Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Update: Workforce & Technology Project Aiming to Improve Disability Support in ND
(Bismarck, ND) The Workforce and Technology Project, a collaborative initiative led by ND Protection and Advocacy alongside key partners, is making significant strides in enhancing support services for individuals with disabilities in North Dakota. Here's a closer look at our recent updates:
- Expanded Pilot Program: We're thrilled to announce the expansion of our pilot program to include four participants, each with unique and individualized needs. Among them, three are enrolled in the DD waiver program, while one represents the behavioral health sector.
- Exciting Partnership with Warehouse 13: Our project has forged an exciting partnership with Warehouse 13, a leading technology developer. Together, we're creating innovative forms of assistive technology, tailored to the specific needs of each pilot participant. We're optimistic that these devices will be available to the general market upon our project's conclusion.
- Long-Term Sustainability Planning: Protection and Advocacy, alongside key partners such as the ND Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the ND State Council on Developmental Disabilities, North Dakota Assistive, Anne Carlsen, and Money Follows the Person, is actively engaged in long-term planning to ensure sustainability and adaptability in the service delivery system for individuals with disabilities now and in the future. We are collaborating closely with DHHS to identify necessary changes in ND Medicaid and other service funding streams such as the 1915(c) waivers and the 1915(i) amendment to the State Medicaid plan. The goal of this project is to make assistive technology accessible to the entire aging and disability population in North Dakota.
- Progress in Technology Integration: While still in its early stages, the integration of technology into North Dakota's service delivery system is showing promising progress. Drawing insights from our contacts with other states, including Minnesota, we're confident in the feasibility of implementing similar concepts right in our state.
- These updates highlight our dedication to advancing support services for individuals with disabilities in North Dakota. For more information, please contact the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project, or visit our website at www.ndpanda.org/.
P&A is the leading civil rights organization for people with disabilities in North Dakota. P&A is a federally mandated, independent state agency established in 1977 to advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. P&A’s mission is to champion the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities where we live, work, and play.