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Developmental Disabilities (DD) Case Management Services in Cook County are provided by Public Health and Human Services (PHHS). The DD Case Manager helps persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, understand what help is available through assessing an individual’s needs and connecting them with resources, services, and supports. The assessment, called a MnCHOICES assessment, is conducted by trained personnel at Cook County PHHS and is provided at no cost to the individual being assessed. The tool assists the assessor in determining the individual’s eligibility for services. The case manager then works with the individual, and their family or guardian, if applicable, to determine next steps, establish goals and identify resources.
Person-Centered Provision of Services
Over the last ten years, the State of Minnesota has worked to build a more person-centered system to support people with disabilities to live and work in ways that are meaningful to them and promote people’s control of their own quality of life. Utilizing a person-centered approach means that the person is placed at the center of the service and is treated as a person first. The focus is on the person, and what they can do (strengths), instead of focusing on their condition or disabilities. The core areas of support include:
*Community ongoing participation, contributions, and valued community roles.
*Health, wellness, and safety, with an emphasis on communication, relationships, and trust.
*Own place to live is the choice to decide the place you live, the people with whom you live and/or who provides support for you in your home.
*Important long-term relationships that are reciprocal and chosen by the person.
*Control over supports, including choice of and control over services and funding.
*Employment earnings and stable income, which could be jobs, self-employment and/or stable income from public and private sources.
Home and Community- Based Services
The availability of Federal and State funding assists local and tribal governments to develop Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to help ensure people across their lifespan can get long-term supports and services in their homes and communities, if they choose, instead of within institutional settings. These services help people live their lives as independently as possible.
Some examples of home and community-based services that case managers at Cook County PHHS regularly connect individuals with: Consumer Directed Community Supports (a unique service option that gives the individual the flexibility and responsibility to direct your services and supports), Employment/ Vocational Supports, Independent Living Skills Supports, and Personal Supports. Adaptive equipment and environmental modifications of homes and vehicles are also services that are available.
Resources
In addition to case management services, there are other ways that people with disabilities and their families can get the support they want. Disability Hub MN is free, statewide resource network that helps people with disabilities solve problems, navigate the system and plan for their future.
Learn more about developmental disability services in Cook County and the Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) department at the PHHS Board Meeting. The meeting recording is available on Cook County website at www. co.cook.mn.us. You can also visit our website at www.cookcountyphhs.org, contact us via email at PHHS@co.cook.mn.us or find us on Facebook @ CookCountyPHHS or Instagram @cook_ county_ phhs to learn more about public health and human services resources in Cook County.
County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.
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