Navigation Services

Resource Coordination

Our Resource Navigator collaborates with individuals and their families to identify barriers to resources and to create a specialized list of services tailored to their specific needs.

Services include:

• Tailored resource identification customized to clients’ specific needs.
• Assistance in locating and vetting trusted sources of information.
• Providing access to self-help materials.
• Making precise referrals to our trusted community partners.

Multi-System Navigation

Multi-system navigation services are designed to provide expert guidance and support to families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly Autism, across their entire lifespan.

The core service components include:

• Systems Expertise and Navigation: Guiding families through complex and often fragmented systems, including healthcare, education (K-12 Special Education/IEP/504), and state services. This navigation spans from Early Intervention through the transition to adult services, such as DDA, DVR, and Social Security (SSI/SSDI).
• Expert Advocacy: Providing advocacy from early intervention through adulthood and challenging systemic barriers to ensure the individual's needs are met.
• Coaching and Empowerment: Working with families to move them "from crisis to self-empowerment" by teaching them advocacy skills and providing a comprehensive knowledge of local and federal resources, service providers, and benefit programs like Medicaid and DDA waivers.
• Lifespan Planning: Familiarity with long-term "future planning," including options like guardianship alternatives, Special Needs Trusts, and ABLE accounts.

Special Education Coaching

Our Special Education coach provides one-on-one coaching to help families advocate for their student and secure the services they need.

Services include:

• Identifying needs and creating a detailed action plan.
• Reviewing files, such as IEPs and evaluations.
• Clarifying processes and regulations regarding Special Education Law.
• Providing practical strategies and helping families prepare for school meetings.
• Assisting with formal documentation and written communication.
• Providing further legal referrals when necessary.

Private Insurance Appeals Navigation

Our Private Insurance Appeal navigator provides comprehensive support for families appealing unreasonable denial of medically necessary mental health benefits by private insurance companies.

These mental health benefits include:

• Neurodevelopmental Therapies: Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy
• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
• Mental Health Services (Including outpatient and inpatient residential counseling servic

Services include:

• Guiding clients and families through establishing medical necessity.
• Providing guidance for obtaining relevant documents and reviewing files.
• Drafting appeal letters and preparing submissions.
• Consulting on next steps following the appeal decision.

Need help with a Medicaid appeal?  Please contact WAA for a full intake screening to see if you qualify for pro-bono services.

Crisis Stabilization Navigation

Our Crisis Stabilization Navigator assists people affected by Autism or developmental disability who are in or at immediate risk of crisis and losing community based services.

These critical services are meant for those experiencing:

• Imminent Placement or Service Loss
• Housing Instability
• Risk of Imminent Harm
• Substantial Functional Limitations in three or more of the following major life activities:
  • Self-care
  • Receptive and expressive language (communication)
  • Learning
  • Mobility
  • Self-direction
  • Capacity for independent living
  • Economic self-sufficiency

Services Include:

• Helping individuals and families navigate complex systems for both crisis and ongoing services.
• Connecting individuals and families to vital resources including emergency services, crisis hotlines, mental health services. (inpatient/outpatient), respite care, residential services, and crisis stabilization programs.
• Assisting individuals and families in identifying and accessing crucial funding sources.
• Making appropriate referrals to outside agencies.