“WHEREAS, an ‘Employment First’ policy provides that employment should be the first and preferred option for all people, regardless of their disability, and that employment in the general workforce at or above the minimum wage is the first and preferred option for all working age citizens with disabilities.”
“WHEREAS, an Employment First policy established by the State of Georgia would require the collaboration of all involved state agencies, including the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Education, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, and the Department of Community Health, in aligning their programs and resources to such end.”
United States of America v. The State of Georgia, et al. Civil Action NO 1:10-CV-249-CAP
“To comply with this Settlement Agreement, the State shall provide the following services to individuals in the target population: … d. Supported Employment i. “Supported Employment will be operated according to an evidence-based supported employment model, and it will be assessed by an established fidelity scale such as the scale included in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) supported tool kit” ii. Enrollment in congregate programs shall not constitute Supported Employment. iii. Pursuant to the following schedule, the State shall provide Supported Employment services to 550 individuals with SPMI by July 1, 2015 .
This waiver provides “community living support, prevocational services, respite, support coordination, supported employment, specialized medical equipment, specialized medical supplies, community guide, financial support services, adult dental, adult OT, adult PT, adult speech and language therapy, behavioral supports consultation, community access, community residential alternative, environmental accessibility adaptation, individual directed goods and services, natural support training, transportation, vehicle adaptation for individuals w/ID, DD, ages 0 – no max age.”
“The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency operates five integrated and interdependent statutory programs that share a primary goal – to help people with disabilities to become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment. The largest of the programs are Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, Disability Adjudication Services, and Roosevelt Warm Springs/Cave Spring Center. Two other unique programs serve consumers with visual impairments: the Business Enterprise Program and Georgia Industries for the Blind.
We are committed to the principle that people with disabilities are assets, and our efforts emphasize eliminating attitudinal barriers as well as physical ones.
We are a strategic partner in helping to build a diverse, qualified and productive workforce. Our aim is to pursue a comprehensive, coordinated employment agenda.
Our programs impact both employers and job seekers. Our bottom line is to tailor our services to fit your needs. And our promise to you is consistent professional service with responsive and responsible follow-up.”
Georgia DCH New Options Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)
“Overview
The New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) offer home- and community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) or developmental disabilities (DD) through the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Division of Medical Assistance Plans. A diagnosis of developmental disability includes intellectual disability or other closely related conditions, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or neurological problems. These disabilities require a level of care provided in an intermediate-care facility (ICF) for people diagnosed with ID/DD. There are more than 12,000 people with developmental disabilities who are served bty the NOW/COMP programs in Georgia.
Purpose
The NOW waiver program offers services and supports to individuals to enable them to remain living in their own or family home and participate or live independently in the community.”
“The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) was awarded $2.4 million by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to improve employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities. Georgia’s Disability Employment Initiative is a partnership between GDEcD and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA). The initiative is designed to improve job placement rates for youth and adults with disabilities that live within two of the state’s 19 Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDA).”
“Waiver programs help people who are elderly or have disabilities and need help to live in their home or community instead of an institution such as a nursing home or ICF-MR. Each program offers several “core” services: -service coordination (help with managing care needs and services) -personal support (assistance with daily living activities, i.e. bathing, dressing, meals and housekeeping) -home health services (nursing, home health aide, and occupational, physical and speech therapy) -emergency response systems -respite care (caregiver relief).”
