Supporting the Right to a Community Life

The Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) Final Rule is a federal policy change announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2014 to make sure that people with disabilities have the kinds of services they need in their communities. The Rule sets requirements for where and how Medicaid HCBS are provided to ensure that people receiving services have full access to community life. This guide was developed to prepare supporters to assist people with developmental disabilities to advocate for the community lives they want and share their experiences receiving Home and Community Based Services. It contains information about the Rule, guidance on having conversations with those you support about their lives and services, and a list of organizations that can help with advocacy.

This guide was developed by The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with CQL, The Council on Quality and Leadership through support from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.