Why is Self Directed Services right for you?

Self Directed Services is "A means by which individuals who are eligible for state developmental disabilities services are empowered to gain control over the selection of services and supports, that meet their own needs."

The Self Directed Services program will "Enhance the ability of a consumer and his or her family to control the decisions and resources required to meet all or some of their objectives in his or her individual program plan." Self Directed Service programs are fairly new but are being implemented nationwide and are gaining much support.

Self Directed Service programs are guided by the vision that people with disabilities will determine their own futures, with appropriate assistance from families and friends. They are based on the following five principles:

1) Freedom- ability for individuals to plan a life and customize the purchase of needed
resources and services.
2) Authority- to control a certain sum of dollars in order to purchase necessary supports
3) Support- to arrange resources and personnel both formal and informal to assist an
indivudal with a disability to reside within the community.
4) Responsibility- to accept a valued role in the community and to be accountable for
spending public dollars that are life enhancing.
5) Confirmation- to recognize the importance that leadership in self-advocates in the Self
Directed Services program.

The services and supports selected must be provided with an inclusive, community setting. Services provided in congregate settings that cannot be purchased under the program include day programs, sheltered workships, and residential facilities. The Self Directed Services program will include important new resources designed to enhance the community integration and personal empowerment, and increase the positive outcomes for participants.

The program allows those who are participating to choose their preferred, qualified service providers, including the support broker and FMS provider. The support broker may assist in the person-centered planning process and can help develop and negotiate customized services. The FMS provider will pay bills and act as the fiscal employer agent for that participant. Regional Center Service Coordinators will continue to participate in the person-centered planning process, providing risk and safety management, technical assistance and training, and will also document and collect data to monitor service quality.

There are a number of advantages within the Self Directed Services program. Sometimes caregivers and other consumers are not happy with the quality of services they are being provided. If there has been problems with workers not showing up on time, or not available when needed, a self determination program might better meets your needs. One may also be able to receive more services for the same amount of money, since you will be hiring your own worker and therefore can negotiate the rate of pay. If you live in a rural area, agencies may have a difficult time recruiting staff, since a provider might have to drive long distances to get to some houses. A Self Directed program may be very effective since you may be able to hire someone who lives nearby to meet some of your needs.

Overall, there are many ways you can benefit through Self Directed Services. To find out more information or to see if you qualify contact the Regional Center or your case manger.

Sources:
Myths and Realities of Consumer Directed Services. Squillace, M. (2007)
Department of Developmental Sciences. (2008) About Self Directed Services. Retrieved
February 20, 2009. http://www.dds.ca.gov/SDS/AboutSDS.cfm
Services and Solutions for People with Disabilities. (2008)
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