Bureau of Autism Services - Message from Director Re ACAP and Adult Autism Waiver
Bureau of Autism Services - Message from Director Re ACAP and Adult Autism Waiver
Dear Friends of the Pennsylvania Autism Community,
I am extremely pleased to be able to tell you that, finally, there are programs available in Pennsylvania designed specifically for adults with autism spectrum disorders.
The Adult Autism Medicaid Waiver and Adult Community Autism Program, known as "ACAP," are innovative new models of autism services that the Bureau of Autism Services and many stakeholders have carefully and purposefully crafted to target the unique needs of adults living with autism.
With services such as behavioral and crisis support, assistive technology, community inclusion, and supported employment, the Adult Autism Waiver and ACAP can help an individual with autism spectrum disorder make substantial and meaningful gains with respect to quality of life. These two programs are designed so that participants can work on achieving their goals like finding and keeping a job; communicating with loved ones; attending neighborhood events; exploring personal interests; and communicating their wants and needs in an effective, safe, and socially acceptable way. When families and caregivers are supported through program services such as respite and family counseling, the stress of caring for a loved one with complex needs doesn't have to be so challenging. These new and exciting programs offer the credentialed specialists and careful programmatic oversight essential to meeting the unique needs of the autism population, and with a commitment to successful outcomes, consumers are sure to make substantial progress.
Adult Autism Waiver and ACAP providers are required to complete trainings designed by nationally recognized subject-matter experts on a host of autism-specific topics, including supporting families, using positive behavior support, gaining access to healthcare, teaching life skills, exploring housing options and many others. In addition, the Bureau of Autism Services' own clinical team is available to providers on an ongoing basis to assist with issues that may prove particularly challenging.
Click here to find a copy of this letter and some general information about these programs to help you get a sense of eligibility criteria and services offered. Please feel free to distribute to any stakeholders. More specific detail is available on our website at www.autisminpa.org, or by calling our toll-free number 1-866-539-7689.
We are truly excited about these two programs and about what we believe they will offer for so many adult Pennsylvanians with autism and their families. For the Adult Autism Waiver and ACAP to serve the maximum number of adults possible in the coming years, it is essential that we hear from as many interested individuals as possible. With that in mind, if you're not sure whether these options might be appropriate for you or your loved one please give us a call or use the "contact us" feature at www.autisminpa.org. Questions are always welcome. And please, spread the word to anyone you know who might benefit from the waiver or ACAP so that we can be sure to get information to people in all parts of Pennsylvania.
Thank you for your time, and we look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Nina Wall-Coté
Director
Bureau of Autism Services
Bureau of Autism Services
Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental Programs
Department of Public Welfare
Room 501 Health & Welfare Bldg | Hbg PA 17120
Phone: 1.866.539.7689| Fax: 717.265.7761
Email: [email protected]
www.autisminpa.org
www.dpw.state.pa.us