Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board

Mission

The Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board supports people with autism, mental retardation and related disabilities, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and similar disabilities and promotes their pursuit of life goals and their presence, participation, and inclusion in the community.

Philosophy Statement for the Service Delivery System

The Board believes that people with disabilities and special needs are vital and integral members of our community who, with proper support, can determine their own futures.  In addition, the Board considers opportunities in the areas of self-determination key to the ability to choose one’s own future. 

System Concepts and Principles

The following concepts and principles describe the broad principles of the Board in designing a person-centered system that serves people with disabilities and special needs:

• The system should be simple for people to access with the Board serving as the single point of entry.  The network will be based on person-centered outcomes, inclusion and self-determination.
• The system should provide appropriate separation of planning, oversight, service delivery, and service coordination functions as needed to reduce conflicts of interest.  The network will be vigilant in protecting the rights of people through advocacy efforts, quality assurance, investigation of reported incidents, and response to abuse situations. 
• Ongoing evaluation of services, identification of obstacles, and development of strategies to overcome these obstacles are continuing components of the service delivery system.  Input and guidance from the people we support, providers, and the general public in Richland and Lexington counties are essential to insure that the system of care best supports people with disabilities and special needs. 
• Transitions from one service to another should be as simple and uncomplicated as possible. 
• People supported by the system will be encouraged and trained to take responsibility and to become self-advocates.  Self-determination will be promoted.  Recognizing that families are the constants in the lives of all people, the Board seeks to promote the continued involvement of families in the active care of their family members.
• The system should enable people supported by the system to make their own choices with the assistance of families and friends as needed. 
• Services and funding for services should be based on personal needs and choices.  The Board’s requests for funding will be based on the needs.
• The Board will encourage and be receptive to innovative and creative concepts that insure self-determination.

 Role of the RLDSN Board

The RLDSN Board will serve the following functions: 

Develop Long-Range Plans:  By law, the Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board is the primary administrative, planning, coordinating and service delivery body for citizens of all ages of the counties with:  autism, mental retardation and related disabilities, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and similar disabilities.  The Board will partner with all stakeholders in a collaborative process to plan and implement strategies to meet needs.

Establish Contracts with qualified providers of direct services, service coordination and pilot initiatives:  SCDDSN should contract with the Richland/Lexington DSN Board for services in the two-county area.  The board will issue subcontracts to qualified providers.

Develop and implement quality assurance programs.  As the contracting agency, the board will insure a quality assurance system is available through the following strategies:

1.  Assuring that contracted services are evaluated on a timely and consistent basis to insure people are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of contractors;

2.  Terminating or reducing contracts if the provider does not meet the standards established by the Board and regulatory agencies; and

3.  Assuring that an independent entity will review and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. 

Serve as the fiscal entity for the clients.  All funds allocated to the support system in Richland and Lexington counties will be allocated through the Board.  The Board will establish a system based on personal choice that enables the people supported by the system to determine their own services and manage their budget.   

Establish and coordinate a human rights committee.  RLDSNB will establish a Human Rights committee to function in an advisory capacity.  The role of the Human Rights Committee will be to help safeguard the rights of people with disabilities and special needs.

Serve as an advocate for people with disabilities and special needs and their families for appropriate services, effective use of resources, and a flexible service delivery system. The Board will increase its advocacy, on both individual and system-wide levels, to insure that services are person-centered and funded efficiently and effectively by:

• Insuring that the services provided meet the highest standards of quality, care, sensitivity to diverse cultures, effectiveness, and efficiency;
•  Assuring that mechanisms are available to care for people who do not have a family or guardian support system;
• Informing people of the local, state, and national advocacy groups that can provide support, self-help, information, and guidance;
• Developing coordinated advocacy for appropriate services and awareness of the needs of people with disabilities in conjunction with other advocacy groups; and
• Educating local officials in Richland and Lexington counties in the functions of the Board, needs of our citizens, and requirements for their involvement.

Intake and Information: As the single point of entry into the support system, the Board will provide intake and information services by:

• Increasing community awareness of the Board, its mission and its role as the single point of entry and opportunities for service when needed;
• Providing an initial intake assessment; and
• Providing information and education on the service delivery system and policies and procedures.

Prevention Awareness:  In coordination with local agencies, the Board will increase community awareness of causes of disabilities and special needs and prevention measures.   The Board will actively lobby to change the existing laws, policies, and practices that inhibit prevention of disabilities.

Implementation

 Introduction:  In the Spring of 2004, the Richland Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board embarked on a comprehensive effort to restructure the two-county service delivery system to respond to the aspirations, concerns, and concepts shared by people who receive services, their families, their advocates, and their service providers.  Based on feedback from public hearings, focus groups, and interviews, the Board designed a new structure for the service delivery system.  We understand that change is difficult, but we are committed to moving forward, to establishing a system based on flexibility, choice, and self-determination and to overcoming obstacles in its implementation.  Clearly, people expect the system to improve.

 Implementing this structure presents its own set of challenges and opportunities.  In developing this comprehensive plan, we have been deliberate and thoughtful.  As we proceed methodically, we will insure that providers are trained; that people who depend on the services understand their choices and that we are ready to fulfill our mission to our community.  We will seek the support of all the stakeholders in the system including the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, our legislative delegation, and the people of Richland and Lexington counties. 

The following goals, objectives and strategies outline the Board’s approach to implementation.  As we execute these changes, we recognize the need for flexibility, constant evaluation and possible revision to the system.  We are prepared to lead and to insure that people determine their own future and exercise choice over their lives.

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Date late edited: Thursday, January 24, 2008