Did you know that almost half of the funding for California programs for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities comes from federal dollars?
New rules for states are being developed by the The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS Rules say that a majority of congregate settings are considered isolating. These include sheltered workshops, day habilitation programs, and group homes. They want settings where people come and go all day, friends can visit, and clients can go out to lunch.
States will either have to determine how to make workshops more integrated or develop a plan for phasing out workshops and other isolating settings.
The CMS employment focus is on Individual Supported Employment, with outcome-oriented incentives.
California will need to decide how to address these requirements. OPARC could see the end of workshop program, work enclaves, and the sites for day programs. Instead clients would be in the community all day in groups of 4 with a staff member. Check this site often to learn of updates and how your voice can be heard.