Real Choice Systems Change

NORTH DAKOTA

Grant Information


Name of Grantee

State of North Dakota

Title of Grant

Real Choice Systems Change in North Dakota

Type of Grant

Real Choice Systems Change

Amount of Grant

$900,000

Year Original Funding Received

2002

Contact Information


Bonnie Selzler, Ph.D.
Olmstead Coordinator
Department of Human Services
600 S 2nd Street, Suite 1D
Bismarck, ND 58504

701–223–5375
bselzler@btinet.net

Subcontractor(s)

None.

Target Population(s)


All ages.

Goals


  • Identify current strengths and challenges in the North Dakota system of care for persons with a disability.
  • Combine, compress, or piggyback services and resources where possible given the existing resources.
  • Improve access to information about home and community service options.

Activities


  • Develop requests for proposals for innovative projects in rural communities based on a review of research and service delivery currently underway.
  • Issue the request for proposals for pilot projects that will demonstrate creative changes in service delivery.
  • Demonstrate creative changes in service delivery without additional costs through simplified access to services, consumer involvement in development and management of services, and consumer-directed fiscal planning for services.
  • Identify changes in the system of care that reflect North Dakota's Olmstead initiative.

Abstract


The Governor's Commission on the Olmstead Decision received $900,000 that will be used to ensure that the consumer is actively involved in decision making regarding development and implementation of services. Multiple systems are involved in providing services to persons with disabilities, therefore, memorandums of agreement and policies must be created that empower the consumer to have a strong voice in service decision.

The first phase of the project is a white paper that describes the current system and existing studies of the systems of care. That portion will be completed in April of 2003. Because North Dakota has an aging population and the majority of services for persons with a disability tend to be within long-term care facilities, studies involving payment and services in long-term care facilities are especially informative to this project. The long-term care facilities have joined other community agencies to explore service delivery options.

Specific tasks, such as improved access to information and greater consumer input into development of services will be achieved through pilot projects in rural North Dakota. A request for proposals will be sent out to agencies to develop creative projects that demonstrate and provide a model for persons with a disability to direct their services.

Early analysis of data indicated a need for system changes in the areas of finance, outreach, transportation, workforce, service gaps, and service coordination. The pilot projects will be expected to address these areas.

Currently, there are multiple telephone numbers one would need to have to access all the possible services available. One project is aimed at a simplified access system for services. That particular project uses the 211 number as a statewide information and referral number.

The Governor's appointed commission is the governing body for the grant. A project coordinator will oversee the day-to-day operation and report to the Commission.