HCBS Training

Important Terms

Key Terms

Action Planning

An action plan is used to organize the work that needs to be done by breaking down a more complex task into smaller steps. Action plans are often used to keep a team focused and to monitor progress over time.

Alternative and Assistive Communication

Alternative and Assistive Communication Devices, sometimes referred to as AAC, refer to strategies, devices, and tools that replace verbal communication. AAC can be based on simple photographs or pictures or might include devices that speak in words and phrases, as directed by a person who is having trouble communicating independently.

Civic Organizations

Refers to nonprofit organizations in the community that promote educational, recreational, and social welfare purposes. Civic Organizations include businesses, associations, clubs, volunteer organizations, veterans' organizations, and other groups that improve neighborhoods.

Facilitator

A person who works with a group of people to achieve an outcome. Facilitators often use agendas to guide the flow of the meeting and make sure that the group stays on task and that everyone has a chance to participate in the conversation.

Graphic Facilitator

A person who guides a group of people by capturing in pictures, drawings, and with short words and phrases what is being said during a meeting or conversation.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Federal, state, local, and tribal governments develop and finance Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to help ensure people across the lifespan can get long-term supports and services in their homes and communities, instead of within institutional settings, if that is their choice. These services help people live their lives as independently as possible. Examples of services include medication management support, assistance in preparing meals. shopping in their community, or receiving access to evidence-based practices that help people achieve the highest quality of life possible.

Natural Supports

Refers to the relationships along with everyday connections and contacts in the community that support a person or family. Examples of natural supports include neighbors who might take a person shopping when they go shopping themselves, support groups members who connect with another person between group meetings, or local business owners who may need assistance completing work.

Outcome Statements

Outcome Statements in person-centered practices are broad, value based sentences that help create a vision for the future. Outcome Statements in these modules are organized into four areas: people supported, people providing services, the provider organization, and the community.

Person-Centered Practices

These are three elements of person-centered practices:

Person-Centered Strategies that everyone can use to help people learn about what brings joy to someone and makes life worth living. These tools are also used to find out what is important to a person as well as understanding their needs for health, safety, and well-being. 
Person-Centered Planning is a process used to create a plan for a positive and meaningful life for someone by building on his or her interests and strengths.  Different methods can be used to help a person create their dreams for a better future. 
Person-Centered Organizational Changes address how services and supports are planned and delivered. Changes include fixing policies, adding ongoing opportunities for learning, and building community supports. Services for people across the lifespan are changed in ways that improve quality of life outcomes.

Positive Support Practices

The term positive support refers to practices that are: a) person-centered, family-centered, student-centered, and community-centered, b) evidence-based with research studies that show how effective an approach is and who benefits from the practice, c) sensitive and respectful to the unique culture of each person involved, d) adapted and improved over time using data to guide use, and e) often implemented with other practices within complex everyday settings.

Quality of Life

This is a common term used to describe how a person experiences their the standard of health and wellbeing. Quality of life can be broken down into domains: emotional wellness, social interactions, work and employment, financial status, living environment, physical health, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual growth.

SMARTIE GOAL

This acronym is used to help teams remember the key elements that are included when writing a goal. Traditional SMART goals include being Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time- bound. Some groups have recently added Inclusive and Equitable. turning SMART goal into a SMARTIE goal.

Vision Boards

Vision Boards in person-centered practices are used to help a group of people talk about what HCBS services look like now and their vision for the future after implementing person-centered action practices. A facilitator draws pictures and writes simple words and messages on a large sheet of paper that is taped to the wall. Markers, pastel crayons, and other art supplies are used to make these posters colorful and interesting.