Areas of Practice & Expertise
* Important Covid-19 update *
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, all visits have been suspended and are being completed through various telehealth platforms. Virtual Tele-health meetings can be held monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, or annually, and may also include home visits in select scenarios.
Karen Gipson has over 27 years of case management experience working directly with various social services programs, the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA), Montgomery County Public Schools, and Maryland State/Federal funded waiver programs that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities and autism.
Services provided at Gipson Heart for Advocacy & Human Services include:
Advocacy & Consultation
Advocacy and consultation for individuals with developmental disabilities
Case coordination/Management
Case Coordination and Case Management for children and adults with developmental disabilities
Information and referral
Information and referrals for potential services providers
Navigation assistance
Navigation assistance through systems by means of “no wrong door”
Medical Assistance
Knowledge of Medical Assistance and how to apply
Support broker services
Guidance in connecting individuals with services of choice funded through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to live happy and independent lives
Application Assistance
Assist with application processes for a variety of services
Schools & Educational Programs
Discussions regarding regulated schools and Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s)
Progress reports
Progress reports are prepared and shared with families + updates of clients monitored health and safety status
Tutor Connection for Students
Potential connections with tutors for individuals taking college level courses (must speak Spanish)
family/client visitations
Visits with your loved ones per contracted frequency and/or duration
Agency & legal connections
Collaboration with private agencies and law firms to guide, assist, and connect families with provision of information and potential services
* mandatory form Below *
Release of Information/Authorization Form
This form is required when a sponsor, legal guardian, family member, or client is requesting advocacy services. This form gives permission to communicate with the individual, stakeholders, sponsors, and teams supporting the individuals. An annual form is required for a continuation of services.
Practices and Services our agency does not provide:
Legal services, Individualized Education Program (IEP) representation services under the IDEA, housing, monetary support, nor authorization of medical services.
Does not monitor services for individuals residing in institutional care.
Does not provide direct support such as taking someone on vacation, provide transportation, manage individual budgets, etc.
Financial funding and support
Transportation
Direct support
Authorization of medical care for individual served
Legal Counsel
Housing