The differences between
the traditional waiver support program and the My voice,
My Choice option is that the adult with a disability has
a stronger voice regarding what he or she does everyday. To
be successful, Support Brokers have to understand the differences
and make the philosophical shift. To view scenarios comparing
the Support Broker responses under the two systems click the thumbnail.
For clarity, Kristyn's words are printed
under the video box.
Kristyn
Herbert
Users of the traditional system have a wide menu of options from which to choose. However, Self-Advocates want more than to choose life options from a menu of supports. Kristin looks forward to taking more responsibility for her own choices. Think about ways you could help her be responsible.
Click screen to play.
Kristyn Herbert's own words are: "In the self-directed system, I would be able to take responsibility for my own life because I would be able to make decisions with the help of a Support Broker."
Ellen Cummings with The Center for Self-Determination provides a clear outline of how personal agents or Support Brokers can assist with the shift from the traditional model of service delivery to a self-directed approach. She states: "The development of these roles will be an opportunity to provide positive change more quickly, with more personal connection and interaction. It is also an opportunity to create a learning laboratory from which changes in the system itself can occur."
In this activity you will practice coming up with creative ways to help meet the expressed needs of people with disabilities. After reading a scenario think about what you have learned about making the shift between the traditional support system and the new My Voice, My Choice option. This is an opportunity to practice using your skills as a Support Broker.
Activity: Download and print this worksheet
and complete before moving on to the next page.
Kristyn
Herbert
If you were Kristyn's Support Broker, how would you assist her in deciding who supports her, how they support her and when they provide support? Maybe it is simply by saying, "Kristyn knows best, I will follow her lead."
Click screen to play.
Kristyn Herbert's own words are: "The biggest difference between the traditional system we now have and the self-directed system-one would be able to speak for themselves instead of everybody else. One would be able to choose who takes care of them and when."
Home
top