District of Columbia Government

District of Columbia Government

A Path to Community Living

Resource Guide

A Publication of the

Office of Disability Rights

2012

Office of Disability RightsJudiciary Square

441 4th Street NW

Suite 729N

Washington, DC 20001

ODR.DC.GOV

202-724-5055

TTY: 202-727-3363

Fax: 202-727-9484

The mission of the DC Office of Disability Rights (ODR) is to ensure that the programs, services, benefits, activities and facilities operated or funded by the District of Columbia are fully accessible to, and useable by people with disabilities. ODR is committed to inclusion, community-based services, and self-determination for people with disabilities. ODR is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the City's obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as other disability rights laws.

ODR Services:

•Informal dispute resolution of discrimination complaints

•Training, Technical Assistance and Information and Referral

•Policy and budget recommendations for improving District access to persons with disabilities.

This Guide is a compilation of current service providers, resources, tools, and programs available to District of Columbia residents who wish to live independently in the community. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the “Path to Community Living” Handbook; however, it also functions as a resource list. This document is updated continuously as information changes. Should you have any questions, please contact our office using the information above.

This document is available in alternate formats.

Please contact ODR for assistance.

Contents

Identification and Marital Status3

Veterans Services4

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)5

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)6

Local Government Programs that Provide Financial Resources6

DC Medicaid7

Medicare7

Health and Case Management Services for Children and Youth8

Legal Guardianship8

Special Needs Trust8

Community Resources for Behavioral Health9

Behavioral Services for Adults10

Services for Children, Youth, and Families11

Peer Support and Behavioral Health Services12

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)13

Department of Disability Services (DDS)14

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)15

Employment Resources16

Educational Resources for Children19

Assistive Technology Resources20

Services for Amputees22

Services for Hearing Aids and Other Devices22

Assistance with Eye Glasses22

Home Health Resources23

Resources for Ex-Offenders24

Disability Organizations and Non-Profit Agencies26

Transportation Resources29

Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs30

Housing Resources and Emergency Shelter31

Utilities35

Emergency Groceries and Meal Programs36

Free Medical Clinics36

Low Cost Dental Services37

Communication Relay Services37

Substance Abuse Treatment38

Legal Advocacy Resources40

Recreational Activities42

Services for Senior Citizens44

A Note on Personal Adult Relationships46

Identification and Marital Status

Some documents like a birth certificate are important to have when you live in the community. If you have lost your birth certificate and you were born in the District of Columbia, contact:

Department of Health
Vital Records Division
899 North Capitol Street, NE, First Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 671-5000

Marriage and Divorce Records

DC Superior Court,
500 Indiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(Room 4335 for Divorce Decree or Room 4485 for marriage license)
Marriage information (202) 879-4840
Divorce Information (202) 879-1261

Obtain a DC Non-Driver Identification Card

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV issues DC Non-Driver identification cards to District residents who are at least 15 years of age and do not hold a valid driver license in DC, another State or Country. A DC identification card is valid for up to eight years for US citizens and may vary for non-US citizens (according to the US immigration expiration date). Certain DC residents are eligible for a free non-driver identification card.

Non-US Citizens may obtain their Non-Driver Identification Card at any DMV service center.

Veterans Services

US Veterans Documentation Obtaining a DD Form 214

Military personnel records can be used for proving military service, or as a valuable tool in obtaining benefits. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military and medical records.

National Archives’ National Personnel Record Center (NPRC)

National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
314-801-0800 (voice)

314-801-9195 (fax)

(website)

Washington, DC Vet Center

1250 Taylor St, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 202-726-5212

Toll Free: 877-927-8387
Fax: 202-726-8968

Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center

50 Irving Street NW

Washington, DC 20422

Phone: 202-745-8000

Toll Free: 877-328-2621

Community Based Outpatient Clinic Southeast Washington, DC

820 Chesapeake Street Southeast
Washington, DC 20032

Phone: 202-745-8685

Fax: 202-562-8789

The clinic provides basic medical care, preventive care and health education for eligible veterans. Services include medical history, physical exams, and immunizations. A physician, registered nurse and administrative officer from the VA Medical Center staff the clinic.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. This federal government program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

To apply for SSI disability and blind benefits:

• Complete the Adult Disability Reportor the Child Disability Report; (online or in person) and
• Schedule an appointment to complete the application for SSI.

To schedule an appointmentwithto complete the SSI forms, call:

1-800-772-1213(voice)

1-800-325-0778 (TTY)

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Local Social Security Administration Offices:

• Social Security
  2100 M Street NW
  Washington, DC 20037

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Social Security
  Suite 130
  2041 MLK JR Avenue SE
  Washington, DC 20020

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Social Security
  Postal Plaza Shopping Center
  1905-B 9TH Street NE
  Washington, DC 20018

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. See the above Social Security Offices for more information.

Local Government Programs that Provide Financial Resources

Interim Disability Assistance (IDA)

The IDA Program provides temporary financial assistance to those who are unable to work due to a disability, and have a high probability of receiving federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI). IDA payments are issued until SSI eligibility is approved or denied. Please see one of the following local Department of Human Services (DHS) Service Centers:

Service Center / Address / Phone / Fax
Anacostia / 2100 Martin Luther King Avenue, SE / (202) 645-4614 / (202) 727-3527
Congress Heights / 4001 South Capitol Street, SW / (202) 645-4546 / (202) 654-4524
Fort Davis / 3851 Alabama Avenue, SE / (202) 645-4500 / (202) 645-6205
H Street* / 645 H Street, NE / (202) 698-4350 / (202) 724-8964
Taylor Street / 1207Taylor Street, NW / (202) 576-8000 / (202) 576-8740

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly Food Stamps)

As of Oct. 1, 2008, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program. The Districts’ SNAP program helps low-income residents and families buy the food they need for good health. You can apply for benefits by completing an application form at one of the DHS Service Centers.

DCMedicaid

DC Medicaid is a healthcare program that pays for medical services for qualified people. It helps pay for medical services for low-income and disabled people. For those eligible for full Medicaid services, Medicaid pays healthcare providers. Providers are doctors, hospitals and pharmacies who are enrolled with DC Medicaid.

Where do I applyfor Medicaid?
You may apply for Medicaid for low-income families and children under 19 and pregnant women at your DHS Service Center. You may call (202) 727-5355 to locate your nearest DHS Service Center.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal government health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. The program is administered through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Medicare has four parts:

1. Hospital Insurance - helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care.
2. Medical Insurance - helps pay for doctors’ services and many other medical services and supplies that are not covered by hospital insurance.

1. Medicare Advantage - plans are available in many areas. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health care services through one of these provider organizations under Part C.

1. Prescription Drug Coverage - helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment.

Toll-free number: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
TTY number: 1-877-486-2048

Website:

Health and Case Management Services for Children and Youth

Children’s National Medical Center

111 Michigan Ave., N.W
Washington, DC 20010
Phone: (202) 476-5000

Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Incorporated

2124 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, Southeast

Washington, DC 20020

Phone: (202) 580-6485

Website:

Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN) provides innovative care to the pediatric Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and SSI-eligible populations of Washington, DC through a management network that coordinates health, social, and education services for members.

Legal Guardianship

In the District of Columbia, legal guardianship for minors and “incapacitated adults” is implemented through the Superior Court of DC Probate Division Court.

An "incapacitated individual" is defined in District of Columbia law, contained as D.C. Code, sec. 21-2011, as an adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively or to communicate decisions is impaired to such an extent that he or she lacks the capacity to manage all or some of his or her financial resources or to meet all or some essential requirements for his or her physical health, safety, habilitation, or therapeutic needs without court-ordered assistance or the appointment of a guardian or conservator.

The ability to manage financial resources is defined as those actions necessary to obtain, administer, and dispose of real and personal property, intangible property, business property, benefits, and income. The ability to meet essential requirements for physical health or safety is defined as those actions necessary to provide health care, food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene, and other care without which serious physical injury or illness is more than likely to occur.

Special Needs Trusts

A Special Needs Trust is a trust set up to provide for someone with a disability who has extra and supplemental needs, other than basic food, shelter and health care expenses that may be covered by public assistance benefits that the beneficiary may be entitled to receive under various programs such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. Several non-profit organizations provide this financial service to beneficiaries in the District of Columbia

Community Resources for Behavioral Health

Suicide Prevention

Help is available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week at (800) 273-TALK (8255).

Department of Mental Health (DMH) Access Help Line

The Access Help Lineat 1 (888) 7WE-HELPor 1-888-793-4357

Making this phone call is the easiest way to get connected to services provided by the Department of Mental Health and its certified mental health care providers. This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone line is staffed by mental health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care.The Access Helplinecan activate mobile crisis teamsto respond to adults and children who are experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis and are unable or unwilling to travel to receive mental health services.

Call the Access Helpline to:

• Get emergency psychiatric care
• Help with problem solving
• Determine whether to seek ongoing mental health services or other types of services
• Find out what services are available

District residents can call the Access Helpline for help dealing with a variety of concerns including: family, death, school, drugs, gangs and violence. Trained staff can help you sort out and manage feelings of hopelessness, anger, grief, stress, or whatever is troubling you.

Behavioral Services for Adults

DMH’s goal is to deliver mental health services that promote recovery, respect cultural and linguistic diversity, and are choice-driven through the Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (MHRS) system for community based care. The MHRS system is based on individualized services and supports.

Services include diagnostic/assessment services, counseling, medication, intensive day treatment, and crisis/emergency services. Individualized mental health services are supported by rehabilitation programs, peer supports, supportive employment opportunities, housing assistance and a range of community housing alternatives to facility-based care.

• Serving Individuals With Unique Needs

DMH provides mental health services and supports to unique populations, including individuals who are deaf/hearing impaired, limited or no English speaking, or who have co-occurring intellectual disabilities. For an appointment, please call (202) 442-4202 or the ACCESS Helpline at 1-888-793-4357.

• Same Day Urgent Care

You can walk into a clinic and be seen the same day without an appointment from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Services include assessment, counseling, psychiatric evaluation and medication management. You may be referred to a community provider for ongoing care. If you have questions, please call (202) 442-4202.

• Pharmacy Services

Individuals who are uninsured can get prescribed medication at the DMH pharmacy located at 35 K Street NE. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Prescriptions received before 4:15 pm will be filled the same day. Call (202) 442-4954 if you need assistance.

• Emergency Services

Residents experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis can be treated at the emergency facility located on the grounds of the old DC General Hospitals. Crisis beds are available for up to a 14 day stay as an alternative to psychiatric inpatient hospitalization. In addition, a mobile crisis team of clinicians on will treat individuals who are unable or unwilling to go to the emergency care facility in their homes, in the community or on the street. The mobile crisis service can be reached by calling the Access Helpline at 1-888-793-4357.

Urgent Care Clinic

For easy access to mental health services, individuals referred by judges—primarily from misdemeanor and traffic court, that may show signs of mental illness, have been diagnosed as mentally ill, or show signs of both mental illness and substance abuse are seen at an urgent care clinic located on the ground floor of the Moultrie Courthouse. Walk-ins are treated as well. On site services for court defendants—many of whom are homeless—include mental health assessments and medication, if necessary, connection to a community mental health provider for ongoing care, and supportive services such as help with housing and social security benefits. The urgent care clinic is operated in partnership with the DC Superior Court.

Services for Children, Youth, and Families

It is estimated that as many as one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health disorder that can be identified and require treatment. However, through early intervention and treatment, children and youth with complex emotional and behavioral needs can live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) offers a broad range of treatment and support services to children between the ages of 5 and 17 and their families throughcommunity based mental health providers located in neighborhoods throughout the District.

Services include individual, group, and family counseling, diagnostic assessment, medication management, community support and crisis response through an array of intensive home, school and community based services. These services emphasize helping youth develop problem solving and coping skills that focus on strengthening family and community support systems to avoid out-of-home and institutional placement.

To select a community based mental health provider that best meets your needs, please review thelist of community based mental health providers or call the ACCESS Helpline at 1-888-793-4357 and talk with a mental health professional who will guide you through this process.

Peer Support and Behavioral Health Services

Ida Mae Campbell Foundation

2759 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast

Suite 201

Washington DC 20032

Phone: 1-866-851-4945 or (202) 684-7015

Website:

The Ida Mae Campbell Wellness & Resource Center is an advocate for Washington, DC based consumers of mental health services, with co-occurring physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities.

NAMI DC

422 8th St Southeast

2nd Floor

Washington, DC 20003

Phone: 202-546-0646

Fax: 202-546-6817

Email:

NAMI DC’s education, support and advocacy efforts include offering information to the community on mental illnesses, as well as providing consumer and their families with support and education programs.

Crossing Place

2731 Connecticut Avenue Northwest

Washington, DC 20008

Phone: (202) 328-4070

Fax: (202) 328-5845

Direct Referral Line: (202) 518-0061

This program provides traditional “step-down” or crisis stabilization beds to avoid or delay hospitalization for adults with chronic behavioral health concerns. A direct referral may be made or a referral may come from DMH.

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), also known as Medical Emergency Response Systems, let you call for help in an emergency by pushing a button. A PERS has three components: a small radio transmitter, a console connected to your telephone, and an emergency response center that monitors calls.

Transmitters are light-weight, battery-powered devices. You can wear one around your neck, on a wrist band, on a belt, or in your pocket. When you need help, you press the transmitter’s help button, which sends a signal to the console. The console automatically dials one or more emergency telephone numbers. Most PERS are programmed to telephone an emergency response center. The center will try to find out the nature of your emergency. They also may review your medical history and check who should be notified.

You can purchase, rent, or lease a PERS. Keep in mind that Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies typically don’t pay for the equipment, and the few that pay require a doctor’s recommendation.