Bureau of Developmental Services April 2024 Newsletter

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services sent this bulletin at 04/25/2024 10:55 AM EDT

Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) Newsletter - April 2024

Hello BDS Community,

My name is Jessica Gorton and I am the new Bureau Chief at BDS. I bring to this position nearly 20 years of experience at the Department of Health and Human Services as well as a lifelong passion for helping people. I am deeply honored to step into this role and work with all of our stakeholders to ensure that individuals in New Hampshire have access to quality services.

At BDS, our vision is centered around collaboration, partnership, and advocacy. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with individuals, families, Area Agencies, service providers, and service coordinators to strengthen our developmental services system.

As we move forward together, I welcome your thoughts and ideas. It is your experience and expertise that will guide our work and the positive impact we will make together. Please be on the lookout for listening sessions this summer and other ways to connect with me and our team here at BDS. Another great way you can provide feedback is through Your Voice Matters.

I look forward to connecting with our community to partner in working toward a shared vision that supports individuals in living their best lives.

Jessica Gorton

BDS Staffing Announcements

Laurie Vachon, DLTSS Chief Operating Officer

Laurie, who most recently served as the Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) Administrator for Operations and Utilization Management, has been with the Department since 2016. Prior to her state service, she worked at an Area Agency for 26 years. Laurie’s experience will assist DLTSS to remain compliant with our federal partner for 1915(c) Medicaid waiver reporting, budget neutrality and post-service auditing. In the role of COO, Laurie will oversee and be responsible for the spending and reporting of a DLTSS budget that includes federal funds, state funds and multiple grants.

Abby Conger, Operations and Utilization Management Administrator

Abby will step into this role following her time as the BDS Administrator of Employment, Self-Direction and Strategic Initiatives. In that role, she oversaw multiple BDS initiatives including the enrollment in Medicaid for all Developmental Services providers as well as our Bureau’s integration into NH Easy. Prior to that, Abby was a BDS Liaison, working in partnership with Area Agencies to ensure access to quality services for individuals in New Hampshire.

Lindsey Magee, HCBS Waiver Administrator

Lindsey steps into this role following her work as the BDS Waiver Specialist since 2022. During that time, Lindsey supported administration and oversight of the Developmental Disabilities, Acquired Brain Disorder and In Home Supports Waivers by providing technical assistance to stakeholders, assisting in the writing of both administrative rules and HCBS waiver amendments and by managing the gathering and application of public input.

Allysa Voisine, Quality Administrator

Allysa Voisine steps into the newly created Quality Administrator role following her work as a BDS Liaison since 2021. Allysa has been a Department of Health and Human Services employee for 10 years. She comes from the Bureau of Program Integrity, where she was responsible for overseeing internal audits of DHHS vendors for contract compliance. Allysa is excited to work in partnership with Area Agencies and providers to ensure quality of services to the individuals and families we serve.

DHHS Webinar

Sharing What We Heard: Moving Forward Together

Wednesday, May 8^th, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Please join the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) at this virtual community webinar to discuss the work to strengthen the developmental services system. We will share a summary of what we heard during the recent BDS community listening sessions and surveys. Your feedback is guiding BDS’ planning and vision for a system that meets each individual and family’s needs.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

For additional information or to request accommodations, please contact bds@dhhs.nh.gov

Employment Leadership Awards Now Accepting Nominations

It is with great excitement that we announce that the Employment Leadership Award Committee is accepting nominations for the 2024 Employment Leadership Awards.

Each year the Employment Leadership Award Committee accepts nominations for NH businesses who stand out as leaders in our state for hiring, employing, and promoting individuals with disabilities as a vital part of their workforce. The five winning businesses will have full page articles published in the September issue of Business NH Magazine, as well as a full highlight video made about their business. They will also be invited to join us in October for a celebration ceremony.

Every business nominated will be interviewed in person by a committee member as part of the process. If you are nominating a business, please make sure the process of interviewing, obtaining information for the magazine if chosen as a winner, and attending a celebration ceremony is something they want to participate in.

How to nominate: Complete the nomination form at 2024 Employment Leadership Award Nomination and email to tracey.l.frye@doe.nh.gov. Please note that incomplete nominations may not be processed.

Nominations are due by April 30^th, 2024.

Celebrating Awareness

Brain Injury Awareness

There are more than 5 million people in the U.S. living with a brain injury-related disability. Those impacted by brain injury, including survivors, their families, and their supporters, all have unique stories to share about their experience and how the community can support individuals living with a brain injury to lead a full life.

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month. Let's join together to raise awareness and celebrate the diversity within our community. This month is all about embracing each person's unique differences, fostering inclusivity, and building connections. Together, we can support individuals with autism and their families, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Supports Intensity Scale - Adult Version® (SIS-A)

BDS has contracted with the Public Consulting Group (PCG) to administer the SIS-A in New Hampshire. For more information about the SIS-A, please visit AAIDD’s
website at: SIS-A 2nd Edition (aaidd.org)

Resource Corner

Parent Information Center (PIC) Roadmap to the Future

Next Steps NH Intro to Transition IEP Tool

Stay Connected

BDS remains committed to strong connections with individuals and families. To enhance our communication, BDS is implementing GovDelivery, a tool designed to streamline and strengthen communication between state governments and their local communities.

To get connected with the latest updates, please follow these simple steps to subscribe:

Click Subscribe below or visit https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NHDHHS/subscriber/new
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