Background
Ricky is a self-advocate living in Texas. He lives in his own apartment with the assistance of two support professionals whom he interviewed, hired, and now manages. Ricky works at Imagine Enterprises as a peer support specialist, where he visits schools across the state to teach lessons about self-determination and self-advocacy. In his free time, Ricky loves to watch sports and is a Houston Astros fan.
What’s Important
Ricky began living in a residential group setting at age 10. He shared that his services were not individualized or tailored to his needs and goals due to the pressures on staff supporting multiple people at a time. The staff often had low expectations for what he would accomplish as an adult. For example, the institutional psychologist told him they did not think he would ever be able to work outside a sheltered workshop. During this time, Ricky made $1.50 every two weeks, and he did not enjoy the job he was assigned. Ricky knew that he was capable of more, and continuing to work in a sheltered workshop did not align with Ricky’s goals for independence and employment.
Ricky heard about Consumer Directed Services, the Texas Self-Directed Services program, and with the help of his family, Ricky applied for and was placed on a waitlist for their services. He chose to move to consumer-directed services to ensure that he would receive needed services in a timely manner and that his services would support his goals.
When Ricky began self-directed services, he was able to hire his own staff. He also hired an agency to manage his budget and payments to his service providers. With more control over his supports, Ricky moved into an apartment and pursued employment in his community that he found enjoyable and that paid a fair wage.
Ricky has hired two support professionals to assist him with his daily living. They provide him with transportation to go to work and participate in activities he enjoys. They help him move around freely and provide support with cooking and other tasks. Ricky emphasized the importance of communication and asking for clarification as he took the lead on his services, stating: “you have to listen over and over, and keep asking questions, because if you don't understand, ask questions.”
Ricky also shared that he relied on his network of natural support that includes family, friends, and coworkers. With the help of these trusted people, Ricky conducted interviews to identify and hire qualified staff. His trusted circle of supporters managed background checks and the logistics of the hiring process and weighed in on how they felt potential candidates would fit with Ricky and his existing staff. Ricky reflected on the importance of his chosen support circle in his success with self-direction: "It can be done. You know, as long as you have the support you need and the right people in your circle to help you reach your dreams and goals, and if you do not, it's okay to ask [them] to step back.”
With the resources provided by the Consumer Directed Services system, Ricky began to take over more managerial responsibilities for his staff, including tracking their hours on timesheets, budgeting, and providing raises and performance feedback for his staff. The added decision-making capacity allows Ricky to pay his staff more, have more control over his services, and the required supports and flexibility to work at a job that interests him.
What Happened
Once Ricky had the freedom to customize his services to meet his needs, he was able to dedicate more time and resources toward his career search. Ricky began doing contract work for Imagine Enterprises and was invited to sit on their Board. From there, he transitioned into a full-time role as a peer support specialist. In this role, Ricky goes into schools to present to students about self-advocacy and self-determination. He shares about his own lived experience as a self-advocate and how he’s achieved his personal goals. Ricky’s coworkers provide natural on-the-job supports, helping to set up equipment and co-lead presentations. Ricky includes employment supports in his service plan and meets with a job coach once a week, sometimes online and sometimes in person. He also relies on his support staff for transportation and other day-to-day supports that help maintain his employment.
Ricky has been advocating for and advancing causes for people with disabilities for decades. He once felt held back because he lived in a group home and worked in a sheltered workshop. While he acknowledges that self-directed services are “not easy,” he speaks to the freedom that came when he shifted service models: “I’m 100% happy that... I have that control and that I have the support that I need because it...makes it easier for people with disabilities. It’s wonderful…I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Ricky shared one quote that he thought was the most important message he could give others: “I don't care what job you're on, or whatever you do, you have to communicate.”
Lessons Learned
Communication is key. Being able to communicate your needs is very important. Ricky shared that asking lots of questions and being clear about your needs and goals is necessary for success. Strong self-advocacy, clear communication, and the willingness to ask clarifying questions are key skills in self-directing services.
Surrounding yourself with the right people is important. Ricky felt confident in directing his own services because he knew he had family and friends he could turn to for support when he needed it. It is important to have people you trust for additional guidance or feedback. Everyone needs help with something and knowing there are people you can ask for help is essential.
Self-directed services are worth the effort. Getting started with self-directed services can be a timely process and brings increased responsibility. Ricky did not take on every responsibility at once, demonstrating that breaking down activities into more manageable tasks is an effective method for success. Over time and as he learned new skills, Ricky added more responsibilities and found the right level of autonomy.