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Meet Chantel the Broker Dedicated OPWDD Self Direction Broker How My OPWDD Journey Began As an autism mom from the (not always so) boogie-down Bronx, I know what it means to "make things happen." Sadly, I also know what it means to have to fight for help and services, both from the education system and the healthcare system. Parents helping parents is a big thing in the special needs community. I received almost all the great info I now have from other parents who are willing to share their knowledge. That includes self-direction . I met another autism mom at a workshop in Westchester, and when she told me all the services, I could get with a Medicaid Waiver –I listened. The next day I contacted an agency, signed the forms and had services within three months. I can't begin to tell you the incredible progress Prince has made in many areas because of the support he received then and now has. Schedule a Time to Talk The Birth of " Chantel the Broker" I never thought to be a self-direction broker until my son Prince's then broker mentioned it to me, "you have all the right qualities to make a great broker," she said. You have passion, you're organized, and you think outside of the box." That was over a decade ago. But even after becoming a certified broker and hearing what my son's old broker said, I still had no intentions of brokering for other families, the idea never even crossed my mind. At first, I brokered my own son's case for about six months until my friends and acquaintances that I told about SD started asking me to be their child's broker, and as they say, the rest is history. So here I am, doing something I love! Read Parent Testimonials Book a Time to Talk My Mission As a Broker Not only am I a broker, but unlike many others (most brokers do not have kids with special needs). I get it! I can relate to the life you live on a deeper level. Because just like you, I’m in the trenches daily juggling the demands of special needs parenting all while trying to keep my head above water while being a mom to my special son, his siblings and a wife to my husband. My mission as a broker is a straightforward one, nothing rocket science about it at all. My purpose is simply to add value to you and your child's life and contribute to your child's success now and in the future. Let's Talk! View My Broker STATS Last Words... I’m always attending workshops, trainings, talks (I even give some myself) doing whatever and going wherever I can to educate myself, so I have the knowledge and learn the tools to give my son the best future possible—and I’m happy to share what I know with you! Everywhere I go, I tell parents about self-direction and the perks of using it; how they can take control and direct their child’s future, further than they ever dreamed possible. If you’re looking for understanding—I get your situation. If you’re looking for direction—I can point you in a good one. If you’re looking for knowledge—I can share what I have with you. If you’re looking for hope—I can show you how to find and create it. If you need a broker, feel free to reach out, I’m here to help. Wishing you all the best on your journey 👣. Chantel the broker Let's Talk FI Agencies I Currently Work With " Very Resourceful" “Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale " She's Really Good " “I highly recommend Chantel to anyone looking for self direction broker. She is professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate.” - John, Manhattan " Very Professional "You won't go wrong using Chantel as your child's broker. She is very knowledgeable and very professional plus she keeps you up-to-date which I love." -Daria, Bronx Read More Testimonials "Supportive " “ Chantel has made a real difference in my life. Her support has helped me to live more independently and do things I love” - Sean, New Rochelle " Great Service" “...Easy to book a time to speak, very understanding, goes above and beyond just all-around great service... if you're looking for a broker you won't go wrong choosing Chantel!” - Tom, Brooklyn What Parents Say

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"You are the creator of your child's life. You are the director and you get to call "action" or "cut" and I can help you do that! Are you ready to take your child's waiver services to an individualized place? Let's Talk! Check Out My Stats Meet Chantel I’m Chantel Paige, an autism mom from the (not always so) boogie down Bronx. I’ve been using self-direction personally for my son, 'Prince' for over a decade now, and when my son’s broker told me I should be a broker –I listened. So here I am, doing something I truly love–helping people! Learn More About Me Hi there ! I'm Chantel the Broker Chantel by the numbers... 100+ Approved Initial Budgets 99% Client Retention 9 FI Partnerships 10+ Years as a Broker 98% Clients With an Autism Diagnosis Chantel STATS (Home) 3% Housing Budgets 16% Adult Cases 20% Teenager Cases 64% Kids Cases 0.91% Clients with a Prader-Willi Syndrome Diagnosis 9% Clients with a Down Syndrome Diagnosis 66% Clients with an ADHD Diagnosis 20% Clients that are non speaking 18% Adult Clients Who Are Employed 100% Effort & Heart Given to Each Case "There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more" — Robert M. Hensel "There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more" — Robert M. Hensel "Very Resourceful" “Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale " She's Really Good " “I highly recommend Chantel to anyone looking for self direction broker. She is professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate.” - John, Manhattan "Very Professional" "You won't go wrong using Chantel as your child's broker. She is very knowledgeable and very professional plus she keeps you up-to-date which I love." -Daria, Bronx "Supportive " “ Chantel has made a real difference in my life. Her support has helped me to live more independently and do things I love” - Sean, New Rochelle "Great Service" “...Easy to book a time to speak, very understanding, goes above and beyond just all-around great service... if you're looking for a broker you won't go wrong choosing Chantel!” - Tom, Brooklyn What Parents Say Read More Testimonials The Journey Towards a Great SD Experience Begins With a Good Broker. Begin Your Journey Today. Book A Time to Talk Check out Self Direction in Action All Videos NP Swimming Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing 00:26 Play Video Now Playing 00:19 Play Video Now Playing 03:48 Play Video Now Playing 00:07 Play Video SD Videos (Classes) "When you judge someone based on a diagnosis you miss out on their abilities, beauty and uniqueness" Blog BLOG A Must-Have Tool for Cooking Safety That No One Talks About! Chantel Paige 2 min read How to Use Xylitol for Your Child's Dental Health (Especially if They Hate Brushing!) Chantel Paige 2 min read Read More Posts I L🩷VE My Clients Load More SD Infographic (Home) Still Have Questions? Let's Talk Partnerships, Certifications and Affiliations

My Special Education Advocacy Services As a special education advocate, I've shifted to providing remote support services. Although I no longer attend meetings in person, I remain dedicated to empowering parents by offering valuable assistance. This includes reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, crafting action plans, and composing necessary letters. Please choose the support option(s) that align best with your needs below. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Service Name I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Get a Quote Can't find what you're looking for? No worries! Just tell me what you need, and I'll shoot you an email with a quote and the next steps. Let's get you sorted! First Name Last Name Email Send Your email has been sent!

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Expert Advice Delivered Straight to Your Inbox My monthly email newsletter is full of practical advice you can easily apply to your SD experience and win with your self-direction budget. Email Join My Mailing List Thanks for subscribing! Recommend a Provider for Spotlight Be the Next Provider Spotlight What to Expect Expert Advice You Can Always Trust I am a seasoned broker who is dedicated to helping my families reach their SD goals. With my Q&A, tips, and guidance, you can trust that you're getting expert advice that will help you succeed. Free Community Events Looking for free events in your area? Look no further! Each month, I compile a list of free community events that your child can attend. And the best part? You can get reimbursed for your travel expenses through Personal Use Transportation. Don't miss out on these great opportunities to have fun and save money! Classes and Programs My monthly feature, "Provider Spotlight"! brings you an exclusive interview with a unique vendor, providing valuable insights and uncovering new opportunities for your kiddo! Plus, I'm always on the lookout for vendors who accept direct payment, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for you. Proven Ways to Maximize Your Child's Budget Are you looking for ways to make the most out of your child's budget? I provide ideas to help you maximize your child's budget. Subscribe now to receive proven tips and tricks every month! Relevant OPWDD News and How It Impacts Your Child Stay informed about the latest OPWDD news and how it affects your child. My monthly updates provide honest and relevant information on trending topics, changes etc. without any fluff. Trust me to always keep you in the know! and Much More Extra content, exclusive insights, interviews, helpful items and so much more! I am constantly working to enhance the information provided, ensuring my newsletter stays current and engaging for my families. After all the most effective advocate is an informed advocate! Previous Newsletters Newsletter Sample View Newsletters What Parents Say “...Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale

Affiliate Disclosure Last updated: August 18, 2024, 5:24 PM When I share links to products and services, please know that these might be affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase within a certain timeframe, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You’ll pay the same price as everyone else. For example, if I recommend a book on Amazon and you click the link and buy it within 24 hours, I might receive a commission of 0.5% to 2.5% of your order. With my own kiddo having special needs, this is serious to me, so I only recommend products and services that I truly believe in and have used myself or products or services that others (parents and professionals in this field) have endorsed. From day one as a broker, my goal has always been to support you. One aspect of doing so is sharing what I’ve found helpful, and I genuinely appreciate the trust you place in me. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at Affiliates.Chantelthebroker@protonmail.com

Frequently asked questions General Budget Questions SD Process Questions Budget Categories Questions Staff Questions Therapy Questions Reimbursement Questions Travel Questions Budget Amendment Questions Housing Questions 01 What is Self-Direction? 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. 02 What is a Broker? 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. 03 What is a Fiscal Intermediary (FI)? 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 04 How is my child's SD budget amount determined? 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. 05 What is the Circle of Support? 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. 06 If I have self-direction, can I use other Medicaid programs? 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). 07 My child needs tutoring. Can I get tutoring in the budget? 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. Frequently Asked Questions

Chantel's List In my circle, excellence is the standard. Explore a handpicked selection of reputable organizations and companies trusted by parents like you! GET CONNECTED ANGELSENSE The AngelSense device is a GPS tracker made for people with special needs like autism or dementia. Caregivers can track their loved one's location in real-time using a simple mobile app. It also has two-way communication, SOS alerts, and geofencing to help caregivers respond fast to emergencies. With its safety features, Angel Sense gives caregivers peace of mind and keeps their loved ones safe. Even better, they handle direct billing with certain FIs, meaning no upfront costs for you! CARE.COM Care.com is an online platform connecting families with caregivers for a variety of needs, including specialized care for individuals with special needs. With a focus on safety and convenience, whether it's finding a caregiver trained in autism support, developmental disabilities, or other specific needs, Care.com helps families find the perfect match for their unique requirements. Plus, you can receive reimbursement through the budget for the payments you make! SIGN UP NOW! SIGN UP NOW! BARK The Bark Kids app is a tool designed to help parents monitor and protect their children online. Bark Kids provides real-time alerts for potential risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, explicit content, and more across various social media platforms, text messages, and emails. Parents can stay informed about their child's online activities and intervene when necessary to keep them safe in the digital world. With Bark Kids, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are protected online. OUTSCHOOL Outschool offers classes specifically tailored to meet the needs of children with special needs. These classes are designed to provide additional support and accommodations to ensure that all students can participate and thrive in a safe and inclusive learning environment. Outschool's instructors are experienced in working with children with a variety of special needs, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more, and are committed to providing a positive and enriching educational experience for every student. FIND CLASSES NOW!

Looking to grow your business? Explore partnership opportunities with us! Book a call today to discuss how we can collaborate and help your business grow. Partner with Us: Expand Your Reach and Grow Together Let's Talk Welcome! Are you a business ready to expand your reach and connect with more clients? Do you provide valuable services that could help my clients? If so, you’re in the right place! I'm always on the lookout for trusted partners who are ready to elevate their brand and grow alongside us. Book a Call Why Partner with Us? Targeted Exposure: Reach a highly relevant audience eager for services like yours. Increased Brand Awareness: Leverage our platform to get your brand in front of potential clients. Collaborative Growth: Whether you're looking to offer a product, a service, or expertise in your industry, our partnership will create a seamless experience for both our clients and your business. Book a Call Be in Our Newsletter Ready to Take the Next Step? If you’re interested in working with us and want to explore the opportunities we can create together, let’s connect! Book a call with us or complete the contact form below to discuss how we can collaborate and create win-win solutions. First Name Last Name Email Message Submit Thanks for submitting we'll get in touch shortly!

What Is Self-Direction? What is Self-Direction? In New York State, People with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) can use funding from the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to purchase Self-Directed Services, instead of enrolling in traditional programs run by state and agencies, this is called self-directing. Have Questions? Let's Talk! Why Choose Self Direction? 1. Self-direction gives you the flexibility to choose the mix of supports and services that are right for you so you can live the life you want. 2. With self-direction, YOU choose your services, the staff and organizations that provide them, and a schedule that works best for YOU. 3. Each person is unique. Self-direction empowers people to design supports based on their unique strengths and needs. It gives you more control over the funding used to buy your services. Source OPWDD Website View Self Direction Brochure Go To OPWDDs Website Upcoming Parent Information Sessions FRONT DOOR To receive Medicaid waiver services in general you have to do what's called "going through the front door." What, did you think they were just going to give it to you?! These sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for OPWDD supports and services, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance to get started. And because I'm "the ultimate broker" I have the info right here for you. No need to go searching, just click on the button below! Click Here For the Front Door Steps SELF-DIRECTION To pursue Self-Direction, you have to first attend an SD Information Session. These sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for Self-Direction, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance to get started. And because I'm "the ultimate broker" I have the info right here for you. No need to go searching, just click on the button below! Click Here For Self Direction Info Session Dates What Parents Say “...Chantel has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Her expertise and support have helped us navigate the complex world of self direction with ease.” - Sarah, Riverdale

Families in Your Area are Hiring! Submit an application to become a Community Habilitation or Respite Provider today! Positions available in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Westchester and Long Island. Apply Now Make a Difference in Someone's Life Many families are looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals to provide essential support and services to children and adults with special needs in our community. Community Habilitation and Respite positions offer rewarding experiences where you can make a real impact while building valuable skills and relationships. Apply Now Why Work With Our Families? 1 Flexible Scheduling Create a work schedule that fits your life, whether you prefer consistent hours or a variable schedule 2 Meaningful Work Directly impact the quality of life for individuals with special needs and make a difference in their lives! 3 Competitive Pay Receive fair compensation for your important work. Even with no experience 4 Training Provided No experience? No problem! FIs offer comprehensive training, and the families will guide you what to do for the individual needs of their child! 5 Valuable Experience The hands-on experience is invaluable for those pursuing careers in education, psychology, social work, OT, speech therapy, or other human services professions. 6 Personal Growth Working with individuals who have different abilities fosters greater empathy, and appreciation for diversity, often leading to satisfaction that goes beyond just earning a paycheck. Perfect For: Teachers looking for supplemental income during afternoons, evenings, or summer breaks Students seeking practical experience with special needs populations ABA Students wanting to apply behavioral techniques in real-world settings Paraprofessionals interested in additional hours or experience Healthcare Students building experience in their care roles OT, PT, Speech etc. Compassionate Individuals with a desire to make a difference Ready to Make a Difference? Complete our simple application process to get started today! Submit an Application Questions? Contact us at: staff.Chantelthebroker@protonmail.com | (646) 598-3778