I/DD FAQ
Soul Dogs, Inc. provides services to our community in multiple ways. The majority of our services are dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). As professionals in the field even we believe that it is difficult to navigate the sytems that provide enrollment, funding, and continued support. We hope this FAQ provides answers to common questions we have received about our programming and I/DD services.
What kind of funding do I need to attend the I/DD programs at Soul Dogs?
Soul Dogs, Inc. counts on Medicaid waiver funding or Division of Voc Rehabilitation (DVR) funding to provide services for adults (18 and up) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). When it comes to waivers, we take folks who are on the DD or SLS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.
How do I know if I have the proper funding?
If you’ve got HCBS waiver funding, you’ll be assigned a Case Manager from a Case Management Agency (CMA) that helps you access waiver services if you qualify. Your Case Manager can check if your funding is in order. And if you're working with DVR, you'll have a DVR Counselor at your local office to help you out.
How can I find my CMA or DVR Office?
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Serves Broomfield, Bouler, and Gilpin County​
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Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS)​
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Serves Denver & Adams County​
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Serves Jefferson County​
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Serves Elbert, Arapahoe, and Douglas County​
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Division of Vocational Rehabilitation​
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Offices in Aurora, Denver, Golden, Longmont, Northglenn, and beyond​
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This is a lot of information, I dont know what to do. Can you give me some steps to get started for the waivers?
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Contact your local Case Management Agency. You can find out which CMA serves your area HERE
I don't have or I don't want waiver services. What can I do to get connected with DVR?
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Find your local DVR office by going HERE. Enter your address information at the top right of the page.
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After you know what office is closest to you go HERE and fill out the Online Request for Services form. It will be very helpful for your application to have medical records that confirm your disability, an SSI or SSDI award letter (if you receive SSI or SSDI), a resume for your current work history, and a photo of your ID to digitally attach to the application.
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After submitting your application DVR will review it and be in contact with you to talk about services you need and what they can provide.
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If DVR agrees that they can provide you with support they will develop an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) and find you a group that can provide the support that you need.
My CMA isnt listed. Does that mean I don't qualify for Soul Dogs programming?
No. This simply means that we may not typically work with your CMA because you may live too far away for our services. We can do certain items virtually but not all. If you want to know if we can provide you services please email info@soul-dogs-inc.org
I have an HCBS waiver, but it is not DD or SLS. Can I still use my waiver funding for Soul Dogs?
No. Each waiver covers certain services. The DD and SLS waivers back all the programs we have for the I/DD community. The other adult HCBS waivers (BI, CMHS, CIH, EBD) don't cover our DTA program but may provide options for other programs we provide..
I have HCBS waiver funding, but I want to get my dog trained in your community classes. Will that pay for it?
No. At this time there is no line of waiver funding that covers our community classes for dog training. All community classes are paid out of pocket.
I enjoy my current day program, but it doesn't include dogs. How do I get into Soul Dogs so I can play with dogs each day?
The Dog Training Academy (DTA) is all about job development. Our participants spend their days learning how to work with dogs as a stepping stone to a job. Sure, there’s some playtime with the pups, but most of the day is focused on education and getting ready for employment. So, if you're looking for a program like Spec Hab (day program) or SCC, we aren't the right place for you.
I want to learn to work with dogs. But I attend other programming. How can I keep my current programs and add DTA?
If you want to join DTA we do not require you to attend every day. We operate 10:00am-3:00pm each weekday. If you can only attend one day a week and we have room for you, then you are welcome to attend one day a week.
I was told that I must use DVR funding even though I have waiver funding. What if I had a bad experience with DVR and don't want to work with them?
Waivers are "payors of last resort". That just means if other funding is available for what you need, then it should be utilized. DVR has a lot of options for employment support, but it is not something you are required to use. You can choose to refuse DVR funding and use waiver funding or vice versa. The choice is yours.
Im hoping to get started with Soul Dogs but I am unable to get a response from my case manager. What do I do?
We get that this is frustrating. Just so you know, your case manager is juggling about 60-70 other clients with similar needs. That doesn’t mean your needs aren’t important; some things just take a bit longer to get done. Before you can join any new programs, a service plan needs to be revised, approved, and signed. If you haven’t heard back from your case manager in two weeks, feel free to reach out to their supervisor. You can find their info in the case manager's email signature or just ask your CMA for it.
I don't use the waiver but I am experiencing a similar issue with my DVR counselor and ​getting no response.
If this is your first time working with DVR the approval process takes some time. If you are already approved for DVR and you are unable to get in touch with your DVR Counselor then you should contact the DVR office where they are located. Much like Case Managers, DVR counselors also have large numbers of clients that they work with every day.