IDAHO COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

return to index

CURRENT COUNCIL PROJECTS

• Employment

  In collaboration with a variety of agencies and businesses, the Council held a western regional conference on employment of people with disabilities April 18-20, 2002 in Boise. Over 200 people attended. Presentations included information on self-employment, business leadership networks and strategies for employers.

• Education & Early Intervention

  Exemplary Awards for Inclusion were presented to teachers and administrators in three school districts. The Council also supported training workshops and follow-up technical assistance on inclusive practices for schools and co-sponsored the second Youth Leadership Forum for high school students with disabilities.

• Housing

  Through a contract, the Council is identifying barriers to supported living in Idaho, including the limitations to Idaho's HCBS menu. The Community Integration Committee has also recommended the examination of waivers to fund transitional living expenses.
  

•  Health

  The Council's supported living study is developing recommendations for improving Idaho's waiver for people with developmental disabilities.

•  Formal & Informal Community Supports
  

  Grants were made to three local entities to conduct public awareness activities regarding people with disabilities. The Council is a collaborator on the Needs Assessment and Anti-Stigma campaign of Idaho's Real Choice Systems Change grant. The Council is also sponsoring a multi-tiered effort to examine the issue of direct support professionals and contracted with the University of Idaho to gather data. The Council remains a partner in the Family Support Enhancement Project.
  

•  Self-Determination:

  This year, the Council did not conduct a Partners program but concentrated on supporting and building a network of the nearly 100 Idahoans who have graduated from the Council's Partners in Policymaking leadership training program. Local events were held and improvements in recruitment were made in preparation for a 2003 class. All officers of the Council are graduates of the program.
  
  The Council convened a Self-Determination Task Force which developed a model for a self-directed service system in Idaho. The Task Force held a symposium for policymakers, surveyed and interviewed consumers regarding their services, and is beginning an education and information campaign regarding self-determination. The Council is also supporting the continued development and strengthening of People First chapters in northern Idaho.

• Legislative & Public Policy:

The Council has been active in monitoring legislative and regulatory changes to Medicaid that will impact community-based services to people with developmental disabilities. Council staff and members participated on the Quality Improvement Council and subcommittees of Medicaid’s utilization management efforts. The Council also participated in a successful statewide effort to protect the rights of parents with disabilities and supported legislation to remove discriminatory language affecting these parents. The Council supported legislation to abolish capital punishment for people with mental retardation.

 

return to index