Overview

POSITIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Waiver/Medicaid Funded, Available to Individuals receiving DD Services in Washington.

Among Friends collaborates with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS). We specifically offer four DDA services: Staff and Family Consultation, Life Skills (previously known as Specialized Habilitation), Stabilization, and Specialized Evaluation and Consultation.

Additionally, Among Friends has a contract with Services Alternatives and provides private pay services.

Cost

TWaiver-funded supports are paid for through Developmental Disability waiver funding, which is funded by state and federal Medicaid funds.

Fees are based on the current Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) DDCS rate per hour. 

Fees for supports through Services Alternatives are $110 hr.

Private pay services costs vary and range from $90 - $120 hr.

Staffing

Our team currently consists of seven Behavior Professionals, with three providing supports in Washington. We meet weekly to collaborate, discuss progress, strategies, and any support needs that arise. Karen, the Behavior Supports Staff Director supervises all staff, and the Washington State Positive Supports Program Director reviews all plans. 

Shanya Luther, founder and co-owners of Among Friends, LLC, also provides staff with additional training, resources, guidance, and client specific coaching.

Authorized Services

Staff and Family Consultation

Available to Individuals on all Waivers, PASRR, and RCL

The purpose of this service is to provide consultation and guidance to staff members and/or family members to help meet the specific needs of the individual, thereby enhancing their independence and inclusion in the community. The consultation can be provided in one or more of the following areas:

• Basic and advanced instructional techniques

• Consultation with potential referral resources

• Augmentative communication systems

• Disability information and education

• Strategies for effectively and therapeutically interacting with the participant

• Environmental consultation

• Parenting skills

Life Skills

Available to Individuals on IFS, Basic Plus, Core, and CIIBS Waivers,  PASRR, and RCL

Service provided directly to the individual focused on promoting inclusion in the community through reaching goals and developing skills in areas of:

• Self-empowerment;

• Safety awareness and self-advocacy;

• Interpersonal effectiveness and effective social communication;

• Coping strategies for everyday life changes; and

• Managing daily tasks and acquiring adaptive skills.

Stabilization Services

Available to Individuals on all Waivers, PASRR, and RCL

Stabilization services provide short-term (approximately 90 days) support for individuals who are experiencing acute behavioral health concerns or crisis, which puts them at risk of losing their current placement and/or hospitalization or institutionalization. The services delivered are similar to those outlined above in Life Skills and Staff and Family Consultation, however, they are offered with high intensity, frequency, and focus to support the individual and their support team in returning to a level of stability to avoid hospitalization and/or loss of placement/needing high level of care.

Specialized Evaluation and Consultation

Available to Individuals on the Community Protection Waiver

Service provided directly to the individual focused on developing skills in the areas of:

• Sexual and Relationship Education

• Fire Safety 

• Social Skills Training

• Understanding of Laws, Rights, and Responsibilities

Requirements of the Support Team

A team approach is essential for Positive Supports to be successful! 

For this reason, we require that CRMs and all members of the individual’s support team (family, support providers, etc.) are actively involved throughout the service period.

When supporting an individual in gaining new skills, abilities, and/or resources, having the support and consistency of their team, along with an equal commitment to learning new skills and approaches, is crucial. For services to be effective, we need the support team members to set up appointments with us, actively engage, and promptly follow up on phone calls and emails from us.

If we do not receive the necessary contact, responses, or engagement, we will discuss the appropriateness of the services and determine whether there is a need to suspend them.

Travel Policy

As the Among Friends position support team continues to grow and to support individuals throughout the state of Washington. All client and team supports are currently being conducted by telephone and a secure, HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform only; however, will be incorporating some in-person visits in the near future.