Frequently Asked Questions
What is Self-Determination?
Self-Determination is a term used by advocates and associations to describe how a person should run their lives. Those without disabilities make decisions in their lives every day - where to eat, where to work, choosing friends, choosing places to go, choosing activities in their lives; yet, the disabled, in order to receive services to support them are given those choices. They are told by agencies that deliver the services where to live, who to live with, what and when to eat, if and where they will work and community activities. They have no choices, no freedom and no power. With self-determination a person with a disability CAN have freedom, choice, more control over their lives.
Self-Determination is an innovative project in New York State that works on the concept of flexible funding. Individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism, actively manage their own budgets using a Medicaid funded waiver service called Consolidated Supports and Services (CSS). The person, with the aid of a Circle of Support , ( a group of people the person chooses to surround them such as family, friends, and the Medicaid Service Coordinator who is currently working with the person), to authorize payment for the supports and services they have chosen together. The Circle of Support and the individual hire staff of their own choosing, pay for community services that are integrated and help the individual to access the community more and thus, have a full life.
What is the difference between Self-Determination and Agency supports?
Imagine hiring the staff you or your child enjoy being around, not someone that an another person who only sees you maybe once a month, chooses for you. You and Circle of Support know your needs and your likes and dislikes best. The Circle of Support understands you and your disability. Tired of having no one who understands autism? Well, you can now hire staff that you can train and who will learn to know you or your child the best. Your staff will finally get paid a decent wage, so the chances of turnover or no-showing is very minimal. The staff used in these programs tend to stay with the individuals for several years, becoming a key part of the family.
I've heard of a new concept called "Agency With a Choice" - Maybe I should just use them instead of an independent broker?
While Advocate For Autism has a good working relationship and respect for the agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities, the bottom line is...it's still an agency! An agency thinks about the electric and phone bill before it thinks about what you or your child needs. They operate from 9-5 pm, what's that say about how much they care? Lastly, using an agency for self-determination is going in a completely opposite direction of what the concept and philosophy stands for.
Why not just use OPTS?
While OPTS is another way of gaining freedom, living on your own and having the support you need, it lacks the freedom that S.D. has. Almost all decisions in the OPTS program need to be approved by the agency that you have signed the OPTS agreement with. OPTS is being re-defined by OMRDD to be more conducive for those who wish to remain with agencies guiding their decisions.
Is this Self-Determination a way of "milking the system"?
Absolutely not! In fact, by going with Self-Determination, you are saving large amounts of Medicaid dollars and taxpayer's money. Of course, that's the catch to this great program. While NY State cares about the disabled, the bottom line is they are saving money and providing individuals with the latest trend in living choices.
Who pays the fees for the Broker services?
The Broker fees are paid for out the budget developed by OMRDD/CSS. No money is ever paid directly by you or the family to the broker directly.
What ages do you work with? Is there a certain age requirement for S.D.?
The age of a person with autism or other developmental disability is not a factor in this program. The main factor is whether or not Self-Determination is right for you. According to the Self-Advocacy Association, 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.
How about confidentiality?
Advocate for Autism respects your need for financial confidentiality as well as keeps in mind your need for privacy by not sharing personal identifying information without your permission. However, at times there is a need to consult with an agency about particular services that might be available. By contacting these agencies without using identifying information, your privacy is still respected. According to HHS, Advocate for Autism is a private business and therefore the law (HIPAA) "does not give the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority to regulate other types of private businesses or public agencies through this regulation. For example, HHS does not have the authority to regulate employers, life insurance companies, or public agencies that deliver social security or welfare benefits."
How is staff recruited: Even the agencies have a hard time finding workers!
The agencies do have a hard time finding employees for res hab/respite; however, with this program potential staff do not have to go through a strict and intimidating "hiring process", nor are they restricted in where and how to perform services for the individual. Lastly and most importantly, with self-determination YOU set the wages and YOU are the immediate supervisor of staff. It simplifies the entire process, thus, enabling it easier to recruit staff.
Is the staff trained?
Yes! Your staff will be screened for drug use, immunized and fingerprinted, along with a minimum of 8 hours of training before he/she begins working with your child. In addition to that, if you wish, Advocate for Autism will provide autism specific training for the staff, along with a manual of various techniques such as visuals, schedules, etc. tailored to your child's needs.
How do I get started?
Call and we'll talk! We'll discuss step-by-step the process and if it's right for you!
Contact me at: (607) 754-9694