NJACP conference features panel discussion with Devereux’s Steve Bruce on the future of I/DD services/supports

The 35^th annual NJACP conference featured a panel discussion with Devereux Vice President of Operations Adult Services Steve Bruce (second from right), along with other panelists, on the future of intellectual and developmental disability services and supports.

Steve Bruce, M.Ed., BCBA, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s vice president of operations – adult services, participated in a panel discussion during the 35^th annual New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP) conference about the future for intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) providers.

NJACP represents a dynamic community of diverse providers – like Devereux – that are dedicated to advancing sustainable community-based services and supports that enrich lives and build futures for individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities across the Garden State.

The theme of the two-day conference, which was held in November in Atlantic City, N.J., was “Embracing Change,” which represents the shift from contract-based reimbursement to fee-for-service reimbursement for Medicaid Waivers services in New Jersey. This payment model – where providers are paid for specific services rendered – is expected to significantly impact all I/DD providers.

About the panel discussion …

Panelists – during a discussion titled, “What Does the Future Hold for the I/DD Community?” – provided an overview of what will occur in the provider community over the next three to five years, along with how I/DD providers are preparing for the future. The discussion focused on topics such as:

The shortage of direct support professionals;
The use of assistive technologies to maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with I/DD;
The availability of affordable housing and the impact on community inclusion;
The expansion of managed long-term services and supports for the I/DD community; and
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) priorities during the next two years of President Donald Trump’s administration

“I was honored to participate in this important panel discussion examining the future of I/DD services and supports in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape,” said Bruce. “By planning ahead and preparing for the future, providers like Devereux will be able to continue to successfully meet the needs of the individuals we serve – and their families – helping them lead fuller, richer and more independent lives.”

Bruce’s fellow panelists included CMS Director for Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Michael Nardone, YAI – National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey Chief Program Officer Ravi Dahiya and Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey Executive Director Diane Riley.

Learn about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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