Community Networking
Community Networking services provide individualized day activities that support the waiver beneficiary’s definition of a meaningful day in an integrated community setting, with persons who are not disabled. If the beneficiary requires paid supports to participate / engage once connected with the activity, Community Networking can be used to refer and link the individual. This service is provided separate and apart from the beneficiary’s primary private residence, other residential living arrangement, and/or the home of a service provider. These services do not take place in licensed facilities and are intended to offer the beneficiary the opportunity to develop meaningful community relationships with non-disabled individuals. Services are designed to promote maximum participation in community life while developing natural supports within integrated settings. Community Networking services enable the beneficiary to increase or maintain their capacity for independence and develop social roles valued by non-disabled members of the community. As the beneficiary gain skills and increase community connections, service hours may fade.
Community Networking services consist of:
- Participation in adult education (College, Vocational Studies, and other educational opportunities)
- Development of community-based time management skills
- Community-based classes for the development of hobbies or leisure/cultural interests;
- Volunteer work
- Participation in formal/informal associations and/or community groups
- Training and education in self-determination and self-advocacy
- Using public transportation
- Inclusion in a broad range of community settings that allow the beneficiary to make community connections
- Inclusion in a broad range of community settings that allow the beneficiary to make community connections
- Transportation, when the activity does not include staffing support and the destination of the transportation is an integrated community setting or a self-advocacy activity. Payments for transportation are an established per trip charge or mileage.