Direct Care Worker Survey

The Center on Disabilities and Human Development with the University of Idaho has issued a Direct Care Worker Survey to collect information about the direct care workforce in Idaho

The survey is intended for anyone in the following categories:

• Direct care workers

• Provider agency administrators

• Support brokers

• Individuals with disabilities on self-direction

When the respondent clicks to agree to participate, the survey will open to demographic information which separates the survey questions according to the role respondents identified with. After there are sufficient respondents in each category, the CDHD will issue a report summarizing the findings.

The survey was adopted and adapted from the University of Minnesota survey which resulted in the attached report on the impact of COVID-19 on the direct support workforce.

Alternative Baseball

Alternative Baseball provides an authentic baseball experience for teens and adults (ages 15+) with autism and other disabilities for physical and social skills enrichment in life on and off the baseball diamond. In Alternative Baseball, games are played using professional league rules.

The program was founded in Dallas, Georgia by a young man on the autism spectrum, with the goal to develop physical and social skills in an environment where players can be accepted for who they are, encouraged to be the best they can be, and instilled with the confidence needed for them to fulfill their dreams on and off the diamond. Join today at:

ALTERNATIVEBASEBALL.ORG

Applying for Medicaid & Children's DD services

In order to access Children’s Developmental Disability (DD) services, your child must first have Idaho Medicaid. To learn more and to apply for Medicaid, go to https://idalink.idaho.gov/ or call 1-877-456-1233

Once your child has enrolled in Idaho Medicaid you can then apply for Developmental Disability (DD) services such as Behavioral Intervention or Supports.

We’d be happy to provide assistance or just simply answer your questions about this process. Give us a call at 208-467-7524 and ask for our Intake Specialist, Corina.

COVID-19 Community Provider Support

Idaho Association of Community Providers (IACP) launched its COVID-19 Community Provider Support page to bring public awareness and advocacy. Please share and take part in advocacy action to support state and federal financial support for providers: https://iacp.multiscreensite.com/

Please help Idaho's Community Providers today!

Community Providers provide essential medical care, support, and treatment to children and adults with behavioral health and developmental disabilities across Idaho. Now we're asking for your support.

The COVID-19 crisis has made it significantly more expensive to continue providing essential services to those who need them in the community. In order to adapt our services, equip our staff with proper personal protective equipment, and maintain capacity to continue this crucial work, we need state and federal support.

Please help us spread the word today:

1) Ask Governor's COVID-19 Financial Advisory Committee to provide federal funds to stabilize the workforce through public comment to CFAC@dfm.idaho.gov;

2) Reach out to Senator Crapo via his official contact page at https://www.crapo.senate.gov/contact/email-me or by phone at 208-224-6142 and ask him to remember Community Providers in the next COVID-19 response bill; and

3) Tell us your stories using our tool below. Our essential workers are in the community supporting vulnerable populations through the pandemic with a workforce shortage and without hazard pay. They need to hear from you and the difference they make in your lives.

A few moments out of your day could make a world of difference in the lives of your loved ones, neighbors, and community! Please help us today! #weareinthistogether #weareessential #wearecommunityproviders

Learn more about ways to help here: https://iacp.multiscreensite.com/

AFI - A safe return to service *Monday, May 4*

Governor Little has transitioned Idaho into Stage 1 of his 4 stage plan, Idaho Rebounds, to reopen the state. After carefully reviewing the governor’s plan along with feedback from families and employees we were able to plan our own path forward to reopen AFI.

AFI administration has put in place safety procedures and equipment that we know will provide the most effective way to provide therapy in a safe environment.

1. Employees providing therapy will be equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that will be required during the 1st stage of the reopening plan

2. Continual hand washing and proper hygiene will also be required for all participants and employees

3. Employees provided disinfectant to use before, during, and after therapy

4. Employees provided individual hand sanitizer bottles for use when in the community

5. AFI buildings will have daily disinfecting performed

6. Activities will be done in locations where social distancing is possible

7. If anyone presents presents signs of fever or illness they will be sent home immediately

Through the first stage of the reopening plan, therapy activities will be mostly individual and will only allow small groups of 2-3 clients. Even with these limitations we will still require the most social distancing that is possible. As we proceed through the next couple of days and weeks the administration will continue to review how services are being delivered and make adjustments to ensure safety continues to be a primary goal.

As always, we thank you for entrusting us with the safety and care of your kids. And during this difficult time it is our hope that we can all work together to provide our kids and employees with a safe and effective therapy environment.