Project Description:
These activities are Study 2 in the Research and Training Center on Community Living for People with IDD. One multistate policy analysis or study is conducted each year. These studies are in collaboration with the RISP and FISP studies.
Study topics include:
1) Technology supports (Telecare): What are the nature of state policies regarding, or funding categories for home modifications and other supports that use technology to reduce or replace the need for human direct support services in their Medicaid state plan, state plan waivers, 1115 waivers, 1915 waivers, and other Medicaid authorities for community long-term supports and services for people with IDD?
2) Self-Direction: How do the characteristics of Medicaid LTSS in which the person or a substitute decision maker controls the budget and or the implementation of supports
compare across states (e.g., in the range and mix of supports provided)?
3) Supporting Individuals with IDD who are Parents: What are the characteristics of and similarities and differences in states policies regarding providing supports to people with IDD who have children?
4) 2015 Family Support Survey: How do families rate the formal and informal support services they receive, what unmet needs do they have, and what benefits and the challenges associated with co-residing with family member with IDD?
5) Direct Support Workforce Census: How many DSPs are employed by organizations or as independent providers in the participating states? How do workforce volume, DSP wages and benefits, training needs, turnover rates and vacancy rates vary by state, setting type and disability population?
The outcomes of these studies is at least one policy summary per topic published as a journal article, Policy Research Brief, or Both.
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
