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Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Health, Home Health Care, Human Services
Mission: The center provides services, programs and advocacy for people in rockland county, ny who have disabilities so that they may pursue the lifestyles of their choice.
Programs: Paser (personal assistant self-directed employers of rockland) - this medicaid funded program is an alternative model for providing licensed home care services for persons with disabilities or who would otherwise be confined to a nursing home or other institution. Persons using these services are directly responsible for recruiting, interviewing, hiring and/or terminating the personnel who perform tasks such as bathing, grooming, feeding, grocery shopping and light housekeeping. The person practices self-determination in this process with support services given by bridges, while alleviating the need to be dependent on traditional care. The program serviced 285 individuals with disabilities in rockland county during 2017. In november 2012, the center entered into contracts with four managed care organizations (mcos) to provide services to existing individuals who are receiving services in this program. During 2013, additional transition continued and bridges entered into contracts with an additional five mltcs and mcos. By the end of 2014, about 70% of the persons served had transitioned to managed care. As of 2015, several individuals served remain with ldss medicaid services. All dual eligible persons have transitioned to the managed long term care model (mltc). As of 2016, participants of the program remaining in managed care plans, those under specific waivers or in transition from straight medicaid to dual eligibility, will remain with the ldss until their waivers move into their choice of mco or mltc health plan.
independent living services - under contract obligations with nysed/acces-vr (formerly vesid) services are provided to individuals with disabilities, their families, government, businesses and the community-at-large. Education, information and referrals, advocacy on civil rights for persons with disabilities, employment support, independent living skills training and life skills training, and peer counseling/support groups by and for people with disabilities make up the core of basic services. Additionally, specialized services include: assistance with various government benefits and entitlement programs such as social security, medicaid and other compensation programs; assistance in learning skills necessary to live independently in the community to avoid institutionalization; assistance in understanding and locating housing options to live independently; training in providing an architecturally accessible environment for persons with disabilities (such as ramps, etc. ); and voter registration are a few of the services provided under this program. This program provides services to thousands of individuals with disabilities in our community. The following additional services are provided under independent living services:
t. R. I. P. S. This program is a curbside-to-curbside para-transit bus service for rockland county residents who have a disability or senior citizens over the age of 60 who find it difficult or impossible to use fixed-route bus services. T. R. I. P. S. Is a shared-ride transportation system. T. R. I. P. S. Stands for transportation resources, intra-county, for physically disabled and senior citizens. Bridges is a certifying agent for both t. R. I. P. S. And the reduced fare program in the county. Hundreds of individuals are approved for this service through our office on an annual basis. Computer classes this program was established to promote independence for all individuals with a disability through inclusion and computer literacy. The advantages and therapeutic benefits of computers and the internet are demonstrated via the use of modified computers made accessible for individuals with varying disabilities. The center offers basic and microsoft word classes, which are taught by a certified instructor. Education advocacy the center provides information and support for families of children with developmental and other disabilities through peer parent advocacy. Bridges attends school meetings and assists parents in understanding their childs iep and services needed to support the child. Benefits advisement, advocacy, counseling and referrals - a wide array of services is provided including benefits advisement, individual advocacy, peer counseling and information and referral services. Specific areas include : ssi and ssdi, medicare and medicaid, public assistance snap), emergency food sources, strategies for individuals with hearing, visual and other impairments, and housing assistance. Crs under contract obligations with nysed/acces-vr, this service works with community partners to provide community based assessment, entry services, work readiness and job placement services. Services include coaching and support for post-secondary education and internships, short and long term benefits advisement, supported employment, job placement, travel training and community work experience.