Self-Direction
The Self-Directed service model is a Medicaid Waiver Program under the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) that provides participants and their families with more freedom and choice than traditional services. The program gives you the opportunity to manage your budget, staff and time. With the aid of a Support Broker and Fiscal Management Service (FMS), you are able to determine how and where your DDA budgets are spent. You can hire and manage your own staff and decide how much they are paid within a reasonable range. Most importantly, Self-Direction gives you the independence to choose how you build your life. It is a much more individualistic approach that allows you to participate in activities and receive services that are based on your individual interests, strengths and weaknesses.
What are the key benefits of Self-Direction?
Freedom & Flexibility
Basketball, cooking, volunteering, horseback riding, movie nights…. How you spend your time is up to you! Together with your Support Broker and FMS you will choose activities and services to allocate your state budget to. No two individuals' plans are the same, and you can adjust your plan as your interests and needs change. While not all activities are approved by DDA, as your support broker we can help guide you through this process.
What type of things can I (or my child, etc.) do on Self-Direction?
Self-Direction is a great choice for anyone looking for more control over their day-to-day life. That said, with more control comes more responsibility. You must have the time to manage your budget, hire your staff. As an employer, you are responsible for training your staff, firing your staff if necessary, making sure they are paid on time, and managing all relevant paperwork. It can be overwhelming, but we are here to help! We have been through it before, and as your Support Broker we will walk you through each step.
How do I know if Self-Direction is right for me?
Next Steps
Interested in Self-Direction services? Following the below steps:
If transitioning from traditional services, work with your CCS to apply for Self-Direction services through DDA. If this is your first time enrolling in DDA services, complete the DDA application.
Sign Up for DDA Services
Once enrolled in Self-Direction services, contact us to work together as your support broker.
Select a Support Broker
At the same time, select a Fiscal Management Counseling Service. We work with all 3 of the state Fiscal Management providers: The Arc of Central Chesapeake, GT Independence, Public Partnership.