Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Care
What is a developmental disability?
According to the state of Nebraska, a developmental disability may be defined as mental retardation or as a severe, chronic disability that is manifested before the age of 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely. This condition is not caused by a mental or physical condition that results solely from a mental illness.
What services are available?
Most individuals stay within the Lincoln Public School system until they are 21 years of age. During the last few years of school, many individuals begin a transition process during which they spend part of the school day at a community job site or a sheltered workshop-type of setting. After graduation, the individual will select a provider of services (such as VITAL Services) to continue their job training or where they can live in a residential setting. Most providers offer a day service program and a residential program. In addition, some providers provide respite services when caregivers (such as parents) need a break from the home where the individual receives care.
How do I get help from the state of Nebraska?
In this region, the intake service coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is Bonnie Ackerman. Her telephone number is 402-471-4400. Bonnie is the first contact person you will need to know if your child qualifies to receive services from the state of Nebraska. If your son/daughter is eligible to receive services, he/she might be put on a waiting list for services. As money becomes available, your son/daughter will be eligible to use this money for services. A service coordinator is hired to oversee this service. You are then free to visit the different providers in the area to determine which one is able to offer the desired service.
Is my son/daughter eligible for all of the services at one time?
Your son/daughter might only receive one type of service (such as a day service), depending on the particular needs of your case. Sometimes, more than one type of service will be instituted.
Are the providers regulated by the state of Nebraska?
Yes, the providers are regulated. In order to be a provider of DD services, a contract with the state of Nebraska is mandatory. All providers operate from a set of policies and procedures that are certified by the state. Also, all providers must operate under a corporate structure to ensure better uniformity with current government regulations.
What happens after I choose a provider?
After you have chosen a provider, an intake meeting will be scheduled to help with the transfer process. At the meeting, a date and time will be set for the individual to start into services.
Will my son/daughter be treated humanely?
Many parents worry about their son/daughter being treated with dignity when they are not around. All provider agencies must adhere to a strict code of ethics to prevent incidents of abuse or neglect. In addition, most agencies will have a review committee that investigates allegations of abuse and neglect. VITAL Services prides itself in the level of respectful, individual care it is able to provide for the benefit of both the person we serve and his or her guardian.
