for SCI Patients As an individual recovers from a spinal cord injury and transitions to the community setting, i.e. home from the rehab setting, an awareness of available community resources is very helpful. There are many agencies and resources within each community that can help meet the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries This self-directed learning module contains information you are expected to know to support our patients, our guests and you. Carolinas Rehabilitation Target Audience: RN, LPN, PT, PTA, COTA, OT, SLP, TR, SW, MS Recommended: Ancillary Team Members Contents Instructions...2 Learning Objectives...2 Module Content...3 Job Aid...7 Posttest...8 Page 1 of 8
INSTRUCTIONS The material in this module is an introduction to important general information. After completing this module, contact your supervisor to obtain additional information specific to your department. Read this module. If you have any questions about the material, ask your supervisor. Complete the online post test for this module. The JOB AID on page 7 may be customized to fit your department and then used as a quick reference guide. Completion of this module will be recorded under My Learning in PeopleLink. Learning Objectives When you finish this module, you will be able to: Identify resources at Carolinas Rehabilitation available to individuals recovering from a spinal cord injury Identify resources in the community for which individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury may be eligible. Page 2 of 8
INTRODUCTION As an individual recovers from a spinal cord injury and transitions to the community setting, i.e. home from the rehab setting, an awareness of available community resources is very helpful. There are many agencies and resources within each community that can help meet the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Many of these agencies offer services and information that can assist individuals, family members, and caregivers. Some services are not available in all areas. The resources at Carolinas Rehabilitation can be accessed by referring to the Carolinas Rehabilitation Telephone Directory. I. Carolinas Rehabilitation Resources A. Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program (ASAP) This program provides sports and recreational opportunities for those with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. B. Outpatient Clinic The clinic schedules medical appointments for the patient with a physiatrist. A physiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. C. Outpatient Services Services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology/neuropsychology, and driving evaluations are offered on an outpatient basis. D. Spinal Cord Injury Research Registry Once registration is complete, this group provides notification and information on research being done at Carolinas Rehabilitation related to the spinal cord injury population. E. Vocational Rehabilitation This state agency assists eligible individuals with a disability in preparing for and obtaining employment. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has an office at Carolinas Rehabilitation. F. Vocational Services Department This department assists individuals with return to work. Professionals provide vocational assessments, work site assessments, work adjustment training, job placement, and job coaching services as well as long term support. Page 3 of 8
G. Volunteer Services This service provides many volunteer opportunities at Carolinas Rehabilitation, including peer volunteers. Peer volunteers are individuals and family members of individuals with spinal cord injuries who have been injured at least one year, and are available to meet with patients of Carolinas Rehabilitation. H. Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic This clinic assists individuals with selecting a wheelchair system or other specialized equipment that best meets his or her needs. II. State and Federal Spinal Cord Injury Community Resources A. Spinal Cord Injury Support Groups Your social worker can assist with finding local support groups. Information for North Carolina groups is available through the North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association at (919) 350-4172 or Website: www.ncscia.org B. Division/Department of Social Services (DSS) The DSS provides assistance for Medicaid eligibility and other government assisted programs. NC Website: www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss SC Website: www.state.sc.us/dss C. Disability Rights North Carolina This agency protects and advocates for the rights of North Carolinians having disabilities including those with traumatic spine injuries. Website: www.disabilityrightsnc.org. D. North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP-DA) This program provides services to allow adults who qualify for nursing facility care to remain in their homes. Services may include case management, providing personal care assistance in the home and/or funds for supplies or DME. Individuals must receive Medicaid to be eligible for CAP-DA. Individuals can apply for CAP-DA services at their county s Department of Social Services. Website: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/services/capda.htm E. South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Head Page 4 of 8
and Spinal Injury Cord Injury (HASCI) This department is the lead agency for individuals with spinal cord injuries to access services in the public sector in South Carolina. Services can include information and referral, modifications, equipment and devices, personal assistance/attendant care, and vocational services. Website: http://ddsn.sc.gov/consumers/divisions/pages/hasci.aspx F. Social Security Administration (SSA) This department administers federal and state programs including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Website: www.ssa.gov G. North Carolina and South Carolina Assistive Technology Programs These state agencies offer the opportunity to test various adaptive equipment increase independence in communication, leisure/recreational participation, employment, or computer use. NC Website: www.ncatp.org SC Website: www.sc.edu/scatp/ H. North Carolina and South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council A council that supports independent living services and centers for independent living for disabled individuals. NC Website: http://www.ncsilc.org/ SC Website: http://scsilc.com/ I. North Carolina and South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation This department assists eligible individuals with a disability in preparing for and obtaining employment. NC Website: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/ SC Website: http://scvrd.net/common/index.php J. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) A membership based organization promoting research and education related to the treatment of spinal cord injury. It provides free forms for the motor and sensory classification of level of spinal injury. Quality e- learning resources are available for a fee. Website: www.asia-spinalinjury.org K. Paralyzed Veterans Association A national organization that provides, among other services, a wealth of information including free downloadable booklets written for both healthcare professionals and individuals with spinal cord injury and Page 5 of 8
their families. Topics available include (but are not limited to): functional outcomes (listed by level of injury), treatment for pressure ulcers, preservation of UE function, bladder management, sexuality, respiratory management, depression, acute care management and autonomic dysreflexia. Website: www.pva.org L. Christopher Reeve Foundation An organization committed to providing education and resources to individuals dealing with a spinal cord injury. Among other services, they provide quality of life grants, resources and facts/figures related to SCI. Website: www.christopherreeve.org M. United Spinal Association A national non profit membership organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life of all Americans living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, Lou Gehrig s Disease (ALS), and post polio. Website: www.unitedspinal.org N. Disability Rights and Resources This agency offers training for return to the community, transportation and living independently for individuals with disabilities. Peer mentors are also available. Website: http://www.disability-rights.org/index.htm O. Transportation Options Many counties will provide ADA transit/paratransit services. Contact your social worker for more information. Page 6 of 8
JOB AID References NC and SC Assistive Technology Programs offer the opportunity to try various adaptive equipment to increase independence in communication, leisure/recreational participation, employment, or computer use. Outpatient Clinic at Carolinas Rehabilitation schedules medical appointments with a physiatrist. Vocational Services at Carolinas Rehabilitation assists individuals with return to work issues. Volunteer Services at Carolinas Rehabilitation includes peer mentors for patients with spinal cord injuries. Outpatient Services offers services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology/neuropsychology, and driving evaluations on an outpatient basis. CAP-DA provides services to help Medicaid recipients remain at home, rather than a nursing facility. HASCI is the lead agency for individuals with spinal cord injuries to access services in the public sector in South Carolina. Carolinas Rehabilitation. www.carolinasrehabilitation.org Independent Living Research Utilization http://www.ilru.org/index.html NC Division of Social Services. www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss SC Department of Social Services. www.state.sc.us/dss Disability Rights NC. www.disabilityrightsnc.org. NC Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.ncdhhs.gov/ SC Department of Disabilities & Special Needs. www.state.sc.us/ddsn NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/ SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department. http://scvrd.net/common/index.php Page 7 of 8
Posttest Name: Date: Circle the correct answer. 1. Which of the services below are available at Carolinas Rehabilitation? a. Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic b. Outpatient Clinic c. Vocational Services d. All of the above 2. Outpatient services at Carolinas Rehabilitation offers the following services: a. Outpatient Therapies b. Driving Evaluations c. Neuropsychology/Psychology d. All of the above 3. If an individual is interested in scheduling a medical appointment with a physiatrist following an inpatient stay, which would be the appropriate resource? a. Vocational Services b. Outpatient Clinic c. ASAP d. Volunteer Services 4. Which of the agencies below is the lead agency for accessing services in the public sector of South Carolina for individuals who have had a spinal cord injury? a. Department of Social Services (DSS). b. Head and Spinal Cord Injury (HASCI) c. Community Alternatives Programs for Disabled Adults (CAP-DA) d. None of the above 5. Which agency provides assistance with Medicaid eligibility? a. Department of Social Services (DSS) b. Vocational Rehabilitation c. Disability Rights North Carolina 6. Vocational Services at Carolinas Rehabilitation provides which of the following? a. Work site assessments b. Long term support c. Work adjustment training d. All of the above Page 8 of 8