WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE MY VOICE MY CHOICE OPTION

The My Voice, My Choice waiver program is different from the traditional process of planning and service delivery for adults with developmental disabilities in four ways. First, Self-Directed Supports requires that the adult with a disability hire a Support Broker. As previously defined, the Support Broker is a partner and ally who works for the adult to help plan, implement, and monitor a support plan. 

Second, the Person-Centered Planning process in the Self-Directed Support Program is more extensive. Under the My Voice, My Choice option, person-centered planning provides the individual with a "true" voice to express what they want, what they need, what their dreams are and how they might make those dreams a reality.

Person-centered planning is not a new idea, nor is it new to Idaho. The Idaho Medicaid website states that adults who currently access the Care Management System also engage with "plan developers" who help to craft a service plan "to get the right care at the right place at the right cost with the right outcomes." However, because of time constraints and limited flexibility of where and by whom supports can be provided and what kind of supports are available, it is difficult for plan developers, adults with disabilities, and their families to complete a thorough, reflective, and flexible plan. Moreover, an effective person-centered plan is an ongoing process-not a static one-time-only event. In order for a Support Broker to be an effective advocate, he or she must acknowledge the employer's changing needs and interests. (Module C provides more information on person-centered planning, techniques and resources.)

The third important change in the My Voice, My Choice waiver option is that supports are flexible. Supports can be acquired from anyone in the community. It is not necessary for an adult to receive all or any of their services from a Developmental Disability Agency (DDA). Instead, the individual might want to access a support from the local DDA by contracting with them as a Community Support Provider and another support from contracting with their next door neighbor. Putting together a support plan that is flexible will require strong collaboration between the adult, his Circle of Support, the Support Broker community members, and in some cases, private providers.  (Module D provides more information on contracting services and coordination required.)

The fourth major change in the My Voice, My Choice program is that each person's support budget is individualized and managed through a Fiscal Employer Agent (FEA). Initially, individual budgets are determined using the traditional approach. However, once a budget is approved, fiscal management services are managed by the individual through the FEA. It is the FEA who will pay an individual's support staff, including the Support Broker.

For more information on individualized budgets and fiscal management services click here.

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Helping an adult with a disability to live a Self-Determined life can be like putting together a jig saw puzzle-your job is to find the right pieces to realize the final picture. In many small and rural communities, this will be challenging. Support Brokers must creatively plan for ways to meet expressed needs and preferences. It is not a simple matter of having one plan of action that will always work. We believe that Brokers have the ability to not only assist people with disabilities to lead Self-Determined lives, but they will also help communities become more integrated and responsive to all of their citizens.


For this activity, click here to view and print "Jeff's Story". Download the worksheet [pdf file], print and brainstorm: 1) Jeff's needs, 2) Possible supports to meet those needs, and 3) What additional information you might need to obtain.

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