Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties works hard to help children, adults, and families get the support they need to live safe, healthy, and happy lives. Many people in our community face challenges every day. Our goal is to make sure families never have to go through those challenges alone.
Meet Elijah
Elijah* is a 5‑year‑old boy who has Autism. This means some days go well, while others are very hard. Elijah can become overwhelmed, and when that happens, he may hurt himself, run away, break things, or become physically and verbally aggressive. He needs a lot of support to stay safe, calm, and comfortable.
Elijah's family resides in rural Faribault County and after his diagnosis, applied for services at our agency. Elijah qualified for the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver. His parents chose the Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) option, which allows families to design their own services to match their child's needs. This helps Elijah stay safely at home, attend therapies, and use special tools that help him regulate his emotions.
Elijah also began early intervention programs to help him build new skills. Recently, he received a crash pad, which is a large soft pad that helps him calm his body when he feels overwhelmed. Elijah's mom, who is an occupational therapist, shared that caring for Elijah takes so much time and energy that she cannot work outside the home. Supports through the DD Waiver help the family stay stable and safe while meeting Elijah's daily needs. The crash pad arrived at the perfect moment, and today Elijah is smiling more and showing great progress.
"Absolutely, love to share how the services and supports make a huge difference for our family. Please share that smiling face and also the relief it gives a parent to see that when their child is having frequent meltdowns. It had been an especially difficult week for Elijah, and that crash pad couldn't have arrived at a better time."
Elijah's Mom
Over 400 people in Faribault and Martin Counties receive services through the DD Waiver. This program helps children and adults with developmental disabilities stay in their homes and communities instead of moving to institutions. To qualify for these services, a person must have a developmental disability, need a high level of care, and be eligible for Medicaid (called Medical Assistance in Minnesota). County staff complete a MNCHOICES assessment to understand each person's needs. After that, a case manager helps the family or individual plan services like housing, therapy, equipment, and transportation.
Services through the DD Waiver can include:
- Personal care assistance with bathing, dressing, and eating
- Help finding and keeping a job
- Support for living independently or with assistance
- Respite care so caregivers can take breaks
- Assistive technology and home changes to improve safety
- Transportation to medical visits, work, and activities
Our agency also supports people under age 65 through other home and community-based programs. These include:
- Brain Injury Waiver: For people with acquired brain injuries who need help to stay safe at home.
- Community Alternative Care Waiver: For people with serious medical conditions who need hospital-level care but can live at home with support.
- Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver: For people who need nursing facility-level care but want to stay in their community.
- Personal Care Assistance and Home Care Services: For people who need help with daily tasks or medical care at home
Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties is honored to support families like Elijah's. Each service, big or small, helps children and adults feel safer, happier, and more confident. For more information about the waiver programs provided above, please contact our office at 507-238-4757.
* Permission was received to share the client story. All names have been changed to protect identity.