Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get assistance with transportation?
Public transportation is available either by city bus or by wheelchair-accessible vans operated by Care-A-Van. The city will provide a free bus pass to people with disabilities. Call Capital Transit at 789-6901 for information. For information on Care-A-Van services, call 586-4482. REACH respite providers can also assist with transportation. Contact the respite coordinator.
When I’m graduating from high school, what is available?
Students who qualify for special education are eligible for school district services until the age of 22. In Juneau, the Transition Program teaches job and life skills to students between the ages of 18 and 22. Classes are held at the Transition House on Kanata Street in the Mendenhall Valley. For more information, contact the Juneau School District at 463-1710. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can also provide assistance with getting a job.
What is the “waitlist” that everyone talks about?
There is a waitlist for Medicaid waivers. A waiver is how an individual receives a full range of services from REACH. For a person who has a waiver, the federal Medicaid program pays for 60% of the cost of care while the State of Alaska pays 40%. A waitlist is necessary because there are so many people with disabilities who need services. There are currently approximately 1,250 people on the waitlist statewide.
Where can I get help paying for medical services?
Denali KidCare and TEFRA are two programs provided by the State of Alaska to assist with medical expenses, including therapy. Both programs provide coverage under the federal Medicaid program. Denali KidCare has income restrictions and is for children and pregnant women. The TEFRA program is for children up to age 19 who have a developmental disability as well as a chronic medical condition. TEFRA is restricted to families who don’t meet the income requirements for Denali Kid Care. One-time mini-grants to pay for medical bills or a specific medical service are available through the STAR program. For more information, contact the REACH Resource Team.
What if my family wants to go out of town but I don’t want to go with them?
The REACH respite coordinator can arrange for a support provider to help a person with disabilities while their family is out of town. The level of service depends on the need. Some individuals need someone to move in with them and help them full-time while other people just need someone to check in with them once or twice a day.
How do I know that it is safe to leave my family member with a REACH staff member?
REACH has implemented a rigorous employee screening process to ensure the person is safe to provide support to vulnerable people. This includes a criminal background check through the state Department of Public Safety, fingerprints which are checked nationally through the FBI database, a clean driving record for three years, and a thorough reference check. REACH employees cannot have any police record, not even a misdemeanor, for seven years.
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REACH 213 Third Street, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone (907)586-8228 Fax(907)586-8226
