Funding Strategies

Brandon, a Maryland resident with autism, uses self-directed services to support his independence, employment, and community involvement. With support from family, coworkers, and staff he directs himself, Brandon enjoys meaningful work, strong relationships, and the freedom to pursue his interests and goals.

Annie, a hardworking young woman and Special Olympics athlete, uses Wisconsin’s self-directed services program to shape her employment and independence. With support from Project Search, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and “Include, Respect, I Self-Direct,” she secured a full-time hospital job she loves and built skills for independent living. By directing her own services and budget, Annie chooses supports like job coaching and cooking lessons-empowering her to live, work, and pursue her passions on her own terms.

When constant staff changes made work stressful, Johnathan and his family turned to self-directed services for stability. Through Massachusetts’ Participant-Directed Program, he hired trusted family members as job coaches, giving him consistency and control over his schedule. Fifteen years later, Johnathan thrives at his grocery store job, surrounded by supportive coworkers and friends. His story shows how choice and trusted relationships can transform employment and quality of life.

Nate, a 37-year-old Ohioan with cerebral palsy, blends traditional, independent, and self-directed service models to maximize independence, choice, and flexibility. Through vocational rehab, natural supports, and self-directed transportation, he built a fulfilling career in disability outreach, podcasting, and education. He views self-direction as a “lifeline,” empowering people with disabilities to plan, adapt, and achieve individualized success.

Ricky, a self-advocate from Texas, uses self-directed services to live independently, manage his own staff, and pursue meaningful employment. After years in a group home and sheltered workshop with low expectations placed on him, he moved to Consumer Directed Services, which allowed him to hire support professionals, manage his budget, and live in his own apartment. With these supports, Ricky built a career at Imagine Enterprises as a peer support specialist, teaching students about self-determination and advocacy across Texas. He emphasizes the importance of communication, asking questions, and surrounding yourself with trusted supporters when directing services. Ricky’s experience shows that while self-direction takes effort, it provides freedom, flexibility, and the ability to reach personal and professional goals.

Abigail is an advocate, teacher, and entrepreneur who enjoys helping others and staying active in her community. Inspired by her early love of teaching, she built a career as a special education substitute teacher and launched her own business, Transit2GO, which trains people to use public transportation independently. With support from self-directed services and a dedicated employment team, Abigail customized her supports to fit both her personal and professional goals. These services allow her to hire staff, cover business expenses, and stay organized while balancing teaching and running her business. Abigail’s story highlights how self-directed services empower people with disabilities to have control, customize supports, and combine funding sources to achieve greater independence and success.

Brad is a middle-aged man who lives in Kansas. He enjoys supporting his home teams at sports events and getting lost in a good mystery novel. Since 2019, Brad has worked at the Kansas University Center on Disability as a researcher. He comes to this work after a long history of advocacy work at the local, state, and national levels. 

Joe is a 29-year-old from Central Massachusetts. He lives in his own home and has a close relationship with his parents and siblings. He works as a busser at a restaurant where he is well liked and known as a hard worker. Outside of work, he has a very active life and enjoys working out, Special Olympics skiing and bowling, running 5ks, playing Jumbo hockey, socializing with friends and family, and going to movies. Joe also has a garden where he takes care of vegetables he grows and donates to community organizations. Joe thrives when he’s busy and engaged with his surroundings.

Briana is 24 years old. She describes herself as a happy person, and enjoys competitive cheerleading in her free time. Briana works 18 hours a week, making $8.40 per hour, at Red Robin Restaurant in Tigard, Oregon, two bus rides away from her home in Beaverton. Her duties include folding napkins, rolling cleaned silverware, and preparing wrappers for burgers. Briana used funds through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services to hire a job coach to help her develop this job.

Frankie is a 21-year-old man who lives in Haworth, Oklahoma. His interests include rescuing animals and caring for his 11 dogs. With the help of his service coordinator from the Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Frankie was able to offer his employer payment for 12 months of on-the-job supports. Frankie works from 6:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for the City of Idabel.