Self-determination Guide for Parents

Core Funding Guidelines

State of Alaska Guidelines www.hss.state.ak.us/dsds/dd/pdfs/7GuidelinesforCoreServicesProgramMemo.pdf

Examples of Acceptable Services

Support Services such as the following:

Respite support in or out of the home on an hourly or daily basis either from provider employees or through voucher employees.

Habilitation supports either in or out of the home:

• Supports that assist the individual in the acquisition, retention or improvement of skills related to the activities of daily living as well as socialization and adaptive skills.

Vocational and pre-vocational supports that help prepare the individual for employment, develop a job site and assist in obtaining and maintaining a job.

Subsistence support to mentor the individual in a non-vocational setting.

Chores and related services that help the individual or family maintain a healthy and safe home environment.

Inclusionary supports that help the individual (usually a teenager or adult) in having access to recreational, educational, and leisure activities in the community.

Case management to assist an individual or family in coordinating, managing and accessing programs and resources in their community.

Training, Consultation, and Education

including required materials and supplies in any area that will enhance the individual’s or family’s ability to adapt and function more independently and effectively.

Dental, medical or other therapies such as speech, mental health, physical etc. that can not be funded through any other source and are justified by need or a professional assessment. (In cases of ongoing therapy, close monitoring of progress and continuing need is required.)

Developmental Materials, Toys and Devices

that are appropriate for the individual’s age and function level and are accompanied by the written recommendation of a professional with expertise in this area (i.e. occupational therapist, physical therapist, recreation therapist, special education teacher.)

Specialized and adaptive equipment

specific to the disability not funded by another source, and accompanied by the written recommendation of a professional with expertise in this area. (i.e. occupational therapist, physical therapist, recreation therapist, special education teacher.)

This could include:

1. Communication devices
2. Adaptive clothing, tools, utensils, and various other devices
3. Household furniture and supplies
4. Monitoring equipment or materials to ensure safety.

Home Modifications

required for health, safety, or accessibility

Vocationally Related Materials Tools, Clothing or Modification

not funded by the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or expected to be provided by the employer to assist in maintaining a job.

Transportation Assistance

to gain access to community services, vocational, educational, recreational, and other activities and other resources that otherwise would not be available. (This would only be utilized if the family or other readily available and affordable transportation services cannot provide the needed transportation.)

Travel

if related to family unification or for short term training (not available in the state), such as educational conferences, professional conventions, etc. that will enhance the individual or family’s acceptance and understanding the disability.

Examples of Services Usually Not Acceptable

1. Automobiles and insurance
2. Ongoing rent and payments
3. Food/groceries not specific to the nutritional related to the disability
4. Non-disability, non specific to the nutritional needs related to the disability
5. Travel unrelated to the individual’s disability or habilitation
6. Computers unless utilized as the primary educational and communication tool for the individual and prior approved
7. Daycare or childcare with no habilitation-related goals