What the service covers
Virginia’s rule describes Community Engagement as a service that helps a person acquire, keep or improve the skills needed for positive social behavior, interpersonal competence, greater independence, employability and personal choice, so they can use the same parts of community life as anyone else. It may include community education or training and volunteer activities.
Activities happen at naturally occurring times and in ordinary community settings, where the person can spend time with people without disabilities other than paid staff. Allowed activities, as written into the person’s plan for supports, include:
- Taking part in activities, public events and educational events in the community
- Volunteer experiences
- Keeping in touch with family and friends
- Building independence in activities of daily living
- Self-advocacy and communication skills
- Learning to get around the community, including by public transportation
Where and how it is delivered
Apart from time spent planning activities, Community Engagement must be delivered in the community. It may not take place in a licensed residential or day setting or in the person’s own home.
Groups are limited to three people with at least one direct support professional. Planning time with the group counts for no more than 10% of the person’s authorized hours each month. The service is billed by the hour.
Hours and providers
Community Engagement, alone or combined with group day service, community coaching, workplace assistance or supported employment, cannot exceed 66 hours a week.
A provider billing the waiver for Community Engagement must be licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) for non-center-based day support and must have a participation agreement with Virginia Medicaid (DMAS).
Community coaching: the one-to-one option
Community coaching is for a person who needs one-to-one support to work through specific barriers that keep them from joining Community Engagement. It is always one staff member to one person, and all three DD waivers cover it.
