Self-direction means choosing where and with whom you live with, with supports you direct! This is different from more traditional, provider managed services.
Self-Direction & You
Ask yourself – When you think of your life:
- What does it look like?
- Where do you live?
- Who lives with you?
- How are you spending your time?
- What supports are in place?
Your Support Coordinator has tools that can help you to think about and plan for your future. These tools can help you to consider self-direction and decide if it is a good fit for you. A couple of examples are the “Independent Living Discussion Tool” and the “Charting the LifeCourse” framework.
Self-Direction in New Jersey
There are resources available to you to help you self-direct your services and life.
Using a Supports Brokerage:
Supports Brokerage is a service that can be funded through your budget. (Did you know there’s a higher success rate of people living successful, self-directed lives with the use of a Supports Broker?)
If you are interested in learning more about self-direction, reach out to your Support Coordinator! Your Support Coordinator can support you in answering any questions you might have. Your Support Coordinator can also connect you with a Supports Brokerage provider.
Q. What is a Supports Broker exactly?
A. A Supports Broker is someone who can assist you in arranging for, directing and managing your services. This service is available to assist in identifying immediate and long-term needs. It is also available to help you develop options to meet those needs. Such as accessing identified supports and services. This service is available only to participants who self-direct some or all of the services in their Service Plan. Supports Brokerage is intended to supplement, but not duplicate, the Support Coordination service. Learn more about the Supports Brokerage in NJ here.
Housing Assistance:
More help is available to you! For example, there is financial assistance if you require help paying a security deposit or for furniture. You can apply at your local Board of Social Services! If the Board of Social Services does not offer to pay for the security deposit, then DDD may be able to contribute to or cover the cost.
For more information about Housing Assistance visit: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/individuals/housing/
We are committed to providing information and resources to help you live your life, your way. Ask your Support Coordination for more information or assistance. And stay tuned for more self-direction resources added to our website soon.
“You can steer yourself in any direction you choose” (Dr. Seuss). And your team at Values Into Action NJ is here to help you navigate along the way.