The HCBS Evaluation of Racial and Ethnic Disparities (HEARD) Evaluation is dedicated to improving access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs and services for individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.
Through a multi-stage approach and methodology, the HEARD evaluation is focused on listening to the lived experiences of people from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. We aim to identify and promote successful practices, track changes over time, and make recommendations for meaningful policy changes.
During this initial phase, the groundwork was laid for the HEARD evaluation by analyzing existing data and reviewing relevant literature. A community advisory board was established to gather and integrate feedback from diverse community perspectives, ensuring a solid foundation for the subsequent phases.
During this second phase, the community-informed research focused on listening to people from BIPOC and American Indian communities who recently accessed with or attempted to access home and community-based services waiver programs. Interviews were also conducted with lead agencies (counties, Tribal Nations, and managed care organizations) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by these communities in accessing HCBS.
The third phase is forthcoming and will focus on listening to people from BIPOC and American Indian communities who are enrolled in HCBS waiver programs about their experience accessing the right HCBS service at the right time.
