Independent Service Coordination

Program Purpose

Independent Service Coordination (ISC) provides an array of activities on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families/guardians to help them access generic and specialized services and supports. The mission of the ISC program is to ensure such services and supports are responsive to the unique needs and desires of each individual and to effectively promote independence, community inclusion and self-determination. The ISC serves as an advocate, resource, and partner for the individual, their family, and others that are important in their lives, including service providers. Counties served: Champaign, Ford and Iroquois.

About the Program

ISC Activities

• PUNS database enrollment
• Eligibility screening
• Assessment of individual needs and desires
• Assisting in developing natural community supports
• Advocacy
• Monitoring of services
• Ensuring standards of quality services
• Crisis intervention
• Referral and linkage to generic and specialized community service providers offering a variety of services including respite, day programs, residential, education, vocational / employment services, counseling, and family support
• Transition planning

ISC Programs and Services

Pre-Admission Screening (PAS)

Pre-Admission Screening is the process of determining whether individuals are eligible or not for services funded through the Division of Developmental Disabilities especially those programs that are under the Medicaid waiver. We also screen individuals with developmental disabilities that are in the hospital to determine whether nursing home services are appropriate.

Individual Service and Support Advocacy (ISSA)

Individuals that participate in Medicaid Waiver funded programs (CILA, Developmental Training, Home-Based support, some vocational programs) have an ISSA staff person assigned to them. The ISSA staffs meet at least quarterly with these individuals to determine service satisfaction and monitor service provision by provider agencies. The ISSA will also make yearly determinations of continued Medicaid waiver eligibility for individuals receiving services.

Service Coordination for Bogard class members

Individuals with developmental disabilities who resided in nursing facilities (NF) between March 1986 and April 1994 are entitled to enhanced service coordination activities resulting from a class action lawsuit. They may receive specialized activities if they still reside in a NF. They are also seen every month by ISC to ensure service satisfaction.

Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Service

Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Service (PUNS) is a statewide database that records information about individuals with developmental disabilities who are potentially in need of services now or within the next five-years. The state uses the data for three main purposes:

• to select individuals for services as funding becomes available,
• to develop proposals and materials for the states annual budgeting process, and
• to plan for future needs

Additional analysis can be completed from the PUNS database to assist the state and community stakeholders in improving program planning, service access, delivery coordination, and quality assurance. These activities will assist in increasing efficient service planning and delivery in Illinois.

Agency Background and Information

In 1996 the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) established a not-for-profit PAS/ISC agency to serve persons with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families in Champaign, Ford and Iroquois counties.

The CCRPC ISC program is independent of any agency or organization, public or private, which provides direct services to persons with developmental disabilities and/or their families. It is governed by the Community Services Board, which is comprised of public officials, private sector representatives, and persons who have a direct interest in the lives of persons with DD. The ISC program values its role as an independent advocate and communication link between service providers, individuals with DD and their families.

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, provides funding and technical support. There are no fees for services to individuals or families.

If you would like to find out more about our programs or wish to make a referral, please call 217-328-3313 for our Champaign office or 815-432-0195 for our Watseka office.

Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Contact Information

Babette Leek
Phone: (217) 328-3313, x181
IL Relay: 711
Fax: (217) 328-2426
Email: bleek@ccrpc.org

The ISC program maintains 24 hours a day, 7 days a week availability. You can reach us by pager at 217-261-9797 in Champaign (serving Champaign County) or page 815-231-3208 in Watseka (serving Ford and Iroquois Counties). ISC maintains large print and audio versions of program information. Interpreters and aid for the hearing impaired are available.