We're so excited to announce that our Executive Director, Ami Taubenfeld, is featured in the CanvasRebel. The CanvasRebel's mission is to create a space for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to be able to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling. In similarity, Ami conveys the magic behind the creation of Itineris--how a need manifested into a dream. Thank you, Ami, for sharing your story!
Click here to read the article
Check out this article from the Baltimore Voyage, our Executive Director, Ami Taubenfeld, is featured as Baltimore's hidden gem! Read about her background, her "why" behind the existence of Itineris, inspirational insight, and so much more by clicking here.
We urgently need your help! Appendix K, which allows flexible options in how DDA benefits are provided and billed for during the pandemic, has been lifesaving for Itineris and other agencies providing disability services. But last week, we learned that state leadership might decide to end some or all of Appendix K sooner than approved by the federal government- as early as August 15, 2021. This would be devastating for Itineris and its clients, as there is NO WAY Itineris could resume services to pre-pandemic levels with this limited notice.
Please click below to read Ami Taubenfeld’s letter to Governor Larry Hogan detailing how this would be devastating to Itineris and our clients, and most importantly, how YOU can take action to make sure Appendix K is not ended prematurely.
Take all three actions listed below. Time is of the essence, so please take time to do so as soon as possible!
1) Write to Governor Larry Hogan
Use this link to write to the Governor through his website, and choose the Developmental Disabilities Administration as the message topic in the drop down box.
Ask Governor Hogan to continue Appendix K for DDA waiver services until 6 months after the federal Public Health Emergency, as approved in the State’s request.
Explain how the loss of Appendix K flexibilities will affect you as a person with a disability/family member/provider. Consider including some of the following information:
Providers:
• Are you currently experiencing staff shortages that would make it difficult/impossible to continue to provide services to the people you are currently supporting if Appendix K flexibilities are removed ahead of what was planned? Can you give an example(s)?
• In what ways would the billing flexibilities permitted under Appendix K impact your ability to continue to support people if those flexibilities were lifted early?
• What obstacles or barriers are you experiencing in re-integration?
• What is the status of the direct support professionals’ (DSPs) workforce capacity?
• Do you have immediate capacity or financial challenges that are creating barriers to service delivery?
People with Disabilities and Families:
o Are family members providing paid support as a caregiver? Why is it important they be allowed to continue providing support right now?
o Do you have concerns about direct support staff coming to your home? Does this affect your comfort being out and about, and (if so) in what ways?
o What flexibilities in Appendix K have, and continue to be, life savers for you?
2) Write to MD Department of Health Secretary Dennis Schrader
Email Secretary Schrader at Dennis.Schrader@maryland.gov, also urging him to support the continuation of Appendix K until 6 months after the end of the federal public health emergency. Explain how the loss of Appendix K flexibilities will affect you as a person with a disability / family member / provider.
3) Share this alert broadly through email and social media.
When you post on social media, please tag Governor Hogan and Secretary Schrader in your posts if possible, and use the following hashtags:
#KeepYourPromise #AppendixKisKey #PeoplewithDDMatter #ReopenWithCare
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Executive Director and Founder, Ami Taubenfeld, spoke with The Larger Than Yourself Podcast about the personal story behind the founding of Itineris. After her daughter was diagnosed with autism, Ami discovered a lack of agencies that were prepared to support adults on the autism spectrum. So, she took matters into her own hands. Listen to the podcast to hear the inspiring full story here.
The Larger Than Yourself Podcast explores the stories behind brave people who are helping small ideas become powerful movements. Their mission is to amplify the impact of those stories and inspire the courage in others to reimagine industries, lead with purpose and challenge the status quo.
Itineris’ roadmap identifying areas where we can be most impactful in the autism community. Check out a summary of the plan here.
