Office of Developmental Programs

Click to add footer text Tom Corbett, Governor Beverly Mackereth, Secretary of Public Welfare

Office of Developmental Programs

ODP Deaf Services for Independent Monitors

for Quality (IM4Q)

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Harry M. v. DPW

Settlement Overview

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• Settlement agreement approved in August 2013

• Communication access for people who are:– Deaf– Served through the Consolidated Waiver

• Agreement and summary in English and ASL: http://www.drnpa.org/page/harry-m-v-dpw/

Harry M. v. DPW

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http://www.drnpa.org/page/harry-m-v-dpw/

http://www.drnpa.org/page/harry-m-v-dpw/


• New data fields in HCSIS

• Statewide Deaf Services Coordinator

• Identification of individuals who are deaf

• Identify current deaf-skilled staff

• Provide interpreters and communication assistance

• Provide individuals options to choose skilled SCs and providers

Harry M. v. DPW - Requirements

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• Establish a standardized communication assessment procedure

• Complete communication assessment for individuals who are deaf

Communication Assessment

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• Training for:– Supports Coordinators– Providers– Investigators, Licensing Inspectors, Monitors– Communication Assessors

• Topics include deaf culture, needs of waiver participants who are deaf, role of Deaf Services Coordinator

Training Requirements

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• Deaf culture

• Unique needs of waiver participants who are deaf

• Communication with class members

• Identifying and reporting problems with effective communication

• When and how to contact the DSC

Training Outline

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• Only about 30% of English is visible on the lips• Many deaf people do not read/write English well

enough for anything beyond basic facts (name, DOB, address, etc.)

• Highly attentive visually• May love hearing technology (or not)

Deaf Culture

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• Allow enough time

Team Meetings

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• Meet in a quiet, well-lit room

• Deaf person should be seated with back to window

• Circle or wide “U” shaped seating best

Team Meetings

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• Ask 1 person to talk at a time

• Talk face to face, about 3 feet apart

• Speak to the person

Team Meetings

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• Types of ASL interpreters• Interpret everything that is said• Practice may be needed

Interpreters

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Coordinating and Working with Interpreters

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ADAEqual Access

ReasonableAccommodation

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Licensing staff, investigators and monitors are required to provide communication assistance when meeting with an individual who is deaf.

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• Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing database

• Department of General Services list

Sign Language Interpreters

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Sign Language Interpreter Search

Search online for “PA ODHH Interpreter”

http://www.odhh.state.pa.us/Search/InterpreterSearch.aspx

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• 2-hour minimum

• Create and maintain a list

• Be flexible if interpreter is needed on short notice

Helpful Hints

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Certified investigators must document attempts made to secure interpreters and any difficulties

with needed communication services.

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• Administrative Entity Oversight Monitoring

• Supports Coordination Orientation Monitoring

• Provider Monitoring

Monitoring Tool Changes

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• Ensure assessment information is recorded accurately

• Ensure that recommendations follow-up is completed by Supports Coordination Organization (SCO)

• Ensure provider qualification information is updated accurately

AE Oversight Monitoring

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• Communication assistance deemed necessary while rendering service

• Notify SC in 10 days if become aware of communication assistance that needs to be included in ISP

• Contact DSC if having difficulty providing communication assistance

Provider Monitoring

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• Written protocol to request and obtain the necessary communication assistance

• Communication assistance provided during SC services

• Required information completed in HCSIS, once communication assessment completed

Supports Coordination Monitoring

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Identifying and Reporting Problems with Effective

Communication

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Communication Assistance

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Provide a Safe Environment

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Sample Recommendations

Door knocker light Doorbell signaler

Heavy Duty Bed Shaker

Sonic Boom Alarm Clock

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http://www.harriscomm.com/catalog/images/nfs-sha1.jpg


Video Communication Common Among the Deaf Community

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• Report through regular reporting process at your agency

• Regional Office in ODP

• Report to Customer Service Line

IM4Q Monitors

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Contacting the Deaf Services Coordinator

(DSC)

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• Difficulty finding a provider to meet a communication need identified in the ISP

• Communication assistance need is not being met as specified in the ISP

• Information on providers who have specialized expertise

Contacting the DSC

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Maureen Veety, DSC– Phone: 570-614-1318

– Email: [email protected]

Contacting the DSC

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mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Office of Developmental Programs