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Pottawattamie County outlines July 1 transition to regional Disability Access Point
Summary
County staff said Pottawattamie County will operate a disability access point (DAP) as Western Iowa Services Collaborative covering 27 counties beginning July 1; board was briefed on funding, a $122,000 navigator position, and continuity plans as state funding replaces regional funding June 30.
Pottawattamie County staff told the Board of Supervisors on June 11 that the county will begin operating a disability access point (DAP) as part of the Aging and Disability Resource Center structure on July 1.
Susan Watson, director of community services, said the county’s DAP will operate under the name Western Iowa Services Collaborative and will cover 27 counties. Watson told the board that the contract and related paperwork were still pending but that the county expects the state to begin funding services after June 30, when regional funding ends.
Watson said the county expects the DAP to assume payment for some continuity-of-care items previously funded by regions, including transportation and rent in certain cases. She also said the county received $122,000 to fund a navigator position that will perform SOAR work — a federal Social Security program to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have disabilities apply for disability benefits more quickly.
Watson said she had attached a letter from Zach Ryan, director of aging disability services, indicating that the state will honor approved regional funding through June 30 for individuals and programs for six months while contracts are finalized. She also referenced materials from the state Health and Human Services website describing Aging and Disability Resource Centers and training resources from the University of Iowa.
Watson described “warm handoffs” for clients transitioning from other regions so individuals keep contact with a familiar coordinator where possible. She cautioned that the county no longer controls many elements of the system but said the DAP will serve as a stable entry point for disability services and navigation across ages and disability types.
The board thanked Watson for the update. Watson said she would return to the board with the finalized contract and any required amendments when they arrive.
