Consumer/Participant Direction

How can you shape programs and direct funds to use the power of self-direction in employment programs? This resource presents two examples of states that have achieved this. It also discusses characteristics of and barriers to facilitating consumer direction in employment.

How can participants in consumer-directed programs connect with and hire care workers? In Arkansas, they can consult this web-based directory that is free for consumers and applicants. Worker names, availability, expected wages, services provided, and contact information are all provided.

Use these training materials to help people with disabilities become skilled employers. The booklet provides specific information about consumer-directed options in Arkansas. The curriculum presents workshops that introduce the consumer direction model and develop abilities related to finding, hiring and supervising employees. Notes for the trainer and handouts are provided for each module.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) requires states to submit a Plan on Aging every 1-4 years focused on reforming long-term care to help keep older people independent. Arkansas presents information on their organization, programs, goals, funding, and people served. Their plan covers areas including Cash & Counseling, Money Follows the Person, transportation planning, disaster preparedness, and others.

Find out about the outcomes of people with serious mental illnesses that participate in Florida's Cash & Counseling program. Self-directed care was effective in lowering costs and time spent in psychiatric inpatient and criminal justice settings. Many program details are provided, such as financing, start up, structure, and evaluation.

This second brief, which is part 2 of a 3 part series, provides information on approaches policymakers may consider as they establish and support peer providers in traditional mental health provider agencies and networks. It discusses approaches to introducing the concept of peer providers to agencies, strategies for addressing staff attitudes regarding peer providers, supervising peer providers, liability and risk management, and other pressing issues for agencies that employ peer providers.

This first brief, which is part 1 of a 3 part series, aims to provide information to state policymakers on the two prominent models of peer support services (COSPs and peer providers). The brief discusses each model, provides examples of programs for each model, and offers a discussion of how policymakers might assess which model is right for their jurisdiction. In addition the document sets forth key questions for policymakers who are interested in developing and supporting these models.

A final rule that would allow more Medicaid beneficiaries to be in charge of their own personal assistance services, including personal care services, instead of having those services directed by an agency, was published in the Oct 3, 2008 Federal Register. The rule, effective Nov. 3, 2008, guides states that wish to allow beneficiaries who need help with activities of daily living to hire, direct, train or fire their own personal care, workers including qualified family members.

Wisconsin used MIG funds to increase self-directed supports within a managed care framework in their state. Find here a set of policy recommendations used for setting the stage for this effort as well as a qualitative study outlining the implementation process. There are also several presentations focused on training support workers to understand and facilitate self-direction, using Cash & Counseling to support employment, and helping people with traumatic brain injuries return to work.

Wisconsin uses MIG funds to increase integrated employment using strategies such as vocational planning, peer support, social enterprises, and self-employment. The first resource here presents best practices in integrated employment from 23 states. The rest are manuals and training materials for replicating vocational planning, social enterprise, and self-employment programs.