MAINE MEDICAID WAIVER NOW INCLUDES FC
by Debbie Gilmer
Maine's new Home and Community Based Waiver Services Rules (Chapters II and III of the Maine Medical Assistance manual, Section 21) includes facilitated communication aids and services effective July 21, 1995.
The new rules define facilitated communication - as "a technique for teaching individuals with severe communication impairment to access communication aids. The facilitator provides physical support so that the communication aide user is able to communicate his or her message with less interference of neuro-motor problems." Communication aids are defined as "communicators (including repair and main- tenance) such as direct selection, alphanumeric, scanning and encoding.'
Additionally, the rules identify qualified providers as 'all facilitated communication service providers shall have completed a minimum 2-day facilitated communication workshop.
The rules require that "providers shall submit a written plan to the Division of Mental Retardation or the Bureau of Children with Special Needs defining the facilitated communication services Which will be offered to the individual.
Facilitated communication services are available through the waiver to individuals currently receiving waiver services.
These new rules go a long way to assuring that individuals with mental retardation and autism in Maine receive the support they require to have their voices heard.
The Center's FC project looks forward to continued collaboration with the Maine Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation toward realizing this goal.
The purpose of Facilitated Communication In Maine is to promote the appropriate use of facilitated communication through education, technical assistance, and support to people with disabilities, parents, educators, speech and language pathologists support providers, and other interested individuals. The project provides up-to-date information on current best practices, introductory and advanced workshops on the technique, resources regarding theoretical and practical components of facilitated communication and ongoing support to a network of resource persons who provide local education and support to other facilitators.
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