HHS invites North Dakotans to participate in USDOJ Settlement Agreement Stakeholder meeting on Oct. 7

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) invites residents to a quarterly update about the state's efforts to make it easier for North Dakotans with physical disabilities to live at home with in-home help and other community support services on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-noon CT in Bismarck or virtually.

The goal of the meeting is to provide information and discuss strategies to improve the quality of life for North Dakotans by ensuring people have care options and can delay or avoid nursing home care if they choose. This supports the HHS strategic priority to advance the foundations of well-being through access to high-quality services and supports closer to home.

The agenda for the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) Settlement Agreement Stakeholder meeting includes an overview of the DOJ semiannual report and information about upcoming Qualified Service Provider quality and compliance workshops in October. There will also be updates on the state's home and community-based services efforts and the Transition and Diversion program. Attendees will also hear information about the Target Population Member Rental Assistance Program, home modification funds, peer support opportunities and more.

Individuals can attend the stakeholder meeting in person or virtually by phone or device. The in-person meeting will take place at HHS Prairie Hills Plaza offices at 1237 W. Divide Ave., Suite 6, in Bismarck. Attendees should enter through door No. 2.

Those who prefer to participate in the meeting virtually using computers, mobile devices or telephone can find details in the USDOJ Settlement Agreement Stakeholder meeting notice.

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to participate in the stakeholder meeting can contact Shelly Selzler at (701) 328-8679, 711 (TTY) or [email protected].

To find help with housecleaning, meal preparation, nonmedical transportation, personal care needs and other in-home and community-based services and support, North Dakotans can contact the state's Aging and Disability Resource Link toll-free at (855) 462-5465, 711 (TTY) or by email at [email protected]. Individuals can also apply online for services at carechoice.nd.assistguide.net.

In December 2020, North Dakota entered into an eight-year settlement agreement with USDOJ that is designed to ensure the state meets the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing services, programs and activities for individuals with physical disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. Learn more at hhs.nd.gov/us-department-justice-settlement-agreement.