Breaking Ground 111 - Have you heard about MAPs?

Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence (MAPs) is a new Tennessee program coming November 1, 2022. MAPs will help people with intellectual or developmental disabilities live, work, and travel independently in their communities. MAPs is a different approach to supports for independence and work skills. It uses technology as a foundation. The program is offered through the TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Who is MAPs for?

MAPs is for anyone who has an intellectual and/or developmental disability AND

Will leave high school in the next three years OR
Has already left the high school OR
Is going to an inclusive higher education program OR
Is waiting for long-term services in a program called Employment and Community First (“ECF”) CHOICES

Why is MAPs needed?

This program will offer services that help answer the question, “What is the plan after high school?” It will use technology and person-centered support to help the member grow their skills at home, at work, and in the community. The program will offer services for 3 years to help the member build their independence.

How does MAPs work?

The program will provide technology and supports like:

A cell phone and apps, including a personal map. The map will give step-by-step directions to help the member get to important places in their community (like work, home, or places they visit with family and friends) without needing someone’s help.
Other technology as needed to help the member stay safe at home or get help if they need it.
Peer mentoring to help with learning new skills.

The program will focus on goals for independence at home, at work, and in the community. Those might be things like:

Managing money
Taking medications correctly
Finding a good job
Getting promoted
Building relationships in the community
Finding fun local places to go

MAPs services will last for 3 years. They will be provided by agencies who sign up to offer the program. People who are getting vocational rehabilitation (VR) services can still sign up for MAPs.

How can I learn more?

This short video from DIDD explains the MAPs program: https://youtu.be/i_7AOi0T8cs.

For more information about MAPs, visit tn.gov/didd/for-consumers/maps. The website has a presentation with more details about the program, a one-page flier, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also contact DIDD Youth Transition Director Jay Camperlino directly at: Jason.Camperlino@tn.gov.

The online application for MAPs will go live on November 1, 2022 – watch DIDD’s website and social media accounts for news.

Information adapted from DIDD’s website and family/persons supported presentations