- Services
- Youth Services
- Self-Direction
Self-Direction Services for Youth
Self-Direction is an OPWDD Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver program that gives youth and their families greater choice and control over their services and supports. Families can help manage budgets, hire direct support staff, and choose activities that encourage independence, community involvement, and personal growth.
Self-Direction helps youth with disabilities build independence by giving them and their families more choice over services, support staff, and budgets. RCIL provides assistance with planning, payroll, and expense reimbursements.
Program Features
Self-Direction gives youth and their families more choice and control over services and supports.
- Choose and manage support staff with RCIL serving as the employer of record.
- Manage a flexible budget for approved services and supports that encourage independence.
- Build a circle of support that can include family, friends, and direct support staff.
- Develop independent living skills at home and in the community.
- Build meaningful relationships that support personal growth and social development.
- Have more choice in daily routines and activities based on individual needs, interests, and goals.
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.
Jennifer Camello
Director 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.