Training Document:

Virginia Easy Access

Contents:

The Virginia Easy Access Web Portal

Using Virginia Easy Access

Searching on Virginia Easy Access

Update Virginia Easy Access

Update 7/25/11

Authors:

Kathleen Vaughan, MA No Wrong Door Coordinator, Virginia Department for the Aging Joseph Hoyle, MD MPH Policy Analyst, Virginia Department for the Aging Katie Benghauser, MS Director of Community Outreach and Training, VirginiaNavigator

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The Virginia Easy Access Web Portal

The Virginia Department for the Aging partnered with other state agencies,

private providers and consumers to create Virginia Easy Access:

www.easyaccess.virginia.gov

This website was created by a group of public and private providers and also a

number of self and family advocates, both seniors and adults with disabilities.

All of the content was created by this group and continues to be updated by them

as well.

This web portal promotes self-direction and provides valuable information to the

public about available long term supports and services.

Monthly usage reports for the portal indicate approximately 10,000 user sessions

per month with an average session of 11 minutes.

Virginia Easy Access contains useful articles and links to information about

various supports that are available to the benefit of older adults and adults with

disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

VirginiaNavigator

VirginiaNavigator is the private sector search website that enables individuals to

find services in their area, based on their unique needs.

A hidden interface between the portal and VirginiaNavigator provides a fluid

experience for consumers from one site to another and leverages the strengths

of each managing partner through a valuable public/private partnership.

The VirginiaNavigator database contains listings for more than 23,000 public and

private providers. This information is updated and kept current.

Searches are conducted by locality so that results provide information about

services that are available in the individual’s home community.

2-1-1

2-1-1, a third partner, provides the human touch for website visitors who need a

little extra help. An online help button enables users to seek assistance 24/7.

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Public and

Private

Provider

Agencies

2-1-1 VirginiaE-mail Access

Other Helpful

Websites

State & Federal

Agency

Websites

Public BenefitsMedicaid, SS, Fuel

Assist.

Senior NavigatorProvider Database & Informational

Topics, Articles and Links

Virginia

Easy AccessInformational Topics and

Helpful Links

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Using Virginia Easy Access

Easy Access is a self-help tool designed to help individuals access information about

options available to them so they can direct and manage their own care to the greatest

extent possible.

Here is the home page:

There is a disability-friendly online Medicaid application

24/7 online help email supported through 211

It is linked to a database available for self-help through VirginiaNavigator so

individuals have a fluid experience when searching for services.

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Searching on Virginia Easy Access

For example, when you click on Find Services and Supports…

You can conduct your search according to your knowledge base:

There is a Quick Search option if you have a good idea about what you are

searching for.

There is a Guided Search option, if you know what you want but would like to

narrow your choices.

And if you have no idea what you need, there is Resource Locator. An

assessment tool that will ask you 15-16 questions. Based on your answers, a list

of services and educational information will be provided to get you started.

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Updating Virginia Easy Access

Please contact SeniorNavigator either by email info@seniornavigator.org or by calling

1-866-393-0957 (toll-free) or 804-525-7728 to update information and/or report services

that are no longer offered.

If the update comes from a provider, SeniorNavigator will make the changes and

then send them a link for their review of the new information.

If it comes from a consumer or other community member (such as Alzheimer

Association volunteers or staff), SeniorNavigator will contact the provider and

then make the changes.