Click for article Moving to a System of Support: Using Support Brokerage

Disability advocates, Michael W. Smull and Gary Smith, discuss the challenge of accomplishing change from the traditional support model to a Self-Determined system. Historically, many people with disabilities have not managed their own lives, but instead have relied on family members and service providers to make decisions for them. According to Smull and Smith, it is the Support Broker's role to bridge the gap between the current and the new system of supports. As a Support Broker, you will play a crucial role in changing the way services are provided to people with disabilities. You have the opportunity to ensure that the person with a disability is really the one who is "calling the shots."

Bridget Shannahan Interviewing potential providers is always challenging.  How can you best assist individuals with disabilities to interview and choose providers? Click screen to play.

James Steed Self-advocates have not always been allowed to set their own schedules.  If you were James' Support Broker, how could you help providers meet his needs when he needs them? Click screen to play.

QUIZ
Now that you have reviewed all of the material in this section, click on the quiz below, download and print the quiz questions. This self- test provides an opportunity to apply what you have learned in this section. Before moving on, you should be able to answer at least four out of five questions correctly. If you are unable to do so, we recommend that you return to the section and review the material more carefully to fully understand the requirements for Support Brokers. Good Luck!


Quiz 4: Philosophical Shift


List of video segments:
Jim Baugh - The traditional system
Larry Fries - Talks about the current situation
Kristyn Herbert - Difference between the two systems
Kristyn Herbert - Self-directed system
Bridget Shannahan - Choosing providers
James Steed - On my time


List of reading assignments:
Ellen Cummings - Shift in Models
Smull & Smith - Support Brokerage as a Bridge




Filthy Lucre, Thomas Nerney
Center for Self-Determination

Mr. Nerney redefines the system of service delivery in the United States by reframing ideas such as Poverty, Quality and Funding Strategies. He addresses the disconnect between the idea of limited spending on disability services because of a lack of money, and saving money through proven services like Support Brokerage. He states, "Regardless of methodology, it is important to note that virtually every state strategy concentrates almost entirely on the first half of the dollar equation: setting the amount or determining the rate. Almost none concentrate on the critical issue of the purpose of these funds: what they can purchase and what they should promote."

The Poverty of Human Services, Thomas Nerney
Center for Self-Determination

Mr. Nerney shines a light on the deficit of choice and respect inherent in our system today. He states, "Huge amounts of dollars are spent annually to bolster a system that individuals with disabilities did not design. It supplies an added wrinkle to our notion of poverty in this country: wealth, without the means to spend it in ways that meet any personal desires or dreams." He maintains that Support Brokerage is the key to addressing the conflict of interest that many in the current system experience because of the lack of control over spending.

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