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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>This may be of some interest<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Edward<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Please pass this along to your list-serves and friends/acquaintances who may be interested. Basically, anyone, regardless of age, who is eligible for DDS services (this includes those with an autism diagnosis) should attend.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>NORTH STAR PRESENTS:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>COMMUNITY FIRST CHOICE—A New Source of </span></b><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Funding for Supports for Those Who Qualify for DDS Services.</span></b><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>PRESENTER: Siobhan Morgan, Social Services Medical <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> Administration Manager, DDS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>DATE: Wednesday, October 12, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Time: 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Location: 56 South Cliff Street, Ansonia, CT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>RSVP: </span></b><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="mailto:Cathyadamczyk1@gmail.com">Cathyadamczyk1@gmail.com</a><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> (203-751-2417)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>***Pizza and drinks will be provided.***<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Is your loved one among the thousands of people who are on the DDS residential waiting and planning lists with no hope and no plan for receiving services? </span></b><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Are you looking for supports to build a full life and a better future in the community for your loved one?</span></b><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> If your son or daughter is eligible for services through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), this e-mail is probably the most important e-mail you will ever receive in trying to get needed supports and/or services for your child. As you may be aware, families cannot depend on DDS for anything in the future as far as supports or services are concerned. DDS is not mandated to provide anything, and currently do not have the money to do so. Many of you have your children on waiting lists to receive services. Do not count on getting off these lists. There are some individuals that have been on the EMERGENCY housing list for 8 years or longer! You may never get off any of the lists. </span></b><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> Look at the information below. Unlike DDS services, Community First Choice (CFC) services are <u>GUARANTEED</u> if your child is eligible. You have to apply through DSS NOT DDS. Read the information below carefully, and come to the meeting with your questions. As more and more families find out about this program, the CFC waiting list grows longer and longer…but at least you know it is a real list where you will eventually get to the top! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Find out if Community First Choice will help meet your family’s needs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Find an online application for Community First Choice here: </span></b><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001s1Vpx47bMkcqq5ZJR97DCG4GdA3BgCQxKAc7S_M-bs5jLxTwqYIkeJKpGzPm4CSj6LjENEV7FafhzjsXctkMO85cfoA3_W6yOb4oSV50thstUZ_DgbLZoeLBSC7CZRFsEj9D-AhxosSI7T-w-a2ytHVIkwAwzJ6VqPrsiIUCcBQ=&c=cyY-ar_RkddoEYAdi9N7evpfcxeHoK8aT4P2Tm2PD4-DpigVzluGxw==&ch=4Yf5Z8c5z-K98d3i8ERgddkDxghDgPBckoTD2ME2QX6syDdvnlr9VA==" target="_blank" title="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001s1Vpx47bMkcqq5ZJR97DCG4GdA3BgCQxKAc7S_M-bs5jLxTwqYIkeJKpGzPm4CSj6LjENEV7FafhzjsXctkMO85cfoA3_W6yOb4oSV50thstUZ_DgbLZoeLBSC7CZRFsEj9D-AhxosSI7T-w-a2ytHVIkwAwzJ6VqPrsiIUCcBQ=&c=cyY-ar_RkddoEYAdi9N7evpfcxeHoK8aT4P2Tm2PD4-DpigVz"><span style='color:black'>www.ctmfp.com</span></a><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>What is Community First Choice?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Community First Choice (CFC) is a new program in Connecticut offered to active Medicaid members as part of the Affordable Care Act. This program allows individuals to receive supports and services in their home, whether it be a family home or a home of their own. These services can include, but are not limited to, help preparing meals and doing household chores, and assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transferring, etc.). Educational services will be available to help increase independence, and learn how to manage your in-home staff. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Who is eligible? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>All</span></i></b><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> individuals eligible for DDS services are eligible for CFC. CFC is open to any Medicaid member that can self-direct services and meets Institutional Level of Care. Institutional Level of Care means an individual would likely need to be in an institution, such as a nursing home, if they did not have home and community based services. This program allows an eligible person to have care and support in their home regardless of where that may be. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>What is self-direction? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Can my loved one have help with self-direction? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Self-direction is when an individual, a parent, a conservator or a guardian, makes the decisions regarding care and services. The individual or their designee has control over what services they want in the home, and they have the responsibility of managing those services. Self-direction is intended to promote personal choice and control during a person-centered planning process. If your loved one has a guardian, conservator or someone acting with Power of Attorney (POA), they can help self-direct. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>How does this affect those currently on a DDS waiver for Day & Employment and/or other DDS Services? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Any individuals currently on a waiver will remain on that waiver. If you use self-directed Personal Care Assistants (PCA) on your waiver, you will automatically become a CFC participant for the covered services. Additional information will be provided by your Waiver Care Manager. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Please be aware that any funds you receive for DDS waiver services will be deducted from your CFC award. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>For additional information about Community First Choice go to: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001s1Vpx47bMkcqq5ZJR97DCG4GdA3BgCQxKAc7S_M-bs5jLxTwqYIkeCsc5_f6St0I-Opq_oYiTuNcmmIDuJMk9yfy0ZZSvBkZMDL2YJVd7M97rt24eSuky6hJAsxnaqqhpev3kgEhAjDKdp1VJHIVLv44cT8ezx04Gwj3zexw_r4ksgyqlEcvONGDXQvVrOzE&c=cyY-ar_RkddoEYAdi9N7evpfcxeHoK8aT4P2Tm2PD4-DpigVzluGxw==&ch=4Yf5Z8c5z-K98d3i8ERgddkDxghDgPBckoTD2ME2QX6syDdvnlr9VA==" target="_blank" title="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001s1Vpx47bMkcqq5ZJR97DCG4GdA3BgCQxKAc7S_M-bs5jLxTwqYIkeCsc5_f6St0I-Opq_oYiTuNcmmIDuJMk9yfy0ZZSvBkZMDL2YJVd7M97rt24eSuky6hJAsxnaqqhpev3kgEhAjDKdp1VJHIVLv44cT8ezx04Gwj3zexw_r4ksgyqlEcvONGDXQvVrOzE&c=cyY-ar_RkddoEYAdi9N7evpfcxeHo"><span style='color:black'>www.ctmfp.com/InformationCFC.aspx</span></a><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></div></body></html>