What is Self-Direction? 

Self-direction gives you flexibility to choose the mix of supports and services that are right for you so you can live the life you want. With self-direction, YOU choose your services, the staff and organizations that provide them, and a schedule that works best for YOU. 

Each person is unique. Self-direction empowers people to design supports based on their unique strengths and needs. It gives you more control over the funding used to buy your services. 

Who can Self-Direct their services? 

Anyone who is eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver can choose to self-direct their services.

Self-direction may be right for you if you can make your own decisions (or have help to) and if you want more flexible supports and services. 

How does Self-Direction work? 

You can choose if you want an agency to help you self-direct (agency-supported self-direction) or if you’d like to manage your own budget and staff with help from a Fiscal Intermediary and Support Broker. 

Self-Direction gives you the chance to make decisions about supports and services that help you to:

• Enjoy meaningful relationships with family and friends,
• Experience health and growth.
• Live in the home and community you choose, and
• Work, volunteer or do activities you enjoy. 

Enhancing community integration and social capital is at the core of self-direction. 

To learn more about Self-Direction, talk with your Medicaid Service Coordinator or Regional Self-Direction Liaison. 

If you still have questions, you can call: 

OPWDD’s information line – 1-866-946-9733   

(For individuals who have hearing impairment, please use the NY Relay System 7-1-1.)