Eligibility
A person is eligible to receive SILS if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Is 18 years old or older
- Has been determined to have a developmental disability or related condition
- Is unable to function independently without SILS
- Is not at risk of placement in an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD).
If the person uses home and community-based waiver services, they are not eligible for SILS.
Covered Services
The goal of SILS is to support people in ways that enable them to achieve personally desired outcomes and lead self-directed lives. SILS include training and assistance to:
- Engage in activities that make it possible for an adult with developmental disabilities or related condition(s) to live in the community
- Exercise social, recreation and transportation skills, including appropriate social behavior
- Learn and exercise the rights and responsibilities of community living (i.e., self-advocacy training)
- Maintain personal appearance and hygiene
- Manage money, prepare meals and shop
- Obtain and maintain a home
- Perform first aid and obtain assistance in an emergency
- Self-administer medication
- Use the phone and other utilities.
Under SILS, a person may receive a one-time housing allowance of up to $1,500. This allowance may cover some of the costs related to damage or security deposits for housing rentals, utility deposits, connection costs, household furnishings and other items necessary to enable the person to secure a home in which to receive SILS.
Provisions of SILS
SILS staff may provide supported employment in community work environment settings.
The methods, materials and settings used to provide SILS must be designed to:
- Increase the person’s independence by teaching skills so they may perform tasks and activities without dependence on caregivers
- Increase the person’s opportunities to interact with people without disabilities who are not paid caregivers
- Provide daily schedules, routines, environments and interactions similar to those of people without disabilities of the same age
- Provide skill training in an environment where the person will use the skill
- Support development of decision-making skills and informed choices in all aspects of daily living, including service provider selection, goals and methods, location and decor of residence, roommates, daily routines, leisure activities and personal possessions.
