Community Living Assistance & Support Services Program
What is CLASS?
CLASS provides home- and community-based services to people with related conditions as a cost-effective alternative to placement in an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or a related condition. A related condition is a disability, other than an intellectual disability, that originated before age 22 and that affects a person’s ability to function in daily life.
This is a program provided by the state of Texas for those who qualify. VAIL is contracted as a Case Management Agency (CMA) for the program. A case management agency (CMA) helps CLASS Program individuals in organizing various services needed to achieve maximum levels of independence. Services provided are based on the unique needs of the individual and on an individual plan of care (IPC) developed by the service planning team, which includes (at a minimum) the individual, the case manager and DSA representative.
Who Qualifies?
People who have a developmental disability before age 22
Disability may be due to a variety of conditions including:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spina Bifida
- Epilepsy
- Head Injury
Participants must be limited in at least 3 of the following life activities:
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-Care
- Language
- Self-Direction
- Independent Living
What services can CLASS provide?
- Adaptive Aids
- Auditory Integration / Auditory Enhancement Training
- Behavioral Support
- Case Management
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy
- Continued Family Services
- Dental Treatment
- Dietary
- Employment Assistance
- Transportation-Habilitation
- Minor Home Modifications
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Prevocational Services
- Community First Choice (CFC)
- Supported Employment
- Specialized Therapies
- Personal Assistance Services (PAS/HAB)
- Respite (in-home and out-of-home)
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Support Family Services
- Transition Assistance Services
Interested in receiving CLASS services?
Those interested in receiving CLASS are placed on an interest list by calling 877-438-5658 and asking for the CLASS Waiver Program. The person will be contacted when funding becomes available. An offer of the CLASS Program depends on individual need and one’s date of placement on the interest list. Current contact information is required for each person on the CLASS interest list, and HHSC must be notified of any changes to address or telephone number.
For more information please contact CLASSPolicy@HHSC.state.tx.us