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A Self-Directed (Night) Life
Arthur (Art) uses the Supports Brokering service through Values Into Action to support him in managing his Participant Directed Services. Below is a conversation between Art and his Support Service Professional, Davion. Art and Diavion (pictured above) created this blog with the assistance from Jennifer Smith (Supports Broker) and Michele Dinardo (Supports Brokerage Coordinator). Diavion: […]
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Finally Home! Reflecting on 5 Years.
Time flies when you’re having fun. And what’s more fun than helping people take control and find a home of their own!? For five years, Values Into Action PA has worked on the Person Directed Housing Grant. We did this with funding from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC). The project name is Finally Home. […]
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Navigating the Return to Community: A Thank You to our Support Partners
It is a story that’s all too familiar. The pandemic had brought about unprecedented challenges for everyone in our communities. Yet, for us? Our Support Partners were the ones on the frontlines from day one. People we support and their families who all have had their share of challenges during the last 3 ½ years. […]
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Helping to Make Healthy Eating Choices
Everyday Lives: Values In Action promotes self-direction, choice, and control. Self-direction is possible when: We must respect people’s right to make decisions about the “big things” in their lives, as well as the smaller things, including what to eat. People who provide support often ask the question: “How do we help a person to make healthy […]
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Unlocking the Mystery of Rate Setting
Rate setting is the process that Medicaid systems use to create reimbursement rates for services provided. Many factors are taken into consideration during the development of rates. It’s meant to standardize the many costs associated with service delivery. Providers are asked to stay reasonably within those standards. The Process Involves 3 Major Components: Rate […]
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Employment First in NJ
Did you know that New Jersey is an “Employment First” state? “Employment First” means that competitive employment is the recommended first activity after graduation. This is true for everyone, including people with disabilities. ‘Employment First’ is about empowering people with choices for their future. With opportunities for employment comes questions about how it could affect […]
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The Real Struggles: Talking About Suicide Among People with Disabilities
Two years ago on August 9th, my family lost a loved one to suicide. He was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and soon to be father. While he was not a person with a disability, he had addiction and mental health issues. He received a lot of support and still the result was tragic. […]
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Welcome to Pam’s World
Independence, Creativity, and Choice…three individual rights that are sometimes taken for granted. Imagine being a person with disabilities who relies on the support of others to exercise these simple rights. Consider being unable to choose what you wear, the foods you eat, or the places you visit. This is the unfortunate reality for many people […]
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With, Not For.
With, not For. That is a power statement and one that is used frequently here at Values into Action. It’s the cornerstone on which the work we do is supported. The collaborative model works to bring everyone to the table. This allows people to forge a path into a space where once hidden voices have […]
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Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act
S.762 – Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act Introduced by Senator Bob Casey 3/09/2023. Why is HCBS Access Act Important? There are many older adults and people with disabilities living in America who need help with daily activities. Many are eligible for Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) to support their everyday needs. […]