People with intellectual and other developmental disabilities must have access to services and resources that are available to all other citizens. Identifying, obtaining and coordinating these services and resources to meet the entire range of personal needs and preferences necessary to assure quality of life in the community can be
challenging.
It is The Arc New York’s position that:
- Such services and resources should be available to individuals and their families through an organized process.
- Such services should address the needs and wishes of the individual and their family or guardian through a person-centered needs assessment interview process.
- Care Coordinators must be competent, sensitive and committed to representing the interests, preferences and visions of the individual and their family or guardian and assist them in making informed decisions.
- Care Coordinators need initial and ongoing training and supervision to ensure knowledge of all appropriate program and opportunity choices available to individuals and their families. Care Coordinators should identify and facilitate formal (day hab) and informal (family) supports as well as be aware of other options more suitable for an individual rather than the existing programs including schools.
- Care Coordinators should exercise confidentiality and neutrality and seek out services identified using all providers available in the community.
- Adequate funding must be available to support care coordination that is of high quality, and responsive to meeting the positive quality outcomes of the individual served. As a foundation for any future transition to managed care for people with I/DD, resources must be sufficiently allocated to ensure successful outcomes.
