Guest guest Posted February 14, 2006 Report Posted February 14, 2006 Do you know if it is possible to switch to HCS later when the person's name comes up if you get CLASS services before a person turns 18? Also, as a person who has worked with the HCS program, can you offer any tips or advice on how to organize or present need requests to help them move through the system easier? Gaylen Quote
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2006 Report Posted February 14, 2006 Thank you so much for taking the time to share all that. Invaluable. So many parents are asking me about this stuff - and I have no idea since my son's still on the list! Please - ya'll post your experiences with these programs, what you are learning, researching as you make your choices! This is so valuable for the rest of us for when our children's names come up. Thanks so much! Sincerely, Guppy Hi a, We chose HCS because the annual spending caps are significantly higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, while HCS cap is as high as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's Level of Need as determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and Agency Planning). My boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of need with about $20-30,000 more per year available for each child than on the CLASS program (remember that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to intermediaries who are your case managers, etc. - something like $1,300-$1,800 a month, for starters). I may not be quoting these figures exactly right (can't lay my hands on them right now), but when we looked at the numbers someone in Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. HCS pays for residential care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my understanding that CLASS assists with supporting an individual who lives independently in an apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a check book, etc.), but doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was significant for us, as I don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would even want to live by themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year for dental care (not sure if CLASS does that). FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to meet the individual's needs and different services are paid at different rates (I think attendant care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an idea of the quality of service you may be able to receive). In other words, you don't get a lump sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for services that may or may not serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this step of the journey! With all that said, not everyone who comes up on the CLASS list has a choice between the programs. Apparently my boys were due up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification letter, so MHMR was allowed to offer us a choice. I know other individuals who have been offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS list and haven't had the option of this choice. LHS M. Guppy - What we do for ourselves lasts only a moment; but what we do for others ~ lasts a lifetime... Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is! Listowner & Facilitator of: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org Quote
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2006 Report Posted February 14, 2006 We have HCS. If you chose you can receive Care and you are actually paid x amount of dollars per day for the individual depending on their level of independence. It does help to pay for his ABA along with his SSI and my Social Security check. Quote
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2006 Report Posted February 14, 2006 Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2006 Report Posted February 14, 2006 , Thanks so much for the detailed info. I'm learning all this stuff as I go along! By the way, I can't believe your boys are 16 now--where has the time gone? Thanks again, ~ a HCS Hi a, We chose HCS because the annual spending caps are significantly higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, while HCS cap is as high as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's Level of Need as determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and Agency Planning). My boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of need with about $20-30,000 more per year available for each child than on the CLASS program (remember that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to intermediaries who are your case managers, etc. - something like $1,300-$1,800 a month, for starters). I may not be quoting these figures exactly right (can't lay my hands on them right now), but when we looked at the numbers someone in Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. HCS pays for residential care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my understanding that CLASS assists with supporting an individual who lives independently in an apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a check book, etc.), but doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was significant for us, as I don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would even want to live by themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year for dental care (not sure if CLASS does that). FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to meet the individual's needs and different services are paid at different rates (I think attendant care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an idea of the quality of service you may be able to receive). In other words, you don't get a lump sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for services that may or may not serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this step of the journey! With all that said, not everyone who comes up on the CLASS list has a choice between the programs. Apparently my boys were due up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification letter, so MHMR was allowed to offer us a choice. I know other individuals who have been offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS list and haven't had the option of this choice. LHS Quote
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2006 Report Posted February 15, 2006 Hi Valarie. Are you a parent as well as an educator of special needs children? My hat's off to you if you are spending time with the group learning more and you are not a parent! If you are a parent, too, then my heart goes out to you and I'm glad you are online now! I also ask alot of " basic " questions. Thanks for asking this one! Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2006 Report Posted February 15, 2006 No, I am not a parent of a special needs child, just an educator. My hat is off to the wonderful parents who take such a profound interest in their child's education and welfare. As an educator, I believe that parents do not always get what they are entitled to and I would like to see some changes take place. I am enjoying being in this group. Thanks, Valarie " Dr. Graham-Garza " wrote: Hi Valarie. Are you a parent as well as an educator of special needs children? My hat's off to you if you are spending time with the group learning more and you are not a parent! If you are a parent, too, then my heart goes out to you and I'm glad you are online now! I also ask alot of " basic " questions. Thanks for asking this one! Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2006 Report Posted February 15, 2006 oh my goodness, to hear you say our kids are not getting enough of what they are entitled to is amazing to me! i am currently fighting our school district for services for our three yr old and i have such a negative feeling about our schools right now, you give me hope! any chance i could convince you to become director of our special ed dept. some day????? Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2006 Report Posted February 15, 2006 , Where do you live? I am sorry that you are having the same problems that I see on a daily basis. I stay so frustrated by the lack of concern and programs for our precious students and children. Keep fighting and so will I! Valarie " Dr. Graham-Garza " wrote: oh my goodness, to hear you say our kids are not getting enough of what they are entitled to is amazing to me! i am currently fighting our school district for services for our three yr old and i have such a negative feeling about our schools right now, you give me hope! any chance i could convince you to become director of our special ed dept. some day????? Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2006 Report Posted February 15, 2006 I live in Katy, Tx. I am sure you have heard we have a " great school district for special ed " because I get told that alot when I go to meetings, conferences, etc... I think our school district did a good job marketing themselves but now that I am dealing with them on the other end of it, services for autism are disturbingly non-existent at the level that the kids are actually being taught new things. My " regular ed " friends are shocked when I tell them the lack of resources offered to my boys (ages 5 and 3) because they have seen my kids in action! As one of my sweet friends put it, " if a nonverbal child doesn't qualify for frequent speech therapy than I don't know who does! " I have learned from those before me (yes , I mean you!) to not get emotional but to try to get things changed. It's just so exhausting being in mama-bear mode all the time. Thanks for asking, Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2006 Report Posted February 15, 2006 I live in Katy, too. We moved here to get out of Lamar ISD. I have been very pleased with the services they provide and the willingness of the staff to listen and integrate ideas and input. I am curious to know which school your children are attending? " Dr. Graham-Garza " wrote: I live in Katy, Tx. I am sure you have heard we have a " great school district for special ed " because I get told that alot when I go to meetings, conferences, etc... I think our school district did a good job marketing themselves but now that I am dealing with them on the other end of it, services for autism are disturbingly non-existent at the level that the kids are actually being taught new things. My " regular ed " friends are shocked when I tell them the lack of resources offered to my boys (ages 5 and 3) because they have seen my kids in action! As one of my sweet friends put it, " if a nonverbal child doesn't qualify for frequent speech therapy than I don't know who does! " I have learned from those before me (yes , I mean you!) to not get emotional but to try to get things changed. It's just so exhausting being in mama-bear mode all the time. Thanks for asking, Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2006 Report Posted February 16, 2006 We live in the Grand Lakes subdivision and we are zoned to R. Elem. Katy has an " ECAP " program started 2 yrs. ago that we are being denied access to for my " severly autistic " (KISD's terms) 3 yr. old son. ECAP stands for Early Childhood Autism Program. The district did not even bring up the program, I know families who are already in and therefore knew to ask about my son's placement there. Three ARD's, an advocate and one attorney later, we are going to the resolution/due process stage. Actually, at this point we are very disgusted with the powers that be in KISD. I have seen more political run-around than I ever thought possible when discussing the welfare of a little three year old boy who we feel has alot of potential. Where is your child at? Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2006 Report Posted February 16, 2006 How do you apply for HCS? Re: HCS , Where do you live? I am sorry that you are having the same problems that I see on a daily basis. I stay so frustrated by the lack of concern and programs for our precious students and children. Keep fighting and so will I! Valarie " Dr. Graham-Garza " wrote: oh my goodness, to hear you say our kids are not getting enough of what they are entitled to is amazing to me! i am currently fighting our school district for services for our three yr old and i have such a negative feeling about our schools right now, you give me hope! any chance i could convince you to become director of our special ed dept. some day????? Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2006 Report Posted February 16, 2006 If it makes you feel any better? Cy-Fair is suppose to be great. Awhile back they let my son remove all his clothes and pee on the ground while the teachers just observed. They told him to pick it all up but why would they get themselves in that situation? Public school unfortunately is not the best for our kiddos. If only ABA was affordable for all, that would be the answer for them. Re: HCS I live in Katy, too. We moved here to get out of Lamar ISD. I have been very pleased with the services they provide and the willingness of the staff to listen and integrate ideas and input. I am curious to know which school your children are attending? " Dr. Graham-Garza " wrote: I live in Katy, Tx. I am sure you have heard we have a " great school district for special ed " because I get told that alot when I go to meetings, conferences, etc... I think our school district did a good job marketing themselves but now that I am dealing with them on the other end of it, services for autism are disturbingly non-existent at the level that the kids are actually being taught new things. My " regular ed " friends are shocked when I tell them the lack of resources offered to my boys (ages 5 and 3) because they have seen my kids in action! As one of my sweet friends put it, " if a nonverbal child doesn't qualify for frequent speech therapy than I don't know who does! " I have learned from those before me (yes , I mean you!) to not get emotional but to try to get things changed. It's just so exhausting being in mama-bear mode all the time. Thanks for asking, Re: HCS Hello everyone, I am new to this group and have no idea what CLASS and HCS is. I am an educator, but of young children with autism (PPCD). I don't know what is out there for older children and adults with autism. I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank, Valarie --- Sostack wrote: > Hi a, > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > caps are significantly > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > while HCS cap is as high > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > Level of Need as > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > Agency Planning). My > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > need with about $20-30,000 > more per year available for each child than on the > CLASS program (remember > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > intermediaries who are > your case managers, etc. - something like > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > exactly right (can't lay my > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > numbers someone in > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > HCS pays for residential > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > understanding that CLASS > assists with supporting an individual who lives > independently in an > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > check book, etc.), but > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > significant for us, as I > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > even want to live by > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > for dental care (not sure > if CLASS does that). > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > meet the individual's > needs and different services are paid at different > rates (I think attendant > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > idea of the quality of > service you may be able to receive). In other > words, you don't get a lump > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > services that may or may not > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > step of the journey! > > With all that said, not > everyone who comes up on the > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > Apparently my boys were due > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > letter, so MHMR was > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > individuals who have been > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > list and haven't had the > option of this choice. > > > > LHS > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2006 Report Posted February 19, 2006 Hi, . We are in KatyISD too. We are having the same problems getting an appropriat setting for our eight year old son. I knew about the ECAP, but what is the YCAP? I have been told that there is no " program " for autistic school age kids. Is this correct? thanks, a > > > Hi a, > > > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > > caps are significantly > > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > > while HCS cap is as high > > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > > Level of Need as > > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > > Agency Planning). My > > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > > need with about $20-30,000 > > more per year available for each child than on the > > CLASS program (remember > > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > > intermediaries who are > > your case managers, etc. - something like > > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > > exactly right (can't lay my > > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > > numbers someone in > > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > > HCS pays for residential > > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > > understanding that CLASS > > assists with supporting an individual who lives > > independently in an > > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > > check book, etc.), but > > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > > significant for us, as I > > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > > even want to live by > > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > > for dental care (not sure > > if CLASS does that). > > > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > > meet the individual's > > needs and different services are paid at different > > rates (I think attendant > > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > > idea of the quality of > > service you may be able to receive). In other > > words, you don't get a lump > > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > > services that may or may not > > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > > step of the journey! > > > > With all that said, not > > everyone who comes up on the > > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > > Apparently my boys were due > > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > > letter, so MHMR was > > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > > individuals who have been > > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > > list and haven't had the > > option of this choice. > > > > > > > > LHS > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2006 Report Posted February 19, 2006 No that is not correct! As of @ two years ago, Audrey Bivens created the ECAP and YCAP programs for autistic kids in KISD. The YCAP is " young childhood autism program " and as far as I can tell, serves the elementary aged group. I do not know what campuses they are at! My boys are 3 and 5 and we've been struggling to get straight answers from the school district concerning placement for our three yr old. The attorney we had to consult with said that it is a lack of funding and lack of space issue so the district is careful to not give out any info. on either program. I would email Audrey Bivens directly at AudreyBivens@... (i think that's it-let me know if that doesn't work) and simply ask her the what, where and how of YCAP. I'm curious to see what response you receive. Good Luck!! Re: HCS Hi, . We are in KatyISD too. We are having the same problems getting an appropriat setting for our eight year old son. I knew about the ECAP, but what is the YCAP? I have been told that there is no " program " for autistic school age kids. Is this correct? thanks, a > > > Hi a, > > > > We chose HCS because the annual spending > > caps are significantly > > higher than for CLASS (CLASS cap is about $68,000, > > while HCS cap is as high > > as $178,000, or so, depending on the individual's > > Level of Need as > > determined by an ICAP, or Inventory for Client and > > Agency Planning). My > > boys were assessed at about a mid-range level of > > need with about $20-30,000 > > more per year available for each child than on the > > CLASS program (remember > > that the spending cap includes all the funds paid to > > intermediaries who are > > your case managers, etc. - something like > > $1,300-$1,800 a month, for > > starters). I may not be quoting these figures > > exactly right (can't lay my > > hands on them right now), but when we looked at the > > numbers someone in > > Austin gave me, it was not a difficult decision. > > HCS pays for residential > > care in a group home. CLASS does not. It's my > > understanding that CLASS > > assists with supporting an individual who lives > > independently in an > > apartment (e.g.-assistants to help with balancing a > > check book, etc.), but > > doesn't pay for a residential placement. That was > > significant for us, as I > > don't imagine my boys will be living alone (or would > > even want to live by > > themselves). Also, HCS pays up to $1,000 per year > > for dental care (not sure > > if CLASS does that). > > > > FYI, the CLASS or HCS provider develops a program to > > meet the individual's > > needs and different services are paid at different > > rates (I think attendant > > care pays at $7.83 per hour, so that gives you an > > idea of the quality of > > service you may be able to receive). In other > > words, you don't get a lump > > sum to spend - it's all paid out directly for > > services that may or may not > > serve your child well --- can't wait to begin this > > step of the journey! > > > > With all that said, not > > everyone who comes up on the > > CLASS list has a choice between the programs. > > Apparently my boys were due > > up on HCS within months of the CLASS notification > > letter, so MHMR was > > allowed to offer us a choice. I know other > > individuals who have been > > offered CLASS but are not near the top of the HCS > > list and haven't had the > > option of this choice. > > > > > > > > LHS > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote
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