LinkAbility Family Report & Resources
How Do We Know When an Amendment is Needed?
Department of Mental Health Developmental Disability waiver funded services should always be a LAST resort, after all natural, local, community, and state plan services have been explored. During a meeting held with your team, your Service Coordinator would first assess the goals, dreams, and support needs.
Then, the team would explore the natural, local, and state plan options available for you. For example, if you express you would like to find a job, the Service Coordinator would assist you in reaching out to Vocational Rehabilitation or jobs.mo.gov to explore job coaching and training. If you try one or more of these programs and require more support or you are not eligible for some reason due to your disability, then a DMH DD waiver support can be explored
What is an Amendment?
An amendment is a request to change your Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP-formerly ISP) to either add, remove, or change services you currently have. This request then goes to the Springfield Regional Office for approval or denial
What is the Process & What is the Time Frame?
- Request a planning team meeting to discuss the amendment/need of the individual
- Determine what needs to change, what the team hopes to gain from this, and determine next steps
- From the amendment meeting, your Service Coordinator will write an amendment request for each additional service, removal, or goal-based change you are hoping to make.
- This goes through an internal review with LinkAbility before being review at the Regional Office
- Once written and submitted to the Regional Office, this takes 8 weeks for an approval or denial to be issued.
Impact Snapshot
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SENSORY FRIENDLY
Preparing for a sensory-friendly July 4th can make a massive difference in creating a positive experience for everyone at your event. By taking a few simple steps, such as understanding your loved one’s needs before attending or hosting, you can increase the likelihood that your day is incident-free!
Step One: Location
When choosing where to celebrate July 4th with your loved one on the spectrum involves a few considerations. Think about their sensory needs before choosing where to celebrate. While you may receive many invitations, consider selecting quiet, comfortable spaces where they can decompress if needed.
Step Two: Create your toolbox
Include sensory items that your loved one particularly likes and enjoys playing with! Knowing that they have something comforting, entertaining, and soothing will ease some worry of being in a new environment or experiencing a new celebration. Ensure to add ear plugs, noise canceling headphones, and plan for a location to take a break from festivities as needed.
Step Three: Have fun your way
There are many unique ways to enjoy a sensory-friendly July 4th without the loud booms and noisy
BBQs. Consider making the day about creating special homemade ice cream to enjoy under the sunshine or hosting a game night that includes a more casual environment and ends before the fireworks become more frequent. Whatever you choose to do, remember that having fun doesn’t always have to involve fireworks or be conventional. Enjoying the holiday in a way that suits you matters most and often leads to the best, most memorable experiences!
Step Four: Encourage personal responsibility
Encouraging responsibility can help your loved one take care of themselves during the big day and participate in the festivities! Better yet, it’s excellent practice for handling future events that may involve increases in stimuli. One strategy to promote responsibility is to discuss the day’s plan with your loved one ahead of time. Describe expectations and offer examples through videos or pictures of what the event may include so they better understand the behaviors others demonstrate while celebrating.
