What’s Included in Self-Direction

Self-Direction allows individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to create personalized support plans by managing their own services and budget. Below is a breakdown of the categories that may be included in your budget, depending on your needs and Life Plan.

What’s Included in Self-Direction

  • Community Habilitation

    Self-Hired: Hire your own staff to work on skills like cooking, budgeting, and social skills.

    Agency Supported: Use staff from an agency with more flexibility.

    Direct Provider Purchased: Fully managed services through an OPWDD-approved provider.

  • Respite

    Self-Hired: Hire someone you trust to provide caregiver relief.

    Agency Supported or Direct Provider: Services managed and staffed through an agency.

  • Employment & Day Services

    Supported Employment (SEMP): Job coaching and on-the-job support.

    Pathway to Employment: Explore career interests and gain pre-employment skills.

    Prevocational Services: Learn work-readiness skills like communication and time management.

    Day Habilitation: Structured programs to build skills and connect with others.

  • Individual Directed Goods and Services (IDGS)

    Camps & Community Classes

    Parent Education (18+)

    Clinician Services: Behaviorists, therapists, consultants

    Health Clubs & Memberships

    Household Items: Appliances or services that support independence

    Paid Neighbor (Housing only)

    Transition Programs

    Transportation: Mileage, Uber, MetroCard

    Interpretation Services

  • Family Reimbursed & Support Services

    Family Reimbursed Respite: Temporary care reimbursement (not for those receiving Housing Subsidy)

    Family Support Services: Parent training or short-term help

  • Housing Supports

    Housing Subsidy: Monthly rent assistance for adults living independently (requires special approval)

  • Other Than Personal Services (OTPS)

    Phone & Internet (18+)

    Software & Tech

    Staff-Related Fees: Advertising, training, activity costs

    Transportation Costs for Staff

    Clothing, Board Stipend, Utilities (18+)

    Other Goods & Services: Items that increase safety, health, or independence

Breakdown

Let Tailored Independence Help You Start Your Self-Directed Journey.

We guide you through every step of the process—budget planning, documentation, and staff setup—so your plan works for you.

Self-Direction Services.