Great news for VBAS: Over 50 new slots open
OZARK-"Truly the best news I've heard in years," said Hannah Adams Parker after receiving an email from Alabama Department of Mental Health Chief of Staff Collier Tynes Tuesday outlining a path to increase opportunities for clients with intellectual disabilities.
Parker is the Director of the Vivian B. Adams School which offers specialized day-habilitation programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities living in Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Henry, Houston, and Pike Counties. She was among those who met with Tynes and Community Waiver Program Director Byron White at VBAS Sept. 9.
Members of the Wiregrass state legislative team and service providers from VBAS, the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center Inc., Vaughn Blumberg and SpectraCare met to discuss the Mental Health Department's Community Waiver Program and the fact that waivers for the day habilitation programs at VBAS and Vaughn Blumberg have become virtually nonexistent.
There are more than 90 area individuals with intellectual disabilities on the state waiting list, said VBAS Resources Coordinator Susan Owens. "We, at VBAS, have only gotten two individuals in on the waiver since before COVID."
CWP is three years into a five-year pilot program. Houston County is the only Wiregrass County involved. The program's purpose is to offer services to individuals in their own homes to reduce waiting lists for the services provider centers. With the individual staying at home every day, the parent of guardian will be unable to work outside the home. There is also a shortage of care providers to go into individual homes. "We don't have answers, but we certainly know what the issues are," Parker told those attending the Sept. 9 meeting.
Parker said that during 17 years at VBAS, she has seen the number of slots for individuals attending day-hab decline. "We know there are people out there needing services because there is a waiting list, so why are these people not being served?" she asked. "We have the capacity to serve these individuals. What can y'all do to help us serve these people?"
"The day-hab program allows the parents to go to work while their individual is here socializing and learning," longtime VBAS Board member Joe Adams said. "It is unbelievable the love that people in this school have for each other. This is their life. This is a program that works."
"What I see, as a parent, is too many people who don't really know trying to 'normalize' everybody," said Owens, who is also the mother of a 42-year-old VBAS day-hab person. "My life is not 'normal.' I showered and shaved a 42-year-old man this morning who could not wait to get on the bus and get here with his friends.
"I live in rural Henry County where we don't have a lot of caregivers. The ones that help our individuals are here, at Adams School, every day," Owens added.
"You're raising some issues that I didn't know about," Tynes told the group at the meeting Sept. 9. "The fact that your day-hab numbers are going down is news to me and the fact that we have residential placements that are not being used, I want to know why."
State Rep. Steve Clouse had asked if it was possible to stop the pilot program before the five years, suggesting that CWP would be a better fit in larger areas. State Rep. Marcus Paramore agreed. "Let's either shift how we are doing things to get things working or kick it to the curb and develop a new program to get these people services," he said.
State Sen. Donnie Chesteen asked Tynes to "come up with a plan so we know we didn't sit here and waste our time and your time because we've got to have these problems addressed and you're the only ones who can address them."
'Best next steps'
"We have been strategizing the best next steps for the providers, families, and individuals served in your districts," said Tynes in her update email. "As of today, ADMH is offering 59 individuals on the wait list waiver services. If the individuals and families elect to do so, they can enroll at Vivian B. Adams for Day-Hab services."
Tynes said that Vaughn-Blumberg can offer their current residential services to eligible individuals from the counties not participating in the CWP Pilot. If Vaughn Blumberg agrees to serve individuals outside of Houston County, they can begin enrolling more individuals who elect to use their residential services, Tynes said.
"This is the best, most wonderful news I've heard," said Parker, thanking the state legislators in the VBAS catchment area for hearing concerns and taking action.
"We are excited and encouraged by the Alabama Department of Mental Health's announcement to open over 50 Medicaid Living At Home Waiver slots in the VBAS service area," said Parker. "Our program is designed to provide personalized support, skill-building opportunities, and a nurturing environment to help participants thrive. These most deserving people are being offered long overdue services.
"On behalf of Adams School, we are beyond thrilled to be able to serve these most deserving individuals," said Parker, issuing an open invitation to those who are interested in learning more. "We warmly invite you to visit VBAS to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and discuss how we can support your needs. We look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you may have." Visit www.vivianbadams.org or call (334) 774-5132 for more information
Staff Writer
