Self-Determination
Self-determination is an idea that came from people with developmental disabilities and their families who wanted more control over their supports and services. While you can be self-determined in many ways, one way is through an option offered by OMRDD called the Self Determination Pilot Project (SDPP).
It's about personal choice.
People in OMRDD's Self-Determination Pilot Project decide, with their Circle of Support, what they want to do and they identify the supports they will need. Together they decide who to interview and hire to assist them, and they provide training to those they hire. They arrange their own service schedules. This is often called self-directed services. Catholic Charities has assisted many individuals and their families with obtaining more self-directed services.
Enrollment
To enroll in Self-Determination, an individual will have to have a clear idea about his or her major life goals. You should know how, where, and with whom you want to live, what work, volunteer, or other activities interest you, how you want to spend your free time (days, nights, weekends). Self-Determination is best-suited for individuals and families who are willing to take on more self-direction, more control of their lives and more responsibility.
Circle of Support
As a participant in the SDPP, you would first form a circle of support. A circle of support is made up of people in your life that you trust and that you can depend on. Next, with the help of your circle, you develop a person-centered plan that tells what you want to do, identifies the supports and services you need, and creates an individualized budget to pay for your supports and services.
Start-Up Brokers
Funds are available to pay for someone to help you with the application process. These people are called "Start-Up Brokers". Catholic Charities Disabilities Services has Start-Up Brokers on staff to help you. For information on self-directed services or on how you can get a Start-Up Broker through Catholic Charities Disabilities Services, contact Jessica Pakatar at (518) 783-1111, ext. 305.
