CDS Program Information
CDS Program
Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence (DCAI) has been providing service to individuals with disabilities since 1980. DCAI was the first Rural Independent Center to be funded by the Department of education. The Independent Living Philosophy is: “As a Center for Independent Living, DCAI is federally mandated and monitored by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to ensure that all aspects of Independent Living Philosophy and the 4-Core services of Peer Counseling Advocacy, Information and Referral and Skills Training are provided. We also have a nursing home transition specialist on staff to provide Nursing Home diversion and transition if requested. Our number one goal is to keep individuals in their homes and as independent as possible in their homes and in their communities.
The Consumer Directed Services Program allows an adult with a disability to obtain assistance with daily tasks and activities of daily living in order to maintain their independence in their homes and communities. The Consumer Directed Services gives the person the ability to hire someone of their choosing to provide care for them. This person will have to be the age of 18 or older and cannot be the spouse of the individual that needs the care. They will have to be registered with the Family Care Safety Registry and have a good clean background.
Missouri Centers for Independent Living is the original state-certified and leading trusted resource for personal attendant services such as Consumer Directed Services. Through our regional centers in Missouri, we help people with disabilities remain in their own homes by assisting them in finding caregivers who can provide in-home personal care and support with household chores and daily meal preparation. Learn more about MOCIL CDS providers across the state.
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals must meet the requirements determined by the Division of Health and Senior Service’s to be eligible for the Consumer Directed Services which include the following:
- Must be Medicaid Eligible in the State of Missouri
- Must be 18 years of age and have a physical disability
- Must be able to direct their own care
- Meet current Nursing Home Level Requirement
Individuals that are eligible for CDS Program will be assessed on your individual needs for daily living, which include the following:
- Bathing/Showering
- Toileting
- Transfer/Mobility assistance
- Meal Preparation/Clean up
- Housekeeping/Laundry
- Essential transportation for shopping and errands
DCAI will monitor your CDS Program with monthly contacts and home visits to ensure that your services are being provided according to your plan of care. We will monitor any changes that you may need with your care plan.
You may contact DCAI and speak with our Intake Specialist to see if you meet the requirements at 1-866-797-6080. Once you are found to meet these requirements, DCAI will work with DHSS to get you an appointment with an evaluator to begin the process.
DCAI covers our main five counties of Crawford, Dent, Iron, Washington and Reynolds. We also serve the counties of Carter, Franklin, Gasconade, Jefferson, Madison, Phelps, Shannon, St. Francois, Texas, and Wayne.
DCAI can offer you additional services that may meet your needs such as a Medicaid Specialist that can assist you with any questions you may have with your Medicaid eligibility. You may also qualify for durable medical equipment, transportation, and education services and peer support groups.
DCAI has a zero tolerance for waste, fraud and abuse. We will report any potential Medicaid Fraud to the appropriate people.
