LRCC Meeting Minutes May 2025

Notes:

HCBS – Home and Community-Based Services (covers Medicaid). 

Updates and sharing information

• Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is where most of DDA is going.  Bea Rector is Assistant Secretary.
  
  • I&E
  • Case Management (including SOLA folks)
  • Waiver programs
  • Other services
• Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA)
  
  • SOLA/SOCR
  • RHCs going over to BHHA.
• Aim is to avoid duplication of services and making services more accessible.
• Emails and phone numbers will remain the same.

Questions for collaboration:

Where do the AHFs land?

Both will fall under the new administration of HCLA.  Services for DD individuals will be provided under DDCS (.

Will there be a way to share services between old and young?

We know there are multi-generational families that need help, that include DD and non-DD individuals.  This change may clear the path toward comprehensive service.

Is the State creating a page with all of the changes to State administrations and programs it sounds like its needed?

Just FYI, this was the latest external communication around Reimagining: Exciting Changes at DSHS—Learn More About Our New Structure!

The messaging around Developmental Disabilities Community Services should go out within the next day or two 

Exciting Changes at DSHS—Learn More About Our New Structure!

For now updates around Reimagine (FAQs, Org Charts to date, etc.): DSHS Organizational Changes

What are any concerns you have about current programs/services during this transition?

Action Item for Jaime:  Ask Stephanie and Lori about getting something like an org charge for for where services are going so we can see a visual.  Lori will handle

It would be great to get promotional material regarding the reimagining (in Eng/Span especially and plain language) that could be shared with various networks (such as Parent to Parent) and could be disseminated to many individuals, families and communities through newsletters and social media! 

Concerns about values.  ALTSA may not have the same values, like self-determination and allowing people to make choices.  Will DD individuals get buried with the reorg.  Will DDA be able to keep it’s values?

Some of our staff have voiced the same concern!  This is at the top of our list of concerns also.

Alex:  my grandparents have different needs then i do.

Cathy:  What I hope is that the rest of HCLA will embrace the guiding values--- people with physical disabilities, and people who are older need those values too!

Ivanova:  i going doing lots work make sure people we service rights are respected and honored and making sure people with direct lived experience it be part of the process

Are there any broader concerns you have about the “reimagining”?

One of my concerns is that we will be using time, money, and resources for this reimagine, that could have been used to better support those that we serve. I'm not against change, i just want to make sure that its mindful, necessary, and productive change. 

Sandi:  Aging does a wonderful job of supporting their individuals. We can learn from them.  Coordination of services should be a part of DDCS case management.

What has been a core successful part of “DDA” that is critical to maintain in the “reimagining”?

Guiding values.

What will happen with DD individuals with issues around their immigration status?

Leg has given HCLA funding for personal care benefits (including Apple One), and we expect this to continue.  HCLA also has a small fund to help undocumented individuals.  No change in the immediate future.  Could change on the federal Level

What does the community think of the importance of keeping a Call Center where wait time is less than 3 minutes for services determined by financial eligibility side.  YES! It would be great to keep this.

Keep doing DD applications the same way for now.  People would love to move to an electronic application (but some people don’t have computers, and maybe not even in their local libraries)  It will never be electronic only, but multiple ways to apply in a way that makes sense to them..

What are the best ways to communicate with the I/DD community about the “reimagining”?

Maybe short video updates might be helpful.

The new website is very helpful.

REALLY important to emphasize that just because the name is changing doesn't mean the services are changing (this is probably the #1 fear for folks!) .  Important that it appears seamless for our DD Individuals.

The Community summit would be a good avenue to get input from those we serve, advocates, community members, etc. We already do workgroups and breakout rooms there which would allow for people to actively participate in the discussion/process. 

Yes –we need to organize a break-out room to discuss Reimagining.

The website is great any new changes should be checked out by advocates from a variety of backgrounds.

All the options are needed - accessible surveys, focus groups and one of one conversations.  Intentional engagement with support of trusted community partners would be the best way to ensure we include the voices and needs of our diverse communities.

Commitment to “Nothing about us without us” remains—but will this be funded? (committees and work groups)—yes, we are committed—should be paid.

Is LRCC a workgroup that will be eligible community compensation? Many of us with lived experience (including family members) are volunteering our time. 

If you are serving on an advisory committee and not getting paid from another entity, contact Michelle and she may be able to get you paid for this time.