reception area gets "InterHab red"

Three of many pieces of artwork submitted by our membership
organizations painted by the people they serve. 

KanCare payment issues make front page news

Gov. Sam Brownback announcing approval
to move forward with KanCare in 2012.
Courtesy of  Lawrence Journal World. 

Today's issue of the Topeka Capital Journal reported that the three private insurance companies administering KanCare have struggled to pay claims quickly.

An executive summary released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment found that in 2013 none of the three managed care organizations, or MCOs, met the benchmarks for clearing clean claims within 20 days and all claims within 60.

"We are withholding part of the MCOs’ payments for failing to meet the requirement that they process 100 percent of clean claims within 20 days and 99 percent of all non-clean claims within 45 days," KDHE spokeswoman Sara Belfry said to the Topeka Capital Journal. "None of the MCOs met this pay-for-performance measure any month during the first year of implementation."

Concerns over claims processing delays spurred legislators to pass a "prompt payment" bill last session, in part to protect small home- and community-based providers who serve Kansans with developmental disabilities and rely almost solely on Medicaid.

The law imposes a 12 percent interest penalty on the three managed care organizations for late payments and provides a mechanism for the state to provide emergency payments to providers. It went into effect last month.

KanCare, an initiative spearheaded by Gov. Sam Brownback, is intended to save the state $1 billion over five years by placing the state's 350,000 Medicaid recipients under the administration of three private insurance companies paid a capped annual rate for service plus performance bonuses.

Click here to read the entire article.

InterHab Move: Your First Stop

A look at our future reception area

Imagine a long glass window overlooking a taupe-colored corridor. Opening the door you see a large red wall with InterHab displayed in brightly-lit metallic letters.

Greeting you right away is Janet, our tremendously talented office manager. You sit and wait on a comfortable black leather-style couch, complimented by espresso tables and granite carpet.

It might not look like much now, but the beginnings of our dream reception area are taking shape. We are very excited for you to experience the new feel of InterHab!  

Another interesting night in Kansas politics

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback watching the primary votes come in
 at a republican gathering in the Overland Park, Kan., Marriott Hotel.
(AP Photo/Topeka Capital-Journal, Chris Neal)

Yesterday’s primary elections were largely defined by incumbents retaining their seats. 

ead more here: http://www.kansas.com/2014/08/05/3583534/brownbacks-primary-performance.html#storylink=cpy

With vote totals still unofficial, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts and U.S. House Reps Mike Pompeo, Tim Huelskamp and Lynn Jenkins easily held off challengers. In statewide races, Governor Brownback and Secretary of State Kobach were winners, while Ken Selzer now appears to be the Republican candidate for State Insurance Commissioner.

The dust has not yet settled on all the various State House and Senate races.  However, it appears that last night was a good night for incumbents and conservatives in the House, while a few more moderate candidates emerged as winners in Senate races.

Some of the early eye openers out of the races? In the 72^nd House District, a very high voter turnout and a solid victory for Marc Rhoades over challenger Barbara Bunting; Clark Shultz was not able to parlay his long track record as a legislator into a win for the Insurance Commissioner spot; and the Governor’s primary race saw 37% of votes cast not going to Governor Brownback.

InterHab Move: Space Takes Shape

InterHab's new office space on the top floor of the Jayhawk Tower is coming along as crews are tearing down, clearing out, building and painting walls. Matt and Ashley worked with the building's construction crew today to make final decisions regarding the layout and colors of the new space. 

Everyone at InterHab is thrilled at the progress and excited to experience working in new and improved offices! 

Matt discussing options with construction crew. 

Demolition process in open area between offices. 

Vote in the Kansas Elections

Kansas legislators have a tremendous impact on the way InterHab members do business. Although you are always encouraged to maintain contact your local legislators, during election times relationship building becomes all the more important. It’s important to introduce your organization/issues to each candidate and ask questions about their platform, so you can make an informed decision on Election Day.

Get Ready to Vote in Kansas

• Primary Election: August 5th
• Deadline to Register: July 15th
• Deadline for applying for advance ballot is August 1st for the primary election and October 31st for the general election

Forms and Links to Help you Prepare

Voter Registration Form
https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf
Guide to Voting from Secretary of State
https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/A_Guide_to_Voting_in_Kansas.pdf
Voter ID Requirements
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sei6o08gAeM
Voter Registration Drives
https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/A_Guide_to_Voter_Registration_Drives.pdf
Voting Accessibility
https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/A_Guide_to_Voting_Accessibility.pdf
Filing Complaints Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/A_Guide_to_HAVA_Complaint_Procedure.pdf

Feds demand Medicaid backlog fixes in Kansas

Obama administration announces Medicaid
enrollment mitigation plan deadline to six states

The Obama administration has given Kansas and five other states until Monday to submit plans to resolve issues that have prevented more than 1 million low-income or disabled people from getting health coverage.

“CMS is asking several state Medicaid agencies to provide updated mitigation plans to address gaps that exist in their eligibility and enrollment systems to ensure timely processing of applications and access to coverage for eligible people,” Aaron Albright, a spokesman for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said to Kaiser Health News. He said the agency will monitor states’ progress in solving the problems getting people enrolled in the state-federal insurance program for the poor.

According to an article posted on KHI News, Kansas has drawn attention from federal authorities due to its slow moving and relatively large waiting lists for home- and community-based services, which advocates for the disabled have said puts the state in violation of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court's so-called Olmstead decision...Read More