Frequently Asked Questions
National Core Indicators (NCI)
The following provides answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the National Core Indicators survey.
What are the National Core Indicator Adult In-Person Survey and the National Core Indicator Aging and Disabilities Survey?
- It is a voluntary effort by state developmental disabilities agencies to measure and track their performance.
- Interviewers will administer face-to-face Adult Consumer Surveys with individuals receiving state services for intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- The survey assesses the performance and outcomes of services provided for these individuals and their families.
What is the purpose of the Adult Consumer Survey?
- To gather the opinions and experiences of individuals who receive services through the DD Waiver.
- Consumer feedback will be used to continue enhancing such programs.
How did you get my name?
- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Munroe-Meyer Institute generated a random sample list of individuals who receive services through the DD waiver, the A & D waiver, and other Medicaid programs.
Who is funding this project?
- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Do I have to participate?
- No, participation is completely voluntary.
- Your decision whether or not to participate will not impact the services you receive.
How do you interview individuals with disabilities?
- The survey is specially designed to obtain perceptions about experiences from people with varying abilities.
- Interviewers are trained on how to interview individuals with disabilities.
- Interviewers are also trained as to when to discontinue an interview if a consumer is not responsive to questions.
Can anyone refuse to participate on behalf of the consumer?
- Only legal guardians may refuse on behalf of a consumer.
- Staff members and service coordinators cannot refuse due to potential conflict of interest.
Why not let the families or staff answer for consumers?
- It is important to talk directly with people who have firsthand experiences.
- Opinions from all groups are important, but they cannot substitute for the one who is receiving services.
- If a consumer is not able to answer the questions, a proxy respondent may answer some questions on his/her behalf.
What if I change my mind or have to change my interview date or time?
- You may call your scheduled interviewer directly or Rachel Ray at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at 800-656-3937 ext 93673 (toll free).
Is this confidential and private?
- Absolutely! The answers you provide will not be shared with any of the people who are paid to help you.
- The Munroe-Meyer Institute will protect your privacy by keeping all information confidential.
- However: interviewers are mandated reporters. If an interviewer sees or learns something of concern regarding health or safety, he/she is required by law to let the Nebraska Adult & Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline know so they can help you.
How long will the interview take?
- About 30-45 minutes.
What are you going to ask me about?
- The survey asks for your opinions about your quality of life and the services you receive. For example, there are questions about your case manager or case worker, living arrangement, direct care staff, activities or employment and your health and safety.
- If any questions do not apply, they will be skipped.
Why aren’t you asking me about…?
- Because we are talking with a large number of people, the questions ask about things that are likely to apply to everyone.
- As a result, we may miss a part of your experience that you feel is very important.
- Please feel free to provide your comments.
Will my answers affect the state services I receive now or may receive in the future?
- Absolutely not.
- The purpose of the survey is to learn about the experiences of consumers. Your responses are confidential and will not affect the services you receive in any way.