Summit DD News

2019 Family Engagement Program

For several years, Summit DD has offered a program called the Family Engagement Program (FEP). This program allows families to access funding to promote community inclusion for the youngest members of our community. Here’s what you need to know to 2019.

How the Program Works

Family Engagement Program (FEP) funds are available to individuals:

  • Eligible for Summit DD services;
  • Between the ages of 0-22;
  • Living at home with a parent or guardian; and
  • Those who do not have waiver funding.

All 2019 requests will be funded on a reimbursement basis only. The program will continue to be administered through your family’s Summit DD connection. (This could be a Referral & Support Specialist, Service and Support Administrator or a Developmental Specialist.) Your Summit DD contact will help you identify if the program is right for your needs and answer any question that you may have.

“Once the individual or family has provided Summit DD staff with a description and cost of the good or service, Summit DD staff will review the expenditure and let you know if the expenditure is approved for purchase,” explained Holly Brugh, Director of Service & Support Administration and Children’s Services. “Then when the family provides a receipt, a reimbursement payment will be authorized.” Brugh continued.

Payments

Once the approved item or service has been paid for, a receipt must be provided to Summit DD to request the reimbursement payment. Payments will go directly to the individual or family to reimburse them for the item or service. Brugh noted that receipts are required and that conversation and approval from Summit DD must occur prior to the purchase or purchases will NOT be reimbursed, even with a receipt.

Reimbursement for goods and services will go directly to the individual or family via a direct deposit from a third party. Families choosing to have the money deposited into their own account will have to complete a W9 form, as this may count toward your taxable income.  If your family has established a checking or savings account in your child’s name, no W9 form is required and the money can be deposited there.  Additionally, families may choose to establish a STABLE account for your child where the money can also be deposited and no W9 would be needed. Your Summit DD contact can answer specific questions that you may have, as well.

Receipts can be returned to Summit DD by giving them to a staff member or mailing them to Summit DD. RECEIPTS for purchases are REQUIRED to be provided to Summit DD or the family will not be reimbursed. Please note, if you have not yet provided Summit DD with receipts from funds provided to you in years 2017 or 2018, you will not be eligible for future funds until those receipts are provided to Summit DD and approved.

2019 Details

Funds will be allocated based on each family’s individual needs and financial situation up to a maximum amount of $1800 per child with a total family cap of $2500.  These funds are meant to serve as additional support to individuals eligible for Summit DD services and are not meant to replace a family’s obligation to pay for typical expenses.  Funds are available for one calendar year beginning January 1, 2019 and may be used all at once or in smaller increments over the course of the year.  Summit DD reserves the right to end the FEP program based on the availability of budgeted funds.

FEP funds used for respite care MUST be provided by a Department of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD) certified provider who will be paid directly by Summit DD. All respite providers must meet the certification requirements set forth by DoDD, as well as have an additional eight hours of training in child development and are certified in infant/child CPR. Your Summit DD staff member will be able to help you identify qualified providers.

Should a family have difficulty selecting a DoDD certified provider, you may then use a family-chosen provider who meets the following criteria:

  • 18 years of age or older,
  • NOT a family member or anyone living in the family home, and
  • This individual must participate in a four hour training session hosted by Summit DD prior to providing services.
  • When using a family chosen provider, a receipt for services will be necessary.

Environmental Adaptations will no longer be paid for out through FEP funding. However we encourage you to discuss your needs with a Summit DD staff member. In some cases, they may be able to seek alternative funding.

FEP funds CAN be used for the following:

  • Summer camp
  • Transportation to and from community based activities, paid at the current waiver rate ($.45 per mile)
  • Respite care from providers meeting criteria above
  • Adaptive equipment (with proper documentation from a licensed professional)
  • Safety Equipment (gates, door alarms, etc.)
  • Therapies not otherwise covered by insurance
  • Tutoring/ Academic supports necessary for success and not able to be provided by school
  • Health related supplies or supplements not otherwise covered by insurance
  • Clubs, classes or activities that promote community inclusion. FEP money can be used for payment of the club, class or membership only and does not cover the cost of any additional uniforms or equipment needs.  FEP money approved to be used for membership fees will include the child and one adult.

Families are encouraged to reach out to their SSA, Developmental Specialist or Referral and Support Specialist who will assist them through this process.

Download the 2019 Family Engagement Letter

Leave a Reply

  • Sign Up for our eNewsletter informDD

    Get all the latest news and information delivered right to your inbox! Just down to the blue banner at the bottom of the page and enter your email address. It’s that easy!

© Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board