Your Input Matters

Your family’s input is critical in creating the ISP. Your ideas, suggestions and points of view are used to identify and prioritize the services your child and family need most.

The Deciding Together Guide in the ISP Discussion

Your child’s ISP is based on your child’s long-term and short-term needs and goals. Think about your child’s best life and let that be a guide while talking through an ISP—What would help your child enjoy activities, build relationships and learn new skills? See the Deciding Together Guide and Deciding Together: What It Is and What It Isn’t to better understand this collaborative process.

Your Child is Important in the ISP Discussion

As much as possible, your child needs to be part of these talks. Encourage them to offer their input on goals for the next year. You can offer some examples or choices so their personality shows in the ISP. As your child gets older, they can be more involved in this process. This is a great opportunity to model self-advocacy and for them to have more control over the programs and services that impact their life. To learn more about teaching choice-making and independence, see the Family Voices Early Choices Matter resources including videos and worksheets for families.

Parental Payment Fee and Your Child’s Plan

Some families may pay a fee, or parental payment, to participate in the CLTS Program. The fee is based on your family’s income and the CLTS-funded services included on your child’s ISP. The parental payment is usually a percentage of the total cost of the ISP. If your family qualifies for some programs like Foodshare, BadgerCare Plus or SSI, no parental payment fees will be due. Your child’s SSC can answer questions about the parental payment and you can learn more at dhs.wisconsin.gov/clts/waiver-costs.htm.

Focus on Goals

As you create your child’s ISP, it’s important to think about goals or outcomes first and then think broadly and creatively about how to meet them. We encourage families to focus on goals first, and less on a specific item or service. For example, focus on the problem you’re facing like keeping the child from leaving your yard. Be open to exploring and discussing multiple possible solutions. Remember that every item that’s approved must support the stated goal or desired outcome for your child. See Creating Outcomes for more details on this process.

While there are limited funds and resources for any program, your role as a parent/guardian is to focus on goals and outcomes for your child. As you work with the Service Coordinator, you can review all items and services that have been identified and then prioritize these needs. Think about what is most important for this year, and what you might think about in future years.

Examples of What You Might Include in an ISP

Outcome #1 Keep Your Child Safe Outdoors: You want your child to play in the backyard with her siblings.

• • • Step back and ask: “What do we want to accomplish?”  If your outcome statement is, “We want to keep my child safe and play outdoors with his siblings,” you can work with your SSC to think about adaptive equipment or home modifications that might get you to your goal. It might be a fence, a wander alarm, or another item that will keep your child safe and able to be outside with their siblings, but we encourage families to be open to having a conversation with your SSC about creative solutions.

Outcome #2 Make New Friends and Spend Time with Peers During the Summer: You want your child to be with other children their age and stay active during the summer.

• • • Step back and ask: “How can my child be in an inclusive summer program that allows them to make friends and participate in activities with their peers?” With your SSC’s support, you might look at camps and other community-based or school-based programs. Once you together decide on the best solution, tuition for that program can be part of your child’s ISP, with the CLTS program paying directly for the activities or camps.

Outcome #3 Make Our House Wheelchair Accessible: Your child uses a wheelchair for mobility and is getting too heavy to carry up the stairs into your house. You need a way to get your child in and out of your home safely. 

• • • Step back and ask: “How can we make our home accessible so my child can independently get in-and-out of the house?” You and your child’s SSC will discuss ideas for making your home wheelchair accessible. One of the solutions might be a ramp in your garage, at your front or back door, or an elevator lift. With recommendations from your SSC or a contractor who specializes in home modifications, you might be asked to obtain multiple quotes. If approved, the cost of home modifications or equipment would be added to the ISP.

Resources  

The CLTS Program Participant and Family Handbook offers explanations of all topics related to the CLTS Program and where to learn more if your family has questions.

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929):  Wisconsin Wayfinder offers families one name and phone number to find services for children with special health care needs. Wayfinder connects you to a resource guide at one of the five Children’s Resource Centers in your area.

Do you need a resource in another format or a printed copy? Contact Lynn@fvofwi.org.