John's usual--
The Christie Lane Bears have an all-stars game this week. I've heard on WLKR that it will be broadcast on their sister station 92.9 or online at wlkclassic.com. If you miss the live broadcast, you can find it on their podcast page at both wlkrradio.com and also wlkrclassic.com.
Thanks for everyone's patience as we've worked through the initial kinks of CLI's new "braided" service array that blends our small group CLIMB services with large group activities. This has enabled us to stretch people's individual budgets so that they can "buy" more hours/days of CLI service, while still allowing us to (mostly) comply with DODD rules regarding community integration.
Almost all of CLI's day services-- large & small group-- take place somewhere in the community (no longer at the workshop). That being said, it's really hard to integrate in any meaningful way when you are part of a group of 10-12 people. It's the new small-group CLIMB services that enable us to really help our clients work toward the outcomes that they've chosen and that Ohio law requires.
The larger-group services provide people with fun opportunities to socialize with friends. This is important, but as a contracted DODD provider paid by Medicaid funds, CLI is legally required to demonstrate that we are providing real integrated services in the community with outcomes related to community employment, independent living, and self-advocacy. Those mandates just aren't attainable in big group activities regardless of whether they happen outside the workshop or not.
CLI expects to have our DODD Provider Compliance Review later this spring/summer. We're eager to get DODD's input on our small-group integrated programs and also their views on our larger-group activities, specifically in regard to the settings rule, since we often use CLI hubs to host these large groups.
Kenilee Lanes will close at the end of April so that we can begin the ADA renovations to make the first floor fully wheelchair accessible. Thank you to everyone that helped us raise the money to make this possible! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like have enough to do the facade this spring-- which is functionally ok. The space will be accessible when we re-open it in the fall. However, it will be opening up the inside fully to the street that will get the public really excited. Right now, Kenilee is a bowling alley with a restaurant attached. We'll be able to provide a much more comprehensive vocational training venue if we can transition it to more of a restaurant with a bowling alley attached.
Have a great week. You can't tell by this past weekend, but spring really is coming.
John
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