What is MAPs?
MAPs, which stands for Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence, is a program designed to help people experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) gain skills for independent living, work, community engagement, and personal hobbies. The services offered by MAPs provide participants with the necessary tools, technology, and support to achieve their self-set goals.
This program is open to persons diagnosed with I/DD who have graduated high school or will graduate within the next three years. Participants cannot be enrolled in other long-term services and support programs such as ECF CHOICES, CHOICES, the Katie Beckett Program, or 1915(c) Waivers.
MAPs aims to support Tennesseans experiencing I/DD in creating a vision for their lives and increasing their independence across various domains. It serves transition-age youth in their last three years of high school, young adults who have already graduated, and those awaiting services from or considering applying to the Employment and Community First CHOICES program.
The focus of MAPs is on helping participants develop independent living skills, build community connections, enhance travel abilities, seek employment, and utilize enabling technology to increase independence. Enrollment targets high school students nearing graduation, recent school leavers, and people awaiting Employment and Community First CHOICES waiver services.
The cornerstone of MAPs is a person-centered Virtual Community Resource Map. Participants work with a MAPs innovation coordinator (case manager) and provider to identify community resources and set goals for various aspects of their lives. They can participate in the program for up to three years with an annual budget of up to $20,000.
Maps Services
Community Navigator
Assists in creating a Virtual Community Resource Map, improving independent travel skills, and expanding community connections.
Independence Coaching
Strengthens independent living skills, focusing on home safety, health, hygiene, and budgeting, with an emphasis on smart home technologies.
Employment Innovation
Supports participants in securing and advancing in community jobs or starting a business, including skills assessment, job search, and workplace support.
Peer Mentoring
Provides experienced peer mentors to offer advice, support, and guidance throughout the program.
Enabling Technology
Focuses on utilizing technology to enhance independence at home, work, and in the community, including training and remote support options.
Meet the MAPs Leadership Team
Beth Bamford
Role: MAPs Program Operations
Personal MAPs Goal: I love to see all of the Community Connections and leverage emerging technology to help people reach their goals
Favorite Tech: My favorite enabling technology is my Google Home system. It controls lights, music, and the thermostat, and answers all my questions. Plus, my litter robot is the best investment! I use Google devices in every room, frequently asking about the weather and adjusting the house temperature for a cozy wake-up in winter.
Ashlee Lynch
Role: MAPs Coach
Personal MAPs Goal: I'm excited about MAPs helping people expand their social and professional networks using our resources.
Favorite Tech: My favorite tech is speech recognition/translation devices like "Voiceitt," which assist those with speech impediments by translating their speech into easily understood audio. Personally, I rely on my Alexa devices for communication, reminders, timers, asking questions, music, and checking on my family and Amazon orders.
Kyle Howe
Role: MAPs Coach
Personal MAPs Goal: My top goal is implementing the VCRM using Google Maps and community resources, directly supporting the independent travel goal.
Favorite Tech: I really love StationMD for helping people access the health needs from anywhere! It is an app on a tablet that offers home access to medical providers and basic health tools like BP and oxygen levels. For myself, I really rely on Google Maps daily for community travel, special trips, and exploring new areas.