DHSS Press Release

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES ANNOUNCES JANE GALLIVAN AS NEW DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 25, 2011)-Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita M. Landgraf announces the appointment of Jane Gallivan as Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services. Gallivan started her new position Oct. 24.

In appointing Gallivan, Secretary Landgraf said, “Jane brings more than 30 years of experience in the field of disabilities, most recently serving as Director of the Office of Adults with Cognitive and Physical Disabilities within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Her wealth of experience, along with innovation and problem-solving skills, will help us continue to build and implement community-based services for people with developmental disabilities in Delaware.”

In Maine, Gallivan’s accomplishments included:

• Under her leadership, Maine was found in compliance with a federal class action lawsuit filed on behalf of former residents of the Pineland Center.
• Creating a Medicaid Support Waiver designed to meet the needs of individuals living at home with their families, in addition to the comprehensive home- and community-based waiver.
• Developing an electronic data system that provides an electronic record for each consumer inclusive of case management notes, reportable events and individual resource allocations for services.
• Working with consumers, families and providers to develop and grow the shared living model. There are more than 500 individuals to date in Maine who have chosen this innovative housing model and supports.
• Under her direction, the office developed a unique communication program for individuals who created their own means of communication with use of gestures and “home” signs. CMS approved the assessment process as part of the comprehensive waiver, the only one of its kind in the country.

“I am honored to serve the people of Delaware, and look forward to building on the many gains made in this state for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Gallivan said. “To every individual and family affected by intellectual disability this is my commitment: We will work in partnership with all stakeholders to provide the leadership to assure a common vision of inclusion and value models of service delivery that support individuals to live as active citizens and active members of their communities.”

Secretary Landgraf also thanked Roy Lafontaine for his continued support of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services as he fills the role of Deputy Director.

For more information about Jane Gallivan or to schedule an interview with her, contact Jill Fredel at (302) 255-9047.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.