North Dakota Autism Center Inc

The In-Home Support Program (IHS) is a service that provides support to individuals on the Developmental Disabilities Waiver of ND. The IHS program provides benefits the primary caregiver by assisting the individual in activities of daily living. If no other natural support is available, the program may also include assisting the individual with maintaining health and personal safety while the primary caregiver is home and attending to other household tasks or children. IHS can be provided to the individual while the primary caretaker is home or away from home but is unavailable to care for the individual. This program is also required to renew its state licensure every year in August. IHS provided 20,193 hours of service for 47 consumers in 2022. This is an 14.2% decrease in hours provided and a 14.5% decrease in the number of consumers served compared to 2021.The percent decrease in both hours and consumers served are directly connected to staffing and families going self directed.The program secured 4 interns who each completed a one semester internship. The team implemented a Basic Assurance Plan require by the Council on Quality and Leadership which is the accreditation body in North Dakota that ensures providers are providing high quality services. IHS completed the first part of their current accreditation in July 2022 and finished the process in August 2022. The team held quarterly meetings of the Quality Enhancement Teach which consists of NDAC staff, a Direct Support Professional (DSPs), a parent of a consumer and a member of the NDAC Board of Directors. This team reviews policies, procedures and performs desk audits to enhance the quality of service the NDAC provides. During 2022, IHS coordinated with local businesses to provide rec and leisure activities within the community for consumers. The fundraising efforts shifted from individual departments to an agency-wide focus.We received our CQL Person- Centered Excellence Accreditation, which is the second highest level to be achieved, in October of 2022. This accreditation is valid through 2026.

SafeTY Jacket - SafeTY jacket program is a Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (FMWF) Chamber Leadership project in partnership with the North Dakota Autism Center, Inc., Cass and Clay County Sheriff's Offices', Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead Police Departments to provide emergency information about individuals with autism to local first responders. This is a free voluntary program for parents/guardians to provide information about their loved ones in case of a possible emergency. It is designed to assist the first responders, such as police officers, paramedics, fire department, etc. during encounters with individuals with autism. The program promotes communication and gives first responders quick access to critical information about the individual and their needs during an emergency involving the individual. This program will provide first responders with emergency contact information, detailed physical descriptions, known routines, communication preferences, favorite attractions, or other important information on the individual. SafeTY jacket has 22 applicants in 2022.Autism Friendly Community Project - NDAC is working with local businesses/organizations to become more autism friendly through autism training. NDAC provides the training that includes facts about autism, signs and characteristics of autism and tools for the company to be successful in supporting individuals with autism and their caregivers. As a result of this educational training, NDAC helps to create a more welcoming environment and support those who need it when out in the community. The goal is to reduce the isolation of individuals with autism and their families. The NDAC would like to continue building relationships with businesses and organizations. NDAC is striving to create a future where people and families affected by autism are experiencing a great life with their friends, families, neighbors, and others with community support along the way. There was a total of 13 AFC partners in 2022. With these partnerships, there has been an increased number of community events and opportunities for families offering sensory friendly times and accommodations.To provide opportunities to individuals and families in our community, the North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. (NDAC) has created the Enrichment Center. This is a place where families will feel welcome, safe, and provide opportunities for them to build their connections in the community. The NDAC Enrichment Center is a free program that will provide an opportunity for individuals and their caregiver (i.e., parent, DSP, nanny etc.) to participate in a variety of different activities, such as arts & crafts, cooking class, dancing, music, exercise, games, celebrations, community outings and much more. In addition, it will provide a place for children, adolescents, and adults of all abilities to socialize, make friends and make connections in the community. The primary goal is to create an inclusive, supportive, fun, engaging, and enriching environment for all participants by providing a variety of activities for skill building, social engagement, and leisure. There was a total of 104 with 200 participants Enrichment Center Activities in 2022.