Minnesota's Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD) issued their latest weekly update, flagging important reminders and training opportunities for individuals and agencies working within these sectors.
In a recent announcement circulated every Tuesday, the divisions are calling for volunteer participants from among lead agency staff to join focus groups discussing changes to the MnCHOICES assessment. A deadline set for January 24 signals the closing window for those interested in shaping the proposal that seeks to extend the validity period for initial assessments. "DHS and Public Consulting Group invite lead agency staff members to enter a candidate pool from which DHS will select 60 people to participate in two virtual focus groups about proposed changes," the notice described.
Beyond focus group recruitment, the divisions are boosting their educational outreach with a new self-led online course designed to demystify the grant application process for the Disability Services Division. The course is targeted at grant seekers and applicants, offering an "overview of the DSD grant application process," and it's crafted as a tool to bolster their chances of securing DSD funding.
Completing the triumvirate of updates, a reminder was issued regarding the upcoming Acute Care Transitions Advisory Council meeting on January 25. The council, addressing pivotal points in acute care transitions, invites stakeholders from a broad spectrum – including lead agencies, providers, families, and people with lived experience. Interested parties can attend the meeting, detailed in an announcement posted on the DHS's website, which can be accessed at this link.
These updates, while seemingly administrative, hold the potential to significantly impact the landscape of aging and disability services in Minnesota. The initiatives each week reflect a concerted effort by the AASD and DSD to engage with communities, enhance systems, and empower those invested in the welfare of the state's most vulnerable populations.
