AL Home and Community-Based Waiver for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

Overview of AL - Home and Community-Based Waiver for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

The AL - Home and Community-Based Waiver for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities is a vital Alabama program catering to individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. Operated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health Division of Developmental Disabilities (ADMH/DDD), this waiver facilitates the integration of such individuals into their communities. It averts the need for institutional care in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) by providing home and community-based services (HCBS). The waiver includes comprehensive services like residential and supported living options, employment, day services, and in-home supports. It strategically uses deeming options to extend its reach to children at home with their families and adults with unearned income up to 300% of the SSI maximum, ensuring a broad coverage of needs.

Eligibility requirements

Eligibility for the AL - Home and Community-Based Waiver for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities is determined based on several factors. These include:

• A diagnosis of Intellectual Disabilities.
• Requirement for the level of care offered in an ICF/IID.
• Need for HCBS to be fully integrated into the community.
• Income limits and financial criteria, including options for children at home and adults with unearned income up to 300% of the SSI maximum.

Services and supports

The waiver offers an array of services and supports to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities, including:

• Day habilitation: Regularly scheduled activities in various settings to foster social skills, independence, and personal choice.
• Employment support: Services aimed at aiding individuals in gaining and maintaining employment.
• Personal care: Assistance with activities of daily living to support independence and well-being.

Compensation for caregivers

This waiver includes a participant-direction option, allowing recipients to choose their caregivers for some services. Caregivers can access compensation through a structured process involving eligibility verification, training, documentation, and regular reporting of services rendered. A fiscal intermediary manages the compensation, ensuring adherence to regulations and guidelines.

Limitations and challenges

A significant limitation of this waiver is the potential for resource constraints impacting the number of beneficiaries served. Additionally, navigating the complexities of each individual's needs within the confines of the waiver's guidelines can be challenging, necessitating a flexible and responsive approach to service delivery.

A note from Givers

This waiver is an invaluable resource for persons with intellectual disabilities, offering tailored services to foster independence and community integration. If you or a loved one may benefit from this program, we invite you to fill out our form to determine your eligibility for compensation.