Self-Directed Services
Empowering people to have a choice over their services.
Self-Direction gives you the option to choose your own services and supports so you can live the life you want. By self-directing your services, you have the flexibility to choose the staff with whom you want to work, the activities in which you want to participate, and many other supports and services you choose to access.
Self-Direction services are available for people who are eligible for New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) waiver services. To access OPWDD services, start by calling OPWDD’s Front Door toll-free number at 855-679-3335.
If you decide to self-direct your services, you will work with a team of people, referred to as your Circle of Support, who will help you select your services and put together a budget. Your Circle of Support could include family, close friends, your Care Coordinator, a Broker, a Fiscal Intermediary, and/or staff that you choose. Lifetime Assistance provides both Broker and Fiscal Intermediary supports.
Fiscal Intermediary
Fiscal Intermediary staff at Lifetime Assistance will work with you to self-direct your services. They will assist you with hiring and managing your staff, with billing and payment of approved goods and services and will manage fiscal accounting and reporting.
Broker
Broker staff at Lifetime Assistance will work with you to develop the self-directed plans and corresponding budget based on the services and supports that you need and choose. The Broker will work with you and your Circle of Support to ensure you are living the life you want while choosing the supports and services that best fit your individual needs and desires.
Why Would I Choose Self-Direction?
Self-Direction gives you greater choice and control of your services and supports, and a plan that may include options such as:
- Gym memberships
- Community classes and memberships
- Clothing stipend
- Camps accredited through the Department of Health
- Transportation reimbursement
- The ability to hire your own staff
- Access to rent subsidies and housing supports
- Reimbursement for internet and cell phone
- Other items that may help increase independence
How Do I Get Started?
If you are interested in getting started with Self-Directed services through Lifetime Assistance, the first step is to work with your Care Coordinator to complete our referral packet.
To download a PDF to complete electronically, please click here.
For more information, contact:
Cristina Laudise, Director of Community Supports
Cristina.Laudise@lifetimeassistance.org