Self-Direction
Navigating disability-related benefits can be complicated but in Job Path’s Self-Direction program the agency can serve as a person’s Fiscal Intermediary. That allows an individual to choose how their Medicaid and State benefits are spent, helping to ensure they are making the most of their services and receiving the supports that work best for them and their life.
In addition to hiring staff, taking classes, and offsetting rent, Self-Direction can help a family set up respite care, or “on-call” care where a designated person can be available if needed.
At Job Path, participants also have been able to use Self-Direction for support to:
- Bike around Prospect Park
- Take rock climbing classes
- Learn how to make new meals at home
- Volunteer
- Learn a new language
- Attend an open mic night
Paris
“Her life is richer, fuller, happier and more inclusive because of self-direction,” says Martina Victoria, mother of Paris, a participant in Self-Direction. Self-Direction has opened the door for Paris to take classes at the Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Gardens, to join a gym, and has paid church dues, allowing her to take advantage of those events. “There are real opportunities for growth and development as an individual using this method of support,” Victoria says. “It is a vital service and has changed so many lives for the better. It is the antidote to institutionalized social services.”
“The wonderful thing about this program is that the participant is really in control,” says
Job Path’s Caleb Ricke, Fiscal Intermediary Assistant. “They have a say in how they want
the money in their budget allocated to be able to use it to the fullest potential. I think Self-Direction gets participants involved in their community and sets out to do what Job Path’s mission is- assist people to live full and active lives.“
For information about obtaining Self-Direction services, please contact Alison Smith, Director of Self-Directed Services alsmith@jobpathnyc.org