GT Independence

Empower Individuals. Improve Outcomes. Design a Better Self-Direction Program. Total enrollment in self-direction programs grew more than 23% between 2019 and 2023. The future of long-term services and supports appears to lean toward self-direction, but are available and emerging programs built for success? Our new white paper, "Designing a Top-Notch Self-Direction Program," considers how states and agencies can create person-centered programs that are effective and drive better outcomes over the long term. Learn how to: ➡️ Build in education at the outset and at multiple touchpoints. ➡️ Create opportunities for full stakeholder engagement. ➡️ Develop an ecosystem of expertise to support results and accountability. Download this free resource from GT Independence and learn best practices: https://lnkd.in/gxiunVKV

September is National Deaf Awareness Month. Join us in celebrating and advocating for the Deaf community! At GT Independence, we want to show our support for this community. Here are some ways we can all make a difference: - Take a sign language class - Learn about Deaf culture and history - Volunteer or take part in events with Deaf groups To learn more about what you can do this Deaf Awareness Month, click here: https://lnkd.in/gysu3hZ8

Thank you, Baltimore, for an amazing time at the ADvancing States 2025 HCBS Conference! It was great meeting with leaders from around the country and sharing insights on the future of HCBS.    If you missed our presentations or our team at the event, reach out to D. Pearl Barnett, MPA, Kathleen Dougherty, or Kirsten Capelesss to schedule a chat to learn more about GT and how we’re helping grow and support long-term services and supports around the country. 

September is National Service Dog Month! Service dogs help people with disabilities live more independently. Around 16,000 people with disabilities in the U.S. use a service dog. They do many jobs, such as: - Guiding people who are blind - Spotting medical problems like seizures or panic attacks - Getting items for their owners This year marks 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law protects service dogs and makes sure they can go with their owners into public places to do their jobs. To help our furry friends do their jobs, check out these service dog do’s and don’ts! To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gGWtvcNe #ServiceDogMonth #ServiceDogs

Have you met Stewart? Stewart is a motivational speaker, author, human rights consultant, advocate, business owner, and life coach. He truly is a person with many talents! Stewart has practiced self-direction with @gt-independence since 2022 and has been able to continue living his busy lifestyle, all while hiring his own staff and taking direct control of his care. This allows Stewart more time and freedom to do the things he loves, like writing books and running his own consulting and coaching company, Dream Building, which focuses on empowering those with disabilities. To learn more about Stewart, click here: https://lnkd.in/eBuu8VQ8 Image description: A photo of Stewart sitting on a couch, smiling. Text says, 'If they want a better say-so in how their services are delivered, go for it. Self-direction will allow the person the ability to blossom. Stewart Jones, GT Independence participant in Ohio'

📅Labor Day Hours 📅 Our office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1. We’ll be back open and ready to help on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Labor Day is a special time to celebrate all the hard work people do every day. We hope you enjoy a well-deserved break and have a safe and relaxing holiday! Image description: A gray-haired couple barbecues in their back yard while seated people chat in the background. Text says, 'Happy Labor Day In honor of the holiday our offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1'

Hello Baltimore! GT Independence is on the ground for the ADvancing States 2025 HCBS Conference. D. Pearl Barnett, MPA, Kirsten Capeless, and Kathleen Dougherty will be at the conference all week, hosting you at our booth (#501) and participating in panel discussions. We are excited to connect with you and exchange ideas to help advance self-direction.

This week at the ADvancing States 2025 HCBS Conference our amazing team leaders D. Pearl Barnett, MPA, Kirsten Capeless, and Kathleen Dougherty will be participating in three thought-provoking panel discussions. Check out D. Pearl Barnett’s “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” panel discussion or Kirsten Capeless' panel session "Ride to Independence: Leveraging Lyft for HCBS Waiver Participants" Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 10:15 a.m. And on Wednesday, Aug. 27, look for the “Serenity Within the Storm: Navigating Professional Transition During Challenging Times” panel session featuring Kathleen Dougherty at 4:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Will you be in Baltimore for the ADvancing States Home and Community-Based Services Conference? We will!    Come find our very own D. Pearl Barnett, MPA, Kirsten Capeless, and Kathleen Dougherty! Each will be participating in panel discussions covering a wide range of topics from the future of HCBS to self-directed transportation options. Stay tuned to learn more and come find us at booth #501!

We are honored to be included in the 2025 Inc. Magazine Inc. 5000 list! We want to say thank you to all our wonderful employees and participants and the entire GT community for helping us achieve this recognition. We're excited to continue our relentless pursuit to bring self-direction to everyone! Check out the full list here: inc.com/inc5000