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Self-Direction Offers Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Flexibility

CRC is a DDS Agency with Choice Provider in Greater Boston

Services Directed Services, also known as self-determination, offers DDS-eligible adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, options to have greater choice and control of community activities that support their personal growth and interests. Self-direction maximizes your community connections and opportunities around Greater Boston.

Families who choose to self-direct their DDS services will be provided with a funding allocation from their DDS Area Office for the purchase of services to meet their unique needs. Charles River Center partners with families, the Agency with Choice model, to share responsibility for the hiring and managing of support workers who deliver the services you choose.

Thanks to advocacy of individuals and families, legislation was passed in Massachusetts in 2014 which resulted in the “Real Lives Law.” This law gives individuals with disabilities choice about what supports they receive, in the communities where they live. Typically a DDS Service Coordinator, helps the person define his or her needs and goals through a person centered planning process that leads to creating an individual plans with a network of services/supports.

As your agency of choice, a Charles River Center Case Manager will work with your family to identify services and local providers to fit within your budget allocation. We serve as the employer of record and assume the financial responsibilities of paying the workers that you have selected. We handle all the withholding, filing and paying all federal, state and local taxes and providing worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance. We assure that all required background checks are completed and processed.

Program Highlights

Individuals have the freedom to create their own “real life” and manage their own schedule, choose their own providers
CRC works with the individual and family to create a unique plan of services and supports, and manage all aspects of the budget covering services in the contract and Individual Support Plan (ISP)
The individual/family selects the employees, sets the work hours and terms of employment and provides the daily supervision and training of workers
CRC takes responsibility for employing the staff and other work-related duties, and for purchasing of all goods and services

Eligibility

Adults over age 22 in Greater Boston who receive supports from the MA Dept of Developmental Services
Parents/guardians may need to assist with managing the program and providing transportation as needed
To apply for services, contact your Service Coordinator at your local DDS Regional Office