SELF DIRECTED SERVICES

What is...

Self-Directed is a service delivery model for individuals and their support circle who wish to exercise more choice, control, and authority over their supports. It allows greater control over services and staffing, the ability to be creative in use of funding, and the ability to completely individualize days. It promotes personal choice and control over the delivery of services and budget.

Staffing

The individual applying self-directed services is considered the legal employer, which is called Employer Authority. They assume employer authority responsibilities as the “employer of record." The parent & individual recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff** or provider they choose to deliver the services.

Many times familiar people can be hired (neighbor, family member) to assist with self-directed care. The rate to pay for staff is determined by parent & individual. Incentives can be given for healthcare benefits, insurance, or paid time off. In addition, this may offer something better than staff at a traditional day program receive (however, you cannot give bonuses).
**It can be challenging to keep staff. Parents report on average many staff remain for two years.

Budget/Funding

The individual and parent manage the budget with the support of the Coordinator of Community Service (CCS); this is called Budget Authority. The parent can be can be authorized by the individual to serve as designated representative in order to make informed decisions under the service delivery model. A Developmental Disabilities (DD) agency may try to give the individual an amount that is the minimum.

  • Matrix score (which looks at health and safety) will help determine amount for budget

After the first year, the individual & parent can go back and ask for more funding. Further, they can also go back to their DD agency know that services are not being fully met. Other streams of money may help supplement the day (e.g. Community First Choice). Keep in mind, you will need to justify for each activity and why it is needed. Further, the individual and parent need to determine the expenses for each month. Also need to determine the list of services approved in person-centered plan to pay for with a Developmental Disabilities (DD) agency’s funds.

Greater control over services and staffing

Naturally have a one on one with the individual

Ability to be creative in use of funding

Flexibility in the schedule

Individual is able to participate in activities they prefer and are interested in doing

Can be challenging to fill the day with activities

Does not provide those “typical” hours from a day program

Can be challenging to find and keep staff

A lot of work is front-loaded

Self-directed plans may take awhile to be approved

Example activities (& schedule) to fill someone’s day

Community Activity Examples

  • Therapeutic Horseback Riding

  • Classes at the library

  • Coffee at a local cafe

  • Grocery Shopping

  • Participate in informal social groups

  • Rec and Parks

  • Use of RTA Mobility

Micro-enterprise Examples

(supported self-employment arrangement

involving a person with a disability as the

developer and owner of their own small

business)

  • Scanning pictures or documents

  • Make cooking tutorial videos

  • Paint own art to sell

Volunteer/Vocational Activity Examples

  • Stocking food at a food bank

  • Picking up trash at a local park

  • Helping at animal shelter

  • Volunteer at church

  • Volunteer at a local garden or farm

  • Volunteer as a cat cuddler at local SPCA

  • Volunteer at health club folding towels