By Gina Macris

(This article has been updated.)

Plans for two Important changes in the system that provides services for Rhode Islanders with developmental disabilities will be aired at two important public meetings Aug. 27 and Aug. 28.

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, officials of the state Division of Developmental Disabilities will discuss electronic visit verification (EVV) for services delivered in the homes of consumers and families who direct their own programs.

At that meeting, officials also plan to discuss how consumers who self-direct can gain better access to supported employment services. Meanwhile, a panel of individuals with experience in self-direction of individual programs will offer insight to those who might be considering managing their own programs, according to a BHDDH spokesman.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, officials will address their proposal to create an independent entity called a “Health Home” to provide case management for state-funded services. Until now, the state has funded and managed these services. All states are required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to separate funding from case management to avoid conflicts of interest.

Both meetings will be in the Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick. The Aug. 27 meeting for so-called “self-directed” families will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The Aug. 28 meeting on Health Homes, hosted by the advocacy group RI FORCE, will run from 4 to 6 p.m.