The Texas Observer had an alarming article this past week about a person with an Intellectual Disability who was homeless and chronicled some of problems this person faced. I encourage you to read the article which can be found at the following link:
https://www.texasobserver.org/texas-intellectual-disabilities-homeless/
One thing the article neglected to mention as a possible solution was the immediate availability of community ICF-IDD services across the state. In fact, there are more than 700 community placements available right now. Most of these are in homes where no more than 6 individuals live together. These services are residential in nature and cover the comprehensive services the person needs. There is generally not a waiting list and the person can move into the home and begin receiving services almost immediately. The eligibility requirements for this program are:*
- The Social Security Administration must have determined you to have a disability.
- You must have a determination of intellectual disability made in accordance with state law or have been diagnosed by a physician as having a related condition.
- You must be in need of and able to benefit from the active treatment provided in a supervised 24-hour setting.
- Your income and resources may not exceed specified limits.
*From the Department of Aging and Disability Services website
This is often the perfect option for someone needing a residential service and waiting for these services to become available for them in the HCS program.
Selecting ICF-IDD placement does not cause the person to lose their place on the HCS interest list, nor does it cause any delay in amount of time it takes to receive their HCS slot. When the person moves to the top of the HCS interest list, they are then given the choice to move into the HCS program and begin receiving supports through HCS.
I highly encourage anyone who wishes to explore residential options to begin talking with their Local Authority about community ICF-IDD services in the area where they want to live!
Robert Ham
Vice President of Operations
