Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence (MAPs)

Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence (MAPs) is a three-year program that embraces the use of Enabling Technologies to support independence.

MAPs is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to increase their independence at home, at work, and in the community.

In particular, MAPs participants will focus on:

• Developing independent living skills
• Creating networks with people, places, and activities in their community
• Creating travel routes and getting around the community more independently, getting a job and growing professionally
• Using Enabling Technology to increase independence in all areas of life

Enrollment for the MAPs program will focus on:

• High school students during the three years leading up to their graduation, whether they are planning to graduate at 18 or 22
• Young adults who have recently left the school system
• People who are waiting for Employment and Community First CHOICES waiver services

Full program details and enrollment information is available through the TN Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (DIDD).  You may access DIDD information at the MHDS Resources page by clicking here.

Click here for online enrollment.

Knowledge is Empowering

The foundation of the Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence (MAPs) program is a person-centered Virtual Community Resource Map (VCRM). Below is a Virtual Community Resource Map (VCRM) for the Jackson/Madison County area. Having access to what resources are available will aid in the MAPs participant becoming fully integrated in their community.

The inclusion of enabling technologies allows MAPs participants to gain skills for independence, while respecting their dignity and ensuring their safety. This program empowers the individual to learn from their success and failures to help aid in the growth of their own capabilities and independence. Enabling technologies promote peace of mind for those closest to the MAPs participant. Rather it be at home, at work, or in the community, direct and natural support is often available at the push of a button.

The direct support staff providing MAPs services are really focused on not invading or being obtrusive to the participants’ independence.

MAPs participants will always have a goal, a Milestone, a new skill that demonstrates a new area of independency.  MAPs participants who work to accomplish Milestones and complete the three-year program will receive an incentive through an ABLE savings account.

MAPs Services according to DIDD:

Community Navigator

The Community Navigator service is foundational to the MAPs program. People will use this service to create their Virtual Community Resource Map, learn how to get around more independently, and use mobile technology to support their goals. The Community Navigator service will also help people expand their connections with people, places, and activities in their community.

Independence Coaching

This service helps people strengthen their independent living skills by focusing on areas like home safety, personal health and hygiene, and budgeting. There is also a strong focus on using smart home technologies to support people’s independence goals at home.

Employment Innovation

The focus of the Employment Innovation service is helping people get jobs in the community and advance in their career. People can use this service to explore their strengths and skills, identify possible career paths, interview for jobs, and figure out what supports they need to be as independent and successful as possible in the workplace. For those who want to be entrepreneurs, this service can also be used to plan and start a business.

Peer Mentoring

People often learn best by connecting with others who have similar life experiences, interests, and goals. The MAPs program will employ people with IDD as “peer mentors,” who can serve as experienced and trusted advisers. MAPs participants will have the opportunity to form relationships with a peer mentor over the course of the program. They will get to know each other, and the mentor will help the MAPs participant as they create their pathway, learn new skills, overcome challenges, and meet their goals.

Enabling Technology

There is a strong focus on Enabling Technology in each of the MAPs areas: home, work, and community. Participants will explore different technologies and how these technologies can help them increase independence and achieve their goals in each area. MAPs participants and other people in their circle of support (roommates, friends, family, etc.) will receive training and coaching on using the technology. People will also have the option of receiving remote support technology through the MAPs program. Remote support allows someone to use Enabling Technology to receive real-time support from someone who is not physically with them to solve a problem or provide extra assistance when it is needed or requested by the person. This can include support staff, coaches, friends, family members, and other people in their network.

To find out more about MAPs services through MHDS:

Learn more about MAPs by watching this video: