Acquired Brain Injury Waiver
The information below is intended only for individuals—and their care managers—who are already approved for services under the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver programs. Individuals who have not been approved for these waivers are not eligible to receive the services described below through Positive Outlooks Inc.
Positive Outlooks Inc. does not process, determine, or influence eligibility for any DSS waiver program. Individuals seeking approval must contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services directly. Because ABI Waiver services are authorized based on each participant’s individualized DSS service plan, we cannot provide additional details about what a person may qualify for until DSS has issued an approval.
The services listed below are not covered under our Department of Consumer Protection Homemaker & Companion Agency license and are not regulated by DCP. These are contract‑based, nonmedical services delivered under the authority of the Connecticut Department of Social Services for individuals approved through the ABI Waiver.
The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program, operated by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), provides a range of nonmedical, home‑ and community‑based services that support adults with an acquired brain injury in living safely and successfully in the community. These services help individuals maintain or strengthen the skills needed for daily living, community participation, and personal independence.
Without these supports, some individuals may require placement in a more restrictive or institutional setting. The ABI Program uses person‑centered planning to develop an appropriate, cost‑effective service plan based on each participant’s goals, needs, and preferences. Adults determined eligible for the ABI Program have access to Medicaid‑covered services as authorized in their DSS‑approved plan of care.
— Connecticut Department of Social Services
ABI Waiver Services
Under the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), Positive Outlooks Inc. provides a range of nonmedical, non‑diagnostic home‑ and community‑based services tailored to each participant’s DSS‑approved plan of care. Positive Outlooks Inc. may only provide ABI Waiver services to individuals who have been pre‑approved by DSS for the ABI Waiver program. These services cannot be offered to private‑pay clients or individuals who are not already authorized through DSS.
Positive Outlooks Inc. does not assist with the application or approval process for any DSS waiver. Individuals enrolled in the ABI Waiver are assigned a care manager and/or Support & Planning Coach through an access agency unaffiliated with Positive Outlooks Inc. These professionals help participants understand their service options and determine whether agency‑based or self‑directed services best support their goals.
Positive Outlooks Inc. does not provide medical care, clinical treatment, or diagnostic services. We encourage all individuals to choose the provider—agency or private hire—that best aligns with their needs, preferences, and personal goals. Our approach is grounded in consumer choice and person‑centered planning.
Nonmedical ABI Waiver Services Offered by Positive Outlooks Inc.
Independent Living Skills Training (ILST)
ILST is a nonmedical teaching service that helps individuals develop, relearn, or strengthen the skills needed for daily living and community participation. ILST focuses on problem‑solving, adaptive strategies, prompts, reminders, and resource‑building to support independence. ILST is not clinical therapy and is not equivalent to occupational or physical therapy. Positive Outlooks Inc. ensures ILST staff receive ongoing training and access to current resources to support participants effectively.
Personal Care Assistants (PCA Services)
PCA services are nonmedical supports that combine elements of homemaker and companion services, both in the home and community. PCAs may assist with basic hygiene within nonmedical limits, household tasks, meal preparation, and community activities. PCAs cannot provide medical care or treatment, including wound care or any clinical interventions. All PCAs receive training in autonomy, person‑first practices, professional boundaries, ethics, and ongoing professional development.
Homemaker Services
Homemaker services support a clean, safe, and healthy home environment. Tasks may include routine cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, household organization, and other nonmedical home‑management activities as outlined in the participant’s DSS‑approved plan.
Companion Services
Companion services provide nonmedical supervision, social interaction, and support to promote safety and engagement. Companions do not provide hands‑on personal care such as bathing or showering. These services are often used when an individual benefits from supervision or structured socialization.
Options Counseling / Support & Planning Coaching
This nonmedical service helps individuals understand their choices, explore available supports, and work toward personal goals. Due to conflict‑of‑interest safeguards, participants receiving Options Counseling or Support & Planning Coaching from Positive Outlooks Inc. cannot receive additional services (such as Companion or Homemaker) from our agency at the same time. Positive Outlooks Inc. does not endorse or recommend specific agencies; however, counselors may help participants obtain a list of approved providers from Allied Community Resources for independent review.
Community Activities & Engagement
Positive Outlooks Inc. offers recreational activities, group outings, local fairs, community service projects, and bus trips throughout the year. These events are open to all clients, regardless of the services they receive. We prioritize low‑cost or no‑cost activities to promote socialization, community access, and meaningful engagement.
We also publish a monthly newsletter featuring resources, activities, recipes, community events, and creative contributions from clients and staff—including artwork, articles, poems, and photos.
Important Notice
Positive Outlooks Inc. cannot provide ABI Waiver services to private‑pay clients or individuals who are not actively approved for DSS waiver programs. We cannot assist with eligibility determination or the approval process. The information above is intended for individuals already enrolled in the ABI Waiver, as well as social workers, conservators, and care managers involved in discharge planning or service coordination.
Resources:
Below are links to resources related to ABI Waiver Services. Positive Outlooks, LLC. does not provide all the services offered under the waiver. References below should not be misunderstood as services offered by Positive Outlooks, LLC under the waiver.
State of Connecticut ABI Waiver Services Flyer
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DSS/Health-and-Home-Care/Community-Options/Acquired-Brain-Injury-Program.pdf
Connecticut DSS – Programs & Services (includes ABI Waiver information)
https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Lists/Programs-and-Services (portal.ct.gov in Bing)
MyPlaceCT – Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver Information
https://www.myplacect.org/
United Way 211 Connecticut – ABI / Brain Injury Resources
https://uwc.211ct.org/
Medicaid.gov – Home & Community‑Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Information
https://www.medicaid.gov/
DSS Forms & Applications (including ABI Waiver request forms)
https://portal.ct.gov/DSS