ABLE Cooperative A Better Living Environment ABLE Cooperative - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

ABLE Cooperative A Better Living Environment

ABLE Cooperative

 Mission : Empower people with physical

disabilities to access reliable, self-directed care services, for complete control, choice, and flexibility in their lives

 Core

Values:

• Right to self-direct all aspects of personal

attendant services

• Right to stability in personal attendant

services for both employers and employees

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ABLE

 Supports self-direction and empowers

members

 Has 24/hr access to services  Offers and promotes competitive wages

& benefits for Personal Attendants

 Is a small community-based organization

in the greater Burlington area

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The Problem

 Self-directed people with physical disabilities

have limited options in Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services:

• Lack choice of PCAs and what you can afford to pay

them (with agency or individually)

• Lack control and flexibility of service times for

Personal Care – restricts ability to work, attend school, and participate in sports, arts, and community life

• Lack access to services “after hours”
• Lack back-up

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Why a Cooperative?

• A Cooperative is designed and controlled

by the people who use it. This cooperative will provide shared services for the mutual benefit of members.

• The unique design of a cooperative allows

participants on Flexible Choices to pool their resources to access a greater level

• f support and services.

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Sometimes it takes a little cooperation to make a

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Member PCAs Coordinator

Board

AN AN

PCAs

Consumers Agency

Cooperative Agency Model

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Agency-Based PCA Services Cooperative-Based PCA Services Among the country’s lowest paying jobs (U.S. median wage is $9.40/hour). Provide above average starting wage at $13.25, full and part time employment. Inconsistent training requirements poorly aligned with wages. Train employees consistently and to meet individual needs of members. Inadequate health care coverage. Provide health care option. High injury rates. Provide workers compensation + proper training, accident reporting, and supportive environment. Unpredictable hours, often part-time/per diem. Set shifts for full and part time PCA workers. Offering full- time positions. Heavy reliance on public benefits. With full-time employment, higher wages, and benefits we expect PCAs reliance on public benefits to decrease over time. Consequences of Instable Agency-Based PCA Services Consequences of Stable Cooperative-Based PCA Services Diminished quality of care. Increase quality of care. Compromised access to services. Increase access to services Greater unmet need among people who need and use services. Meet needs of people who need and use services. Major financial burdens for agency-based long-term care providers. Reduce financial burden with limited administrative

• versight and costs.

Major financial burdens for state and federal agencies. Reduce financial burdens for state and federal agencies: require less Medicaid money over time for individuals who receive long-term care, enabling individuals to participate in their communities and raise local

• economies. Reduce members and PCA employee’s

li f d l

Who is eligible to be a member of ABLE?

 Members- People with permanent physical

disabilities, who self-direct.

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Market Size

 Approximately 300 individuals on Choices

for Care in Chittenden County

 100 Individuals on Flexible Choices

Statewide

• 32 live in Chittenden County

 Looking at youth transitioning to adult

programs and individuals with newly acquired disabilities.

9 Source: Choices for Care Data Report, April 2012, http: / / www.ddas.vermont.gov/ ddas- publications/ publications-cfc/ cfc-qrtrly-data-rprts/ cfc-data-report-april-2012

Strategic Partnerships

 A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant through

Boston College’s National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services

 VCIL  DAIL  Transitions II – Flexible Choices  ARIS Solutions  VT Small Business Development Center  Cooperative Development Institute  Dunkiel & Saunders  Champlain Housing

Trust

 Northgate Residents Ownership Corp.  United Way of Chittenden County

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Steering Committee / Incorporating Directors

 Jill Allen  Nate Besio  Zeb Carlson  Stan Senger  Marcy Ryan  Sandi Lawrence  Lisa Franzen

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Thank You!

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