Community Guide services are designed to help children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities as they work towards achieving their personal goals. The purpose of Community Guide services is to encourage self-determination and self-direction; increase participants’ ability to be involved and included in his/her community; and to help participants develop social networks and connections within their own community.
The Community Guide program provides information and linkages to tailored resources that meet each individual’s unique needs and goals.
Community Guide services are short-term, temporary (up to 6 months), and phase out when goals are achieved. Services are also provided as needed: participants can enter, exit, and re-enter the program as their needs change.
Who Can Receive Community Guide Services?
You are eligible to receive assistance if you live in Wake County and:
- Are age 3 or above with an intellectual/developmental disability
- Have Medicaid
Community Guide Services Can Assist With:
- IEP advocacy and parent education.
- Understanding guardianship and the guardianship process.
- Locating financial assistance to meet basic needs (housing, utilities) and to pay for other necessary items. We can also help participants access donated items.
- Locating self-advocacy groups.
- Locating after-school programs that include children with disabilities.
- Transition to adulthood.
- Locating social activities or social interest groups.
- Educating participants and their families about how to navigate the disability services system.
- Linking to non-Medicaid resources related to financial planning, renting or purchasing a home, or applying for publicly-supported housing.