People with intellectual disabilities and their families in Rutherford, Cannon and other Middle Tennessee counties are invited to have their voices heard at a DIDD Stakeholder Forum in February.
The Tennessee Department of Intellectual Disabilities (DIDD) and TennCare are hosting the forum from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 10th at One Cannon Way Basement, 275 Stewart’s Ferry Pike in Nashville (on the campus of the Clover Bottom Developmental Center).
Those currently receiving services through DIDD and those stuck on the state’s Medicaid Waiver waiting list are invited to attend the meeting to talk about issues affecting them.
Recent statistics provided by DIDD show there are 164 people on the waiting list for home and community-based services in Rutherford County alone. There are 12 people in Cannon County on the waiting list.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities on the waiting list do not receive funds from the state to help pay for home or community-based services. To receive the waiver, an individual with an intellectual disability must be classified as having an "urgent need.”
"Urgent" is defined generally as having no living relative or guardian available to provide care for the individual.
Journeys in Community Living, a provider of residential and vocational services to adults with intellectual disabilities in Rutherford and Cannon Counties, reminds individuals that staff here are also available to answer questions anytime.
“If you or your family member needs services, we are here to help you work with the state,” said Betty McNeely, Journeys in Community Living’s Executive Director.
Journeys is funded through DIDD and also receives support from Rutherford County government, Murfreesboro government, the United Way and private donors. The nonprofit currently serves 120 individuals from both Cannon and Rutherford counties.
Questions?
Those with questions can contact Mark Bell, Journeys' development coordinator, at 615-890-4389.
