Consumer Directed Services (CDS)

These programs offer in-home daily living support services uniquely tailored to fit individual needs.  The CDS program is consumer directed, meaning the individual receiving services is in control of what type of services are provided.  Unlike home health services, individuals utilizing these programs act as employers hiring and scheduling attendants for daily activities that allow for an independent life style.  This is a Medicaid funding program.

Independent Living Services (ILS)

Independent Living Skills Training includes almost anything an individual may need to maintain or increase their level of personal independence.  DRA provides an Independent Living Specialist (ILS) to assist each person in the development of an Independent Living Plan.  Together the individuals to learn the skills and develop the necessary resources to maximize personal independence.

There are 21 Independent Living Centers in the State of Missouri dedicated to providing the four Core Services:

* Information and Referral

*Individual and Systems Advocacy

*Peer Counseling

*Independent Living Skills Training

Providing individuals with disabilities the right of choice, change and control is of primary concern.  Through the collective efforts of the disabilities community, DRA seeks to make a difference by removing physical barriers, DRA and individuals active within the organization work with local, county and state government to support public policies that facilitate the opportunity for individuals active within the organization work with local, county and state government to support public policies that facilitate the opportunity for individuals with disabilities.

Information and Referral

Individuals and organizations often find they have no where to turn when disability related questions arise.  DRA operates a information and Referral database to provide information to individuals and their families.  This database contains a wide variety of general and community resource information.  If we do no have the information you are looking for, our policy is to locate it for you.

Individual and Systems Advocacy

DRA's work in the community seeks to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities by removing barriers.  Individual Advocacy efforts focus on accessibility to public services, education and benefit issues.  System Advocacy centers on efforts to enhance and support local, state and federal legislation on a variety of disability related issues.  These efforts attempt to reinforce and support public policies that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live an independent lifestyle.

Peer Counseling

The purpose of Peer Consultation is to match up individuals with similar disabilities.  This service assists individuals adapting to life with a disability or transitioning through different life stages.  Peer Consultation is excellent way for individuals with disabilities to develop an internal support system and gain the knowledge necessary to lead an independent lifestyle.

Independent Living Skills Training

Independent Living Skills Training includes almost anything an individual may need to maintain or increase their level of personal independence.  DRA provides an Independent Living Specialist (ILS) to assist each person in the development of an Independent Living Plan.  Together the individual and ILS set goals and develop action steps in order for the individual to achieve their goals.  This process provides the opportunity for individuals to learn the skills and develop the necessary resources to maximize personal independence.

Philosophy of Independent Living

The philosophy of independent living includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy.  Support and training is provided to maximize leadership, empowerment, independence, productivity and dignity of individuals with disabilities.

Centers for Independent Living

     Assistive Telephone Technology

Assistive telephone equipment is made available to individuals with disability related needs.  This equipment includes voice activated, touch activated, large number keypad, amplified and TTY equipment for those with hearing loss.

      Ramp Building/Home Modification

This program utilizes funds from private corporations to build ramps and make various adaptive home modifications for consumers.

      Equipment Loan Service    

This program offers long and short-term equipment of a variety medical and therapeutic items including electric wheelchairs, home modification materials and other disability related items.

      Low Vision Services

Low vision services are provided utilizing equipment and programs materials provided by Rehabilitation Services for the Blind.  DRA is equipped with a complete Low Vision center featuring a variety of magnifying, lighting devices and close circuit television equipment.  Individuals are given direction as to what adaptive equipment may be useful in their situation and can actually use the available items.  Once an individual determines that a piece of equipment meets their immediate needs, that item is loaned to them.  After equipment is loaned, a representative from Rehabilitation Services for the Blind will visit them in person to provide permanent equipment for daily use.  All equipment loaned by DRA is returned after the individual receives further services from Rehabilitation Services for the Blind.  This process maintains the equipment supply of the Low Vision center.

      Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Preparation

Circuit Breaker Tax Credits are designed to assist low-income individuals by refunding a percentage of personal property taxes related to real estate mortgage or rent payments.  DRA assists individuals with obtaining, preparing and forwarding the necessary forms and documents utilized to determine eligibility

     Basic Phone Rate Reduction Assistance

This program offers a reduction in monthly service charges for basic phone services for those meeting specific qualifications.

        Housing Assistance

Assist individuals in locating accessible or affordable housing within the community.

     Disability Home Owners Advocates

This emerging program is modeled after more widely recognized Home of Your Own programs.  The program is currently seeking individuals with disabilities who are interested in home ownership. Qualifications include good credit and total house hold income of at least $1200.00 a month.

       Individualized/ Educational Advocacy

These services are provided in both group and individualized formats. These services consist of IEP and Transition planning for both parents and students.  The organization provides direct advocacy assistance utilizing Independent Living Specialists and a variety of trained advocates.  Designated advocacy personnel will accompany parents and students to IEP and other related meetings upon request.

     Support Groups

Currently, DRA sponsors two support groups including TBI and Multiple Sclerosis.  The organization also established a Youth/Parent group and is working on a cross disabilities group.

      General Advocacy Services

These services are typically individualized and work in much the same fashion as individualized educational advocacy.  These services are designed to address a diversity of issues including benefits attainment, accessibility and consumer advocacy.

     Volunteer Program

Provides a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals.

     ADA Surveying Services

     Prescription Drug Assistance

This program is sponsored by several pharmaceutical companies and provides a supply of specific prescription drugs at no cost to those meeting specific criteria.

    Transportation Assistance Program

The transportation assistance program provides essential medical transportation for both local and out-of-county medical services.  This program features advanced reservation, door-to-door, Request-a-Ride service.

     Parent Services    

These services consist of a variety of annual training workshops provided by trainers specializing in a variety of educational specialties.  Currently, the organization has begun the process of forming Parent Advocacy Committees with the local school districts and hopes to facilitate a cross-district parent advocacy group to assist other parents as mentors.

     Social Security Disability Supports   

This service is offered to assist consumers who are applying for SSI/SSD. DRA helps them with forms that need to be filled out and attend hearings/appeals as needed.  

   Non-Medicaid Eligible Program

A person is eligible for this program if they are at least 18 years of age and are able to direct their own care.  They must have a physical disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities who are currently employed or are ready for employment.  Individuals may begin/maintain employment while receiving assistance from a Personal Care Attendant.  Division of Health and Senior Services funds this program and will determine eligibility based on financial need.

There must be a need for a personal care assistance of at least 5 hours per week and not to exceed 42 hours per week.  Services may include personal care, household management, housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, laundry transportation and other needs outlined in your plan of care.  Services are determined by a team of professionals and the consumer.

Medicaid State Program

A person is eligible for the Medicaid State Program if they are at least 18 years of age, have an active qualifying Medicaid status and are able to direct their own care.  They must have a physical disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This program is funded by Medicaid and administered through the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services.  Typically individuals receiving in-home services through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are eligible for our program and can switch to this self-directed service.  This program is designed to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to maintain or begin an independent lifestyle rather than be institutionalized.

This program is completely consumer directed, giving the person with a disability the dignity of making choices and controlling the direction of their life.

There must be a need for a personal care assistance of at least 5 hours per week and not to exceed 42 hours per week.  Services may include personal care, household management, housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation and other needs outlined in your personal care plan.  Services are determined by a team of professionals and the consumer.

 IL Waiver Program

A person is eligible for the Independent Living Waiver Program if they have an active Medicaid status, are 18-64 years of age, have a physical or cognitive disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and are able to direct their own care.

The program is funded by Medicaid and administered through the Division of Health and Senior Services and Missouri Centers for Independent Living.  It is designed to provide persons with a disability the opportunity to maintain or begin an independent lifestyle.

This program may be accessed for additional hours to supplement those provided by the Medicaid State Plan.  Individuals with cognitive disabilities who are able to direct their own care or designate someone else to direct their care may also access this program.

This program is completely consumer directed, giving the person with a disability the dignity of making choices and controlling the direction of their life.

Hours for the program will vary depending on the needs of the consumer.  Services will be identified in a plan of care developed by a team of professionals and the consumer.

Note:  Please be advised that if someone is currently meeting your needs without causing undue hardship to you or your caregiver, these needs can not be reimbursed through the programs listed above.