“The Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to help people with disabilities live in their own homes and communities instead of institutions. In 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the HCBS Final Rule, or Settings Rule. The Settings Rule is a set of rules that providers, support coordinators, and states must follow with regard to HCBS settings and the person-centered planning (PCP) process.
On March 17, 2023 the Settings Rule (HCBS Final Rule) went into effect for Utah. All providers of day, residential, and employment services had to be compliant before June of 2022.”
This bill requires the Department of Human Services to identify barriers an individual with a disability experiences in obtaining services and provide a report to the Legislature.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
defines terms; and
requires the Department of Human Services to:
identify barriers an individual with a disability experiences in obtaining access to services; and
provide a report to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee regarding a proposal for a disability ombudsman program to address the barriers.”
Utah HB 68: Apprenticeship And Work-Based Learning Amendments (2020)
“This bill modifies provisions related to the Talent Ready Utah Center, which is part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development…
This bill defines terms; provides that the Talent Ready Utah Center may award funding for apprenticeship programs and work-based learning programs, subject to legislative appropriation; describes the entities that may partner to submit a proposal for funding for an apprentice program or work-based learning program; describes the requirements for receiving funding for an apprentice program or work-based learning program; describes the Talent Ready Utah Center’s duties and reporting requirements related to administering funding for apprenticeship programs and work-based learning programs; and makes technical changes.”
Utah SB 44: Limited Support Services Waiver Amendments
“This bill: defines terms; amends provisions relating to the allocation of appropriations to the Division of Services for People with Disabilities; and makes technical changes…
Within appropriations authorized by the Legislature, and to the extent allowed under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, the division shall ensure that the services and support that the division provides to [any person] an individual with a disability: (a) are provided in the least restrictive and most enabling environment; (b) ensure opportunities to access employment”
Utah DHHS People Receiving Ongoing and Waiting List Services
“This tool shows counts of people receiving ongoing services as well as limited one-time services while they wait for funding for ongoing services. It also gives a historical look at the number of people waiting for ongoing services each year, for the past five years. The buttons on the right allow for filtering of different populations within the Division.”
Utah Code Section 105.2: Employment first emphasis on the provision of services.
Pertaining to the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. “When providing services to a person with a disability under this chapter, the division shall… give priority to providing services that assist the person in obtaining and retaining meaningful and gainful employment that enables the person to: purchase goods and services; establish self-sufficiency; and exercise economic control of the recipient’s life.”
Utah Code Section 103.3: Employment first emphasis on the provision of services.
Pertaining to the Utah Services for People with Disabilities. “When providing services to a person with a disability under this chapter, the division shall… give priority to providing services that assist the person in obtaining and retaining meaningful and gainful employment that enables the person to: purchase goods and services; purchase goods and services; [and] exercise economic control of the person’s life.”
“DSPD employment first mission statement:
The employment first mission for Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) is to ensure services offered by DSPD emphasize, promote, and support competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.”
This page contains Employment Success Stories related to Employment First.
DSPD provides a wide range of services intended to help people with disabilities participate more fully in their communities and lead self-determined lives. The type of services available depends on which waiver the person qualifies for. These services are primarily funded through Medicaid waivers, which are paid for by the federal government and appropriations by the Utah Legislature.
“Provides ABI waiver support coordination, center-based prevocational services, day supports, homemaker, residential habilitation, respite, supported employment, consumer preparation services, financial management services, behavior consultation I, behavior consultation II, behavior consultation III, chore services, community transition service, companion services, environmental adaptations (home), environmental adaptations (vehicle), extended living supports, massage therapy, personal budget assistance, personal emergency response system, professional medication monitoring, specialized medical equipment/supplies/assistive technology (purchase), specialized medical equipment/supplies/assistive technology (monthly fee), supported living, and transportation (non-medical) services to individuals with brain injury ages 18 or older who meet a nursing facility level of care.”
