Gather the following information and have it with you at your meetings. Also, consider having an advocate attend with you if you believe you need extra support.
- Preferred method of communication if the person with disabilities:
(Phone, written, email, ASL, other)
- List strengths and preferences in the following areas:
- Interaction with others
- Learning style
- Education
- List important people, include family, caregivers, educators, pets, best friends, trusted medical professionals
- What setting does the individual choose:
- Where do they choose to live?
- Where do they choose to work or receive their education?
- List short and long term goals and desired outcomes that are SMART
Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-Anchored
- Community participation goals
- Employment/Education goals
- Income and savings goals
- Healthcare goals
- Additional areas to consider when writing goals (the AAA system calls these “Focus Areas”):
Adaptive Equipment, Mental/Behavioral Health, Cognitive Status, DME Equipment and Support, Emergency Back-up, Emergency Preparedness, Financial, Functional ADLs, Legal, Living Space, Medication Management, Nutritional, Physical Health, Social, Substance Use Disorder, Transportation
- What supports and services are needed to achieve these goals?
- Diagnoses
- Current Medications
- Allergies
- Dietary Restrictions
- Healthcare providers
- Current Needs
- Current daily schedule – Consider including the following:
- examples of work/school days, weekends, summer/holidays
- average hours per week spent at medical appointments, including travel time
- amount of time per day spent on medical devices, administering medications, tube feedings, etc.
- specific length of time spent daily on therapies
- specific length of time spent daily on ADLs
For assistance on better understanding Medicaid Waivers in Alabama, please reach out to Disability Advocacy Solutions.
Disability Advocacy Solutions LLC 