Self-direction is a service model designed for individuals with developmental disabilities. This model empowers people to have greater control over the delivery of Waiver and State plan services. It allows individuals to create a customized plan that best meets their needs and interests, providing them with more personal choice and control.

The Broker is a professional that is responsible for:

• Providing support to a person who chooses to take on Budget Authority.

• Educating the person and their family on Self-Directed service options

• Assisting with developing and maintaining a Self-Direction budget

• Writing the Staff Action Plans

• Assisting the person with creating their Circle of Support

• Facilitating Circle of Support Meetings

• Other support tasks

Brokers can be independent contractors or may work for an agency.

Note: There are two types of brokers. A START-UP BROKER assists a Self-Direction participant in developing his/her initial Self-Direction Budget, with reimbursement capped at $2,631.

A SUPPORT BROKER assists a Self-Direction participant in managing their already approved budget.

The FI is a non-profit agency that serves as the “employer of record” for Self-Direction plans with Budget Authority. The FI is responsible for:

• performing background checks on staff

• collecting service-related documentation

• paying for or reimbursing budget-approved goods and services

• providing payroll/benefit services

• monitoring and reporting on the yearly budget

The Personal Resource Account (PRA) is the maximum amount of funding allocated to budget your child's supports and services. It is reviewed annually and determined through your child's Developmental Disabilities Profile (DDP-2) scores. The DDP-2 assesses your child's needs in the following areas: medical, sensory/motor, cognitive/communication, behavior, self-care/daily living skills, and clinical services.

The Circle of Support (COS) is a group of people you choose to help create and support your child by identifying goals, needs, and supports. The COS is required to meet at least two times per year. A Circle of Support must include:

• The person self-directing services (and/or their advocate)

• Broker

• Care manager

Other members may include:

• family members, friends

• teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors

• staff supporting the self-directing person

• anyone the self-directing person trusts to provide guidance and support.

Yes, Yes and Yes! You can utilize the following services with the help of your care manager:

• Assistive Technology: Devices that allow a person to live safely in the community. (for example, augmentative communication devices and vehicle modifications)

• Environmental modifications: Physical adaptations to the home that increase or maintain an individual’s ability to live independently at home.

• Personal Care Assistance: Personal care can be accessed through Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (formerly CDPAP).

Sorry, No! Medicaid believes that academic tutoring is a service that should be pursued through the DOE, school district, or college setting.

NOTE: Some FIs are very strict that academic tutoring/homework is not an appropriate task for your staff.