- Services
- Youth Services
- Self-Direction
Self-Direction
Self-Direction is a Home and Community-Based Waiver OPWDD program that empowers individuals to manage their own budgets, hire direct support staff, and participate in daily activities that foster a sense of community living.
Self-Direction promotes independence for individuals with disabilities by enabling them to take charge of their own lives. Individuals or their designee(s) have the flexibility to choose from a range of support services and staff that best suits their needs, as well as manage their own budgets through RCIL’s assistance with payroll, expense reimbursements, and support during planning meetings.
Program Features
Self-Direction empowers individuals with more choices and control over their lives.
- Employer authority that allows individuals to hire and manage their own staff, with RCIL providing support as the employer of record.
- Budget authority that provides the individual with a flexible budget to access the supports and services needed to live independently within the community.
- Create your own circle of support that involve family, friends, coworkers, and direct support staff.
- Choose your living arrangement, whether in assisted living apartments, with roommates, with family or friends, or by living alone.
- Create meaningful relationships that promote personal growth.
- Take control of your daily routine, from meal times to sleep schedules.
Who We Serve
- Must be at least 2 years of age.
- Meet New York State Medicaid eligibility requirements.
- Have an assigned Care Manager (CM).
- Complete the Front Door process and qualify for OPWDD services (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities).
- Obtain a start-up broker, a Fiscal Intermediary (FI), and a Circle of Support (COS).
- Opt for HCBS waiver services instead of institutional care.
Amanda Tuthill
Vice President of Self-Direction
Payment Options
- This is a reimbursement-based program for qualifying expenses paid out of pocket.
Contact Self-Direction
Why RCIL
RCIL is dedicated to fostering an accessible and inclusive society where individuals with disabilities can fully participate in every aspect of life. Through partnerships, education, and personalized support, we make sure that every voice is heard and valued in their community. Together, we empower individuals with disabilities, veterans, caregivers, and families by connecting them to essential resources and supporting their journey for a happier, healthier life.
Full Access
Innovation
Determination
Integration
Support
Encouragement
Creativity
Empowerment
FAQs
What am I responsible for as a Participant/Designee?
- Communicate frequently with your Fiscal Intermediary (FI), Care Manager (CM), and Support Broker.
- Ensure required documentation is submitted to the appropriate team members to remain in compliance with OPWDD’s regulations.
- Submit reimbursements monthly to your FI.
- Complete Service Narratives to your FI monthly.
- Review and approve self-hired staffing time and note entries daily, if applicable.
- Review budget utilization monthly.
What does my Fiscal Intermediary (FI) do?
- Ensure your file and required documentation remains in compliance with OPWDD’s regulations.
- Review and process your budgets and reimbursements submitted.
- Monitor budget utilization monthly.
- Assist with processing new self-hired staff to ensure compliance with OPWDD and Department of Labor (DOL) regulations.
- Process weekly payroll for self-hired staff.
- Assist with any program/service related questions as needed.
What does my Care Manager (CM) do?
- Assist with the maintenance of your OPWDD eligibility and annual Medicaid recertifications.
- Work with your FI to ensure that your Life Plan properly justifies all of your Self-Direction services.
- Ensure your Life Plan is completed and submitted to your FI at least twice annually, within 45 days of any review meeting.
- Complete your Level of Care Eligibility Determination Form (LCED) annually, and Developmental Disabilities Profile 2 (DDP-2) every two years.
What does my Support Broker do?
- Update your budget as needed and submit to your FI for review.
- Complete and submit required documents to your FI that correspond with your budget.
- Meet with you at least twice annually and provide your FI with meeting minutes after each meeting.
- Create your Staff Action Plan (SAP) for self-hired Community Habilitation (CH), if applicable, and submit to your FI for review.