2008 Statewide Directors Meeting Break-Out Session Outcomes for Jackson Disengagement Strategies

The Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) provided a series of information sharing and strategy sessions to improve critical Jackson Lawsuit disengagement issues.  The outcomes were offered as possible solutions for disengagement.  The outcomes are listed under each of the following Break-Out Session Topics:

Strategic Session Topic (click on link to reveal outcome strategy):

Aspiration Risk Management facilitated by Betsey Finley

Healthcare Coordination facilitated by Jennifer Thorne-Lehman and Travis Goldman

ISP Implementation facilitated by Cathy Stevenson

Assistive Technology (AT) facilitated by Jamie Noon

• AT List - It has been suggested that Therapists (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology) include a comprehensive list of AT in the Annual Therapy Progress Report and an update in the Biannual Therapy Progress Report.  This list can be easily found by monitors and it will help to clarify what AT should be in use.  The list:
  1. Would indicate where and when the particular AT item is to be used (day program/residence, during particular activities).
  2. Would include all AT items which are recommended and monitored by the particular Therapist.
  3. Will not include AT items which are being trialed.  The use of these items will appear in the progress notes but will not be considered "on the AT list" until the value of their use is verified and they are added to the AT list for the particular individual.
• AT Lead - Identifying an "AT point Person" at each residence and day program will help to ensure that AT is used appropriately and will reduce confusion regarding recommended AT use during monitoring visits.  The AT lead would:
  1. Receive general AT training from DDSD and individual specific AT training from therapists regarding the appropriate and expected use of the AT identified in the lists created by each therapist.
  2. Provide interim training to new staff pending update training from therapists regarding AT usage.
  3. Liaise with therapists regarding on-going AT issues.
  4. Answer AT related questions during monitoring visits or will train another staff to do so.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) guide note - Edits to the CPR monitor's guide notes will help to clarify where and during which activities AT is intended to be used through the therapy plan. 

Monitors would:

1. Have clear guidelines regarding if AT is in use in recommended settings, rather than "in all settings."
2. Be able to clearly find in the documents what AT is officially on the "on the AT list" and which is "trial" for the individual.
3. Consult with therapists regarding AT usage, as needed.

Supported Employment facilitated by Judith Stevens and Pamela Dobson

Meaningful Day facilitated by Susan Shapero and Tricia Farnham

Quality of ISP and Facilitation of Meetings facilitated by Paul Schwalje and Lisa Storti

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