Removing barriers and innovating services

Californians with IDD and family caregivers care about the quality, responsiveness, and reliability of their services. They want trusting relationships with their direct support professionals (DSPs) and service coordinators. Billing units, staffing formulas, and acronyms like “PAGA” or “CARF” probably aren’t all that interesting. But all those terms (and many more) have a huge impact on the availability of disability services and capacity of regional centers. While they may not have input on the rules that service providers and regional centers must follow, individuals with IDD and their families experience the impact every day. Sometimes rules meant to improve services don’t fit the unique needs of all Californians with IDD. The result is unintended barriers to services. Sometimes policymakers don’t consider the impact that a new rule will have on disability services. Those rules can reduce access, when funds that should be spent on services instead must go to compliance. We believe it’s possible to create policies that add value to the lives of individuals with IDD and the workforce serving them. We partner with policymakers at all levels of government to find solutions to these problems and prevent future ones. We focus on these details so our members can provide the support that individuals and families need to focus on their own lives and goals.

Maximizing state funding

Services for Californians with IDD are funded by both the state and federal government. In 2021, California made a historic investment in disability services by funding implementation of a rate study. However, the full impact risks being undermined by details in the rate study itself. At best, some recommended rates and payments won’t support sustainable high-quality services without updates. At worst, some services could close because they can’t keep up with costs. Disability service providers have a role as stewards of taxpayer funds. We want to make the most of disability services funding. Most importantly, we want Californians with IDD to enjoy reliable access to the quality services and supports they deserve. Our rate model proposals would ensure that the rate models and payment structures are designed to support high-quality, person-centered services and supports.

IntellectAbility provides tools and training to states, providers and managed care organizations that educate supporters of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) about early recognition and mitigation of health risks, thereby improving health and wellness. These tools include the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST), which is the most widely used web based tool for health risk management for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. IntellectAbility also provides numerous online trainings for supporters of people with IDD focusing on person centered thinking and planning, management of the “Fatal Five Plus” conditions most likely to result in illness and death for people with IDD and education for clinicians through the online Curriculum in IDD Healthcare. With unrelenting focus, IntellectAbility works to fulfill its mission of improving health and quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other at-risk populations. For more information, visit ReplacingRisk.com .

In the fall, our members convene for a three-day conference of educational and informational sessions, networking, and preparing CDSA for the year ahead. Members travel from all over the state to a different location each year, making CDSA Aligned a unique opportunity to showcase innovative work and learn directly from peers. The agenda always includes updates from industry experts and state leaders, addressing the most relevant challenges IDD service providers are facing.

Public Policy Planning Meeting

After the state budget is passed and signed, members of the Public Policy Committee convene for multiple virtual sessions of debriefing the past legislative session and strategizing for the next year. The Committee discusses strategy, how to adapt tactics based on lessons learned, and identifies urgent issues the system will be facing. Using this information, the Committee develops a new public policy agenda to present to the Board for final approval.

Legislative Affairs Conference

Our Legislative Affairs Conference offers CDSA members the chance to get directly involved in our advocacy work. More than 100 member executives, direct support professionals, self-advocates, and families from all over the state join us in Sacramento. CDSA and our partners deliver a series of briefings on our policy agenda and trainings on legislative advocacy. Trained and up to date on public policy issues, participants then meet with state legislators to advocate for IDD services.

Public Policy Briefing

At the beginning of legislative session, CDSA staff meet with members to update them on the CDSA public policy agenda. In a series of virtual briefings, member learn about the proposed state budget, CDSA policy priorities, and our strategy for the legislative session ahead.

Regional caucus participation

Member organizations meet regularly in three Regional Caucuses to discuss topics impacting service programs in their communities or regional center catchment areas. These member-led groups solve problems and keep participants informed on matters of local importance such as: Best practices in delivering services and managing the business. Challenges with implementing funding and policy changes, including interpretations by Regional Centers. Activities and strategies to raise community awareness and gain legislators’ support.

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1107 9th Street, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-5844
info@cdsa.imcsaratoga.com

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The California Disability Services Association (CDSA) is a statewide association representing more than 100 community-based organizations that support and empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. CDSA is California’s largest and most diverse voice supporting IDD service providers.

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1107 9th Street, Suite 1025
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-5844
info@cdsa.imcsaratoga.com