Empowering Lives
Supporting Dreams
About Us
History of Higher Ground Integrated Human Services, Inc.
Higher Ground Integrated Human Services (IHS), Inc. is a not-for-profit (501c-3) agency, formed in 2009. We are a service organization designed to promote empowerment and support to the individuals served. The purpose of this organization is to help special needs population define, plan, and implement their goals. Our service delivery system is socially integrated and personal; keeping the “whole” individual at the center and steering the direction of services rendered.
Our Services
Higher Ground IHS, Inc. provides the following services through OPWDD: Fiscal Intermediary, Start Up and Support Broker, Prevocational Services, Supported Employment and Family Education, and Training. We also provide Service Coordination services for Traumatic Brain Injury and the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion programs through the Department of Health. Higher Ground staff are expertly trained in their service area to ensure the individuals we serve are assisted to thrive as members of the community
Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD)
The NHTD waiver program is a home and community-based program that helps New York´s Medicaid-eligible seniors and people with physical disabilities receive comprehensive services they need while they live in a community-based setting, rather than in a nursing home, congregate care setting, or other institution.
Program participants receive services based on their unique strengths, needs, choices, and goals. The participants are the primary decision makers. Participants choose the services they receive, the service providers they will work with, and the outcomes they will achieve.
Contingent upon the availability of funds, waiver participants may also be eligible for a state-funded housing subsidy to help them live in the community. The subsidy is administered through the NHTD program; however, the provision of housing is not a waiver service.
The individual is the primary decision maker and works in cooperation with providers and others they may choose to develop a Service Plan. This process leads to personal empowerment, increased independence, greater community inclusion, self-reliance and meaningful productive activities. Participant satisfaction is a significant measure of success of the NHTD program.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver program is a special Medicaid funded program for income eligible adults who have been diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury, and who without waiver services would have to live in a residential long term care facility. The program pays for services such as Service Coordination, Home and Community Support assistance, respite care, vocational support, housing support, and other services that are necessary to keep the individual living in the community.
In the TBI Medicaid waiver, a Service Coordinator assists you with developing a service plan designed to help you reach your personal goals for living and receiving care, and for achieving maximum inde pendence in your home community. The waiver services in your plan are determined by your strengths, needs, and choice for care.
Supported Employment
Our supported employment programs specialize in working with people who have disabilities and are looking for competitive employment to be successful in the community and maintain their independence. We provide support such as assisting with finding child care, transportation, professional skills training, personalized training within a community setting to help build job readiness skills and so much more.
To help our participants with seeking, obtaining, and maintaining rewarding employment, we customize our services to meet each individual’s skills, needs, and employment interests. We partner with employers within the Capital District who provide jobs to individuals with disabilities. We provide training, coaching, and other supports for a successful relationship between the employee, employer, and the supported employment programs.
Regardless of your disability, if you want to work, our employment program can assist you in obtaining successful competitive employment. We will work with you by providing training and on-the-job support to allow you to learn how to master your job skills at your own pace. We also assist with filing applications, preparing for interviews, addressing personal needs, and checking in regularly to help with job retention.
Self-Direction Program
Take control of your care with our Self-Direction Program. Tailor your support services to fit your lifestyle and preferences. With the freedom to choose your caregivers and services, you can design a personalized plan that puts you in the driver’s seat of your own well-being. Discover the empowerment of self-directed care today.
· Fiscal Intermediary Program: Managing your finances in a supportive and hassle-free manner is now possible with our Fiscal Intermediary Program. Streamline the financial aspects of your care services with our expert assistance. From budgeting to payroll, we handle the financial details so you can focus on what matters most – your health and happiness.