TYLER CASE MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVE TYPES & SERVICE CATEGORIES GUIDE TO IL PLAN & AUTHORIZATIONS
There are only three ILOB program “OBJECTIVE TYPES.” These Objective Types include:
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES & SERVICES,
INDEPENDENT LIVING AND ADJUSTMENT TRAINING SERVICES, AND
INDEPENDENT IN THE HOME AND COMMUNITY.
For each Objective Type, there will be a list of associated Service Categories. These Service Categories are important to identify properly as they will be used when developing a client’s IL plan and for authorizing under a plan. All Objective Types and Service Categories are based on the Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA) definitions and those definitions are found withing the annual reporting instructional manual of our federal funder.
The Iowa Department for the Blind’s Independent Living (IL) program does not provide direct skills training for all the Service Categories listed within the RSA service list found in this document; however, several Service Categories listed we do provide direct training such as communication skills training, daily living skills training, or O&M, for example, then there are others Service Categories such as mental health restoration where we would only provide Information & Referral to direct the client to the appropriate professionals for assistance.
As a case manager working through the Tyler Case Management System, it is important to keep in mind that matching the “Service Categories” up to the appropriate “Objective Type” is required to get the necessary outcomes you, the client served, and the program needs for federal reporting. As you begin to learn the system, you will learn how to not only match these “types and categories” but how to “verify services” within the system. All very important steps.
In keeping all of this in mind, a comprehensive list below is being provided in a different format to help provide a better guide in how to match up the RSA Objective Types and Service Types to not only make it easier for you but to ensure consistent administration in how we all develop and execute our plans and authorizations as it relates to Objective Types and Service Categories.
Finally, whenever a question arises about what category to use either for Objective Type or Service Categories, please consult with your program administrator for guidance.
Below are OBJECTIVES (A, B, C) & Service Categories (A-g) s for Independent Living Plan:
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES AND SERVICES
Service Category:
Assistive Technology devices and services – B.
Assistive Technology means any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Assistive Devices may include items such as canes, slates, insulin gauges, closed circuit televisions (CCTVs), computers, adaptive software, magnifiers, adaptive cooking items, adaptive, recreational items, handwriting guides, braille devices, large button telephones.
Assistive Services may include the evaluation of assistive technology needs of an individual, services related to acquisition of technology, loan programs, maintenance and repair of assistive technology, training or technical assistance for the individual or professionals related to the use of the technology, programs to expand the availability of assistive technology, low vision services related to the use of optical aids and devices, and other services related to the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
INDEPENDENT LIVING AND ADJUSTMENT TRAINING SERVICES
Service Categories:
Clinical/Functional Vision Assessment and Services – A. Vision examination or low vision evaluation by a qualified or certified clinical optometrist, low vision specialist, ophthalmologist. Assessment includes functional visual acuity and fields, efficiency of vision in the performance of everyday tasks and evaluation for low vision aids or equipment. Functional vision assessment is typically provided by a professional who has a master’s degree in low vision rehabilitation. Do not include evaluations for O&M.
Orientation and Mobility training — a. Learning to access public or private transportation and to travel safely and as independently as possible in the home and community with or without the use of mobility aids and devices.
Communication Skills Training — b. This includes examples of training in reading and writing braille; training in the use of the telephone including mobile phone; training in the use of readers, newspaper reading services, talking book services; and training in other communication skills and technologies. This category also includes training in keyboarding and computer literacy. Special Note: Training in the use of specialized computer software such as screen reading software and adaptive equipment should be reported under Assistive Services (above).
Daily Living skills training — c. Examples include training in the use of blindness and low vision alternative techniques for telling time, food preparation, grooming and dressing, household chores, medical management systems, shopping, and recreational activities
Advocacy Training — d. Examples include individuals who participated in advocacy training including consumer organization meetings.
Adjustment Counseling and/or Peer Support Services (individual or group) — e. Individuals who received adjustment counseling and/or peer support to assist them in adjusting to visual impairment and blindness.
INDEPENDENT IN THE HOME AND COMMUNITY
Service Categories:
Information and Referral Services — f. Program participants who receive information and referral to other service providers, programs, and agencies such as senior programs, public and private social service programs, faith-based organizations, consumer groups, etc. to enhance adjustment, independent living, and integration. Do not include individuals who received only information and referral and for whom no other services were provided; that is, non-participating individuals, the general public, and other service providers.
Other - g:
Reader Services – g. Note — Note: Teaching clients how adaptive techniques, alternative sources and/or comparable sources to fund.
Transportation – g. Related to IL training activities. Comparable benefits are discussed and documented.
Personal Attendant Services — g. Note: Comparable sources to fund.
Interpreters — g. Note: Program to assist individual during all phases of program levels until no longer needing or is eligible or self-terminates from program services.
Maintenance — g. Note Related to IL training activities. Comparable benefits are discussed and documented.
Community Awareness Activities and Information and Referral (E). Used to support community awareness activities/events and provide information and referral services to individuals for whom this was the only service provided. For example, health fairs for seniors, training for other professionals, telephone inquiries, and general inquiries about services for older individuals who are blind.