Harbor Regional Center

HCBS Community of Practice: From Paper to Practice

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You're invited to join others in your community to explore how to use person-centered approaches to put Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) quality standards into action, taking them From Paper to Practice.

Harbor Regional Center, in partnership with Helen Sanderson Associates USA, is hosting this Community of Practice to discuss opportunities and challenges, explore practical tips, and share insights and ideas for supporting people to be more involved in their community.

Inspired by a common desire for all people to live their best lives, this Community of Practice (CoP) will assist service providers alongside people who have intellectual/developmental disabilities, family members, regional center staff, and interested community partners. The Paper to Practice sessions will develop a shared understanding of person-centered approaches and learn how they can be used to save time, empower staff, and spark creativity all while fulfilling the HCBS Final Rule.

Quarter Five Paper to Practice

September - November 2025

Throughout this 3-part series we will be focusing on

HCBS Final Rule Requirement #5 (Choosing Supports & Who Provides Them) and #10 (Accessibility at Home)

September: Deep Dive Session

When: September 4th, 9:30am - 12:30pm

In-Person at Harbor Regional Center

We took a closer look at HCBS Final Rule Requirement #5 (Choosing Supports & Who Provides Them) and #10 (Accessibility at Home), with person-centered approaches that can help you maintain and sustain these quality standards.

October: Coaching Circles

When: October 2 and 3, various times

Virtual Sessions via Zoom

In Coaching Circle sessions, we participated in small group learning conversations to share ideas and strategies on topics identified by you and your peers!

November: Taking Action Session

When: November 6th, 10:00am - 11:30am

Virtual Sessions via Zoom

We will come back together and reflect on what we have tried and learned. You will receive practical resources and tools to create teachable moments within your organization. Anyone is welcome to register and attend, whether this is your first Community of Practice session, or you have joined before. We can't wait to see you there!

Quarterly Schedule

Each Quarter, we will explore two HCBS quality standards to create more authentic conversations, connections, and hands-on practice opportunities.

Deep Dive: September 5th/December 12th/March 3rd/June 5th/September 4th, Thursdays, 9:00am - 12:00pm| Work in small groups to explore what needs to change and what more is possible? We'll take a closer look at HCBS requirements and look at practices that will help you and your team support people in making connections in the community.

Coaching Circles: October 3 & 4/January 6 & 7/April 3 & 4/July 1 & 2/October 2 & 3, times to be determined | Join a small group of peers within your same service type to discuss opportunities and obstacles in relation to the HCBS requirements. Identify what’s working and not working, and possible next steps for your organization.

Take Action: November 5th/February 6th/May 1st/August 7th/November 6th, 10:00 - 11:30am | We come back together to reflect on what we have tried and learned. You will receive practical resources and tools to create teachable moments with your staff.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Community of Practice?

A Community of Practice is a group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.

What will we do together?

Starting September 2024 we will spend 3 months focusing on one HCBS quality standard to create more authentic conversations, connections, and hands-on practice opportunities. We invite you to join all three sessions and also realize that is sometimes not possible, you are welcome to attend when you are able.

Who should attend?

Service providers, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, family members, regional center staff, and any interested community members.

If you have any additional questions please contact holly@helensandersonassociates.com