The Living Well Blueprint is organized around five key elements, each focusing on different aspects of the Living Well project. In each element, the Blueprint Reflection serves as a structured evaluation and planning tool across different levels of individual, provider and state.
For Individuals: It helps with self-assessment, personalized goal-setting, and accountability for personal growth.
For Agencies/Providers: It enhances service delivery, ensures alignment with standards, and supports continuous improvement in their practices.
For States: It aligns policies with broader goals, optimizes resource allocation, and aids in monitoring and evaluating the impact of programs and initiatives.”
“This year’s Employment First conference is shifting gears to provide an intensive, collaborative day of learning and problem solving for service providers, funders, and self-advocates who want to transform services to support people with disabilities to build full lives in their communities that include employment, volunteering, recreational, social and other community activities.
Building Full Lives is a specific set of support strategies that simultaneously teach people with disabilities new skills in their communities, while creating flexible supports that allow people to fully participate in opportunities of their choosing.”
“Service Provider Personnel are required to complete the technical specification training videos for each of the DVR Statewide Services they will provide to DVR consumers.”
Wisconsin Transition Readiness Grant Program (2018)
“Thirty-seven school districts across Wisconsin will receive funding through the Transition Readiness Grant Program starting this month. Based on Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work grant project, the program was created in order to strengthen services for students with disabilities who are transitioning from school to the workforce, or continuing their education. For students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), a defined transition plan is a key indicator in the Wisconsin State Performance Plan – a plan focused on improving the outcomes of children with disabilities.
This program is an important step in improving and expanding services for our students with disabilities,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “It is particularly crucial to ensuring that every student in Wisconsin graduates high school with the necessary skills and supports to succeed in the workforce and in further education…
A program example is Project SEARCH, provides a variety of internships for students with developmental disabilities during their last year of high school. Students are immersed in multiple skilled internships throughout the year while receiving support from their school, a vocational agency, and a disability services agency. Students work with mentors to craft and update career plans. Around 75% of participants are employed upon their completion of Project SEARCH.”
Wisconsin DHS Developmental Disability Programs and Information
“Wisconsin has many programs designed to improve the lives of children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This page is designed to help those with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their caregivers find programs that meet their needs.”
Wisconsin DHS Programs for Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
“Wisconsin has multiple programs available to meet the needs of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. For each of the programs below, click on the name to learn more about what the program provides and eligibility criteria. Adults interested in applying for any of the programs listed below, must enroll through their local aging and disability resource center (ADRC).”
“The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Medicaid Services is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities in getting and keeping jobs that provide income, benefits, and community connections. Work is essential for everyone as it leads to better health, higher quality of life, improved self-confidence, and a stronger sense of community.
DHS believes that everyone can work if they have a job that matches their interests and skills, along with the right supports at the right time. This website offers comprehensive, user-friendly resources on competitive integrated employment (CIE) support services, training, and best practices to help increase CIE opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”
Wisconsin Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule
“This webpage shares key information related to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule for Medicaid home and community-based services waivers.”
Wisconsin Medicaid IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) Waiver
“The IRIS program is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver for self-directed long-term supports. The program is an option for adults with long-term care needs. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Medicaid Services (DMS), Office of IRIS Management under the authorization of the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) is responsible for oversight of the IRIS program.
IRIS is available to Wisconsin residents determined financially eligible for Medicaid, functionally in need of nursing home or Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) level of care; and living in a county where managed long-term care and IRIS are available. People who are eligible have the choice of IRIS or managed care through their local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).”
Wisconsin MOU: Dept. Workforce Development DVR and Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program
“The purpose of this MOU is for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Department of Children and Families, Division of Family and Economic Security, Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program to establish collaborative efforts regarding their services and to develop a common understanding regarding their roles, policies, and procedures to better serve individuals with disabilities who may benefit from services from both programs.”
