Self-Directed Services offered to those with disabilities

May 24--In the past, people with disabilities depended on others to control their day-to-day living, but now with Self-Direction Services available there are more options.

Self-Direction Services Mentor Karen Blackwell Conley said she is looking for ways to help reach families and let them know about self-directed programs that are available to them.

"Self-direction is an option of the Home and Community Based Waiver Services funded by the state," she said. "It offers families who receive services from the New Opportunities Waiver and Children's Choice Waivers an option to be in more control of their family member's support team."

Conley said those with disabilities have more options now and more opportunities to get answers from someone who is directing their own waiver services.

"We talk about self-direction and encourage people," she said. "Home and Community Based Waiver Services help people stay at home and get care. We send a worker to their home. There are people in Bastrop on waiver services and self-direction is another option for them."

Louisiana Council's Advocacy Network Regional Leader Konstance Causey said Self-Direction Services allows individuals to be their own provider, eliminating the need for a middle man, so they can pay workers a higher wage.

"It eliminates overhead costs, by allowing individuals to become their own provider," she said. "That way they can hire who they want to hire and do not have to go through a middle man."

She said this is a way for those people who have disabilities to become more in control of their own lives, and the services they receive.

For more information on services, contact Karen Blackwell Conley at 318-925-1779, or contact your support coordinator to get started.

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