Do you want to take control of your life and your resources?

Self-Directed Services might be for you!

If you or one of your loved ones need better disability services, then this program is for you.

You can hire a support broker to achieve this independence. A support broker is a person that will give you more individualized service. They can guide you through the process of hiring a personal assistant, occupational therapist, or any other disability service. Support Brokers can also help you get out into the community and make sure that there are resources are there for you when you need them.

Being self-directed is about:

• Control
• Power
• Achievement

Self-determination means...

• Having more control over your life
• Having more choices about what you do everyday
• Having more control over your future

"One of the most important things about self-determination is its power shift. Self-determination without the ability to control the resources is fantasy, and that's what makes self-determination different from anything else we have done." -Ellen Cummins

The power shift goes from just having your resources, to having the resources more PERSONALIZED and catered to your specific needs. There are many types of support brokers with different personalities and qualities and there is one out there for you!

If you have decided that self-directed services are for you, then contact your case manager for more details and to get started today!

For additional information visit these websites:

• People First of Missouri
• Advocating Change Together
• Self Advocates Becoming Empowered

Resources used:
My Life: Going F.A.R.. (2005). Supporting individuals and families to self direct their lives through the maryland new directions medicaid waiver. Retrieved February 19, 2009, from http://www.tash.org/mdnewdirections/index.htm.