With all the recent changes happening around the fiscal intermediary transition to Acumen, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. When things feel uncertain or chaotic, especially with something as important as services and supports, finding grounding and support becomes essential.
Here are a few ways to help you navigate this transition—especially when things feel out of your control:
1. Take a Deep Breath
Sometimes you’re told to reach out to someone, only to find out they’re not the right person to help. It’s frustrating. You’re trying to get answers, make sure things run smoothly, and instead, you’re left chasing the right contact like a needle in a haystack.
In those moments—pause and take a deep breath.
Although this change may feel chaotic, you are not alone. Many families and individuals are walking through this exact same transition. Taking a moment to recenter can help you respond, rather than react. Remember: Support is out there, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
2. Understand Who Does What
There are a lot of players involved in this process—DDD, Acumen, Public Partnerships, Support Coordinators, and you, the participant or family member.
Everyone has a role to play, but it’s not always clear who handles what. Even Support Coordinators are feeling the challenges of this transition. We’re working hard to help make things go as smoothly as possible for you.
If you get referred to the wrong person (again), try to keep in mind: this confusion is part of the transition, and we’re all navigating it together. Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions—it’s okay to say, “Can you tell me who exactly I need to speak to for this?”
3. Investigate Resources
There are helpful tools and information out there—you just need to know where to look. Start here:
- DDD Updates – Ongoing updates from the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
- Acumen Website – Visit the site for dropdowns tailored to:
- Participants and Families
- Support Coordinators
- Vendors
- Support Brokers
- WIN (What I Need) Trainings – A great place to get familiar with what’s required and how to move forward.
- Contact Options – You can call, email, or even sign up for an in-person appointment with Acumen to get help. They also offer walk-in assistance at their Hamilton location. This can be a helpful way to get results quickly!
✅ Pro Tip: Support Coordinators often send you personalized information about what steps you need to take next—keep an eye on your inbox!
4. Keep an Eye on Timelines
Time is a big factor in this transition. Support Coordinators are working with tight deadlines to get plans approved. If you receive documents that need to be signed and returned, try to do so as quickly as possible.
Missing a deadline may delay your transition by up to four weeks, as Acumen has shared. Staying on top of these communications can make a big difference in how smoothly your services continue.
You’re Not Alone in This
Change is never easy—especially when it feels like you’re not the one steering the ship. But please remember: you’re not going through this alone. Your Support Coordinator, Acumen representatives, and other families are all part of the journey with you.
Reach out. Ask questions. Take breaks. And when it gets frustrating—take that deep breath again.