A Complete Guide to the Self-Direction Process: From Start to Services
Author: Rafael Bonilla
Date: April 2025
Tags: Self-Direction, OPWDD, Support Broker, Budget Planning, Advocacy, Special Needs Services
Welcome to Self-Direction — Let’s Break It All Down
Self-Direction is more than just a service option — it’s a path toward independence, choice, and control for people with developmental disabilities and their families. But let’s be real: the process can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially at the beginning.
As a Support Broker, I’ve helped families go from “Where do I even start?” to confidently managing a budget, building a team, and creating meaningful lives through Self-Direction. This guide walks you through every major step, so you can feel informed, empowered, and supported from day one.
What Is Self-Direction?
Self-Direction is a service model offered through OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities) in New York. It allows individuals and families to have more control over the services and supports they receive — including who provides them, how, when, and where.
Instead of receiving services from an agency, you can hire your own staff, choose your own programs, and use your budget in a way that reflects your life goals.
Who Is Eligible for Self-Direction?
To access Self-Direction, an individual must:
• Be eligible for OPWDD services
• Be enrolled in the HCBS Waiver
• Have a Care Manager through a Care Coordination Organization (CCO)
• Have a Circle of Support (family, staff, professionals, etc.)
• Be willing to take on more responsibility or have someone help manage that responsibility
Your Support Broker can help you navigate each of these steps — you don’t have to do it alone.
The Self-Direction Process: Step by Step
Let’s break it down into manageable stages.
Step 1: Get Referred & Learn the Basics
Your Care Manager can submit a referral to OPWDD for Self-Direction. Once approved, you’ll attend an informational session — usually hosted by your local Regional Office. These sessions explain what Self-Direction is, what it includes, and what your responsibilities are.
Step 2: Choose a Support Broker and Fiscal Intermediary (FI)
• Support Broker (that’s me!) helps you develop your plan, budget, and supports your ongoing needs.
• Fiscal Intermediary (FI) handles the administrative tasks like timesheets, payroll, reimbursements, and billing OPWDD.
Together, we form your core support team.
Step 3: Build Your Circle of Support (COS)
This is a team of people who help you plan, make decisions, and reach your goals. It usually includes:
• The person receiving services
• Family or advocates
• Support Broker
• Care Manager
• FI representative (sometimes)
• Direct Support Staff (optional)
We meet regularly to plan and review progress
Step 4: Create the Self-Direction Plan
The Support Broker leads the creation of a Self-Direction Plan — a document that outlines:
• The person’s life goals
• What supports they need to reach those goals
• How they want to spend their budget
This plan is personal. It can include goals like:
• Getting a job
• Learning to cook
• Joining a gym
• Making new friends
• Becoming more independent at home
Step 5: Build the Budget
We work together to create a personalized budget, using OPWDD-approved categories, such as:
• Community Classes & Activities
• Individual Directed Goods & Services (IDGS)
• Staffing (Direct Support Professionals)
• Transportation
• Housing Subsidies (if applicable)
Every dollar in your budget should reflect a meaningful goal.
Step 6: Submit the Plan & Budget for Approval
Once the plan and budget are finalized, we submit it to the FI and OPWDD for approval. This can take time, so we stay in close communication and prepare all required documentation to avoid delays.
Step 7: Start Using Services
Once approved, you can start:
• Hiring staff (we’ll help write job descriptions, interview, and onboard)
• Signing up for classes or programs
• Submitting receipts for reimbursements (with FI support)
• Logging and tracking staff hours and services
Your Team: Roles Explained
You (or your loved one): The center of the plan — your voice and choices matter most.
Support Broker:
• Builds your plan and budget
• Provides ongoing support
• Helps you use your services effectively
• Keeps everything organized and compliant
Fiscal Intermediary (FI):
• Handles payments, payroll, and reimbursements
• Tracks budget usage
• Processes paperwork and documentation
Care Manager:
• Coordinates services and helps connect you to resources
• Ensures that your Self-Direction Plan matches your Life Plan
Common Questions (With Honest Answers)
Q: Is Self-Direction hard to manage?
It can be a big responsibility, but with a good Support Broker and FI, it’s manageable. You’re not alone.
Q: Can I change my broker or FI?
Yes. If it’s not a good fit, you can make a change. Your team should support you fully.
Q: How flexible is the budget?
Very flexible — within OPWDD guidelines. You can change categories or request additional funding with the right justification.
Q: What if I’m unsure about what services we need?
That’s okay — we’ll explore it together. Part of my role as your broker is to help you think through what’s meaningful for your life.
Final Thought
Self-Direction isn’t just a program — it’s a way to create a life that reflects your values, your goals, and your independence. It takes time and teamwork, but it’s worth it.
If you’re just getting started or need help along the way, Tailored Independence LLC is here for you. As your Support Broker, I’m here to walk with you every step of the way — no guesswork, no pressure, just support that fits your life.
