Since 1989, Benton County Sunshine School has proudly provided Waiver services to children and adults with qualifying disabilities and currently serves 26 individuals in Benton, Carroll and Washington counties.
Alternative Community Services Medicaid Waiver
ACS Wavier is a state and federally funded program for individuals with disabilities. The waiver is an alternative to institutionalization. A person must be diagnosed with having a developmental disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism. The developmental disability must have occurred before the age of 22. These conditions may exist independently of each other.
Psychological testing including an IQ and adaptive behavior testing are required to determine initial eligibility.
Through a network of community providers, services and supports are provided that assist an individual to live, work, and recreate in the community of their choice. Under this
Services provided by BCSS:
Supported Living Services: Supportive Living is an array of individually tailored services and activities provided to enable eligible beneficiaries to reside successfully in their own homes, with their family, or in an alternative living setting. BCSS, through direct care personnel, provides training and support in areas of meal planning and preparation, laundry, personal care, health and safety, financial management, self direction, self care, mobility, and learning.
Waiver Coordination: BCSS’ Waiver Coordinator is responsible for arranging and supervising waiver direct care personnel. The Waiver Coordinator is responsible for the development and implementation of the individualized program plan. The Waiver Coordinator also serves as a liaison between the beneficiary, parents, legal representatives, case management entity and DDS officials. Other responsibilities include arranging for staffing of all alternative living settings, assuring transportation, and monitoring beneficiaries medication regimens. Please contact Amy Palmer at 636-3190, Ext.113 for questions or for more information about Waiver Coordination services offered by BCSS.
Case Management: The case manager is responsible for the initial visit and orientation to the Waiver program. He or she compiles and submits required documentation for Waiver eligibility, Medicaid determination, and the completion of the Person Centered Service Plan. BCSS case management services assist Waiver beneficiaries in gaining access to needed waiver services and other Arkansas Medicaid State Plan services, as well as medical, social, educational and other generic services. Case Management services include responsibility for guidance and support in all life activities. The intent of Case Management services is to enable waiver beneficiaries to receive a full range of appropriate services in a planned, coordinated, efficient and effective manner. Please contact Nelinda Perez @ 636-3190, Ext.126 for questions or for more information about the case management services offered by BCSS.
Respite: Respite services are provided on a short-term basis to beneficiaries unable to care for themselves due to the absence of or need for relief of non-paid caregivers. Respite can be provided in the home where the Waiver beneficiary resides or in a respite approved home provided by BCSS.
Non-Medical Transportation: Enables individuals to gain access to Waiver and other community services, activities and resources. Activities and resources planned for must be identified and specified in the plan of care.
Consultation: Assists individuals, parents and/or guardians and/or responsible individuals, community living services providers and alternative living setting providers in carrying out an individual's service plan.
Adaptive Equipment: Provides for the purchase, leasing and repair of adaptive, therapeutic and augmentative equipment. This equipment must be required for the individual to increase, maintain or improve their ability to perform daily life tasks.
Environmental Modifications: Adaptations to the individual's place of residence (structure). They must be to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the individual or enable the individual to function with greater independence.
Specialized Medical Supplies: Items necessary for life support and the supplies and equipment necessary for the proper functioning of such items. Non-durable medical equipment not available under the Medicaid State Plan may also be provided.
Supplemental Supports: Assist an individual to live in the community and participate in leisure, recreational, social and educational activities that make a positive difference their life.