Optum® & The Spark Initiative Whitepaper #4: Promoting self-direction in I/DD service delivery

Optum Integrated Solutions for Individuals with I/DD partners with providers and systems of care in order to facilitate person-centered services that focus on community inclusion, self-determination, life satisfaction and improved health outcomes.  This approach promotes and supports self-determination, and along the way, Optum also strengthens vital programs and systems that serve individuals with I/DD.

The Spark Initiative, developed by Optum®, brings together experts from government, nonprofit and private sectors to spark new thinking on major health and human service issues. This report focuses on individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and is one of a series of four Spark white papers on this topic.

Its purpose is to discuss the benefits and challenges of “self-determination” and “self-direction” for individuals with I/DD and their families. It also outlines how both of these ideas can lead to greater fulfillment of an individual’s vision for a good life.

 

Optum® & The Spark Initiative Whitepaper #3: Promoting self-direction in state and local I/DD programs

It is time for all key partners — individuals with I/DD and their families, state agencies, and service providers — to join in a concerted effort to scale up self-directed options. By replacing barriers with best-practice approaches, states and service providers can expand self-direction and achieve the outcomes for and expectations of individuals with I/DD.

The Spark Initiative, developed by Optum®, brings together experts from government, nonprofit and private sectors to spark new thinking on major health and human service issues. This report focuses on individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and is one of a series of four Spark white papers on this topic.

Its purpose is to discuss the benefits and challenges of “self-determination” and “self-direction” for individuals with I/DD and their families. It also outlines how both of these ideas can lead to greater fulfillment of an individual’s vision for a good life.

 

Optum® & The Spark Initiative Whitepaper #2: Advocacy Opportunities for Promoting Self-Direction

Advocacy groups provide an extraordinary stable of support for individuals with I/DD. By engaging communities, advocates work tirelessly to improve public perception and drive beneficial policies at the local, state, and national levels. Their achievements have realized greater equality and an enhanced quality of life for millions of Americans.

The Spark Initiative, developed by Optum®, brings together experts from government, nonprofit and private sectors to spark new thinking on major health and human service issues. This report focuses on individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and is one of a series of four Spark white papers on this topic.

Its purpose is to discuss the benefits and challenges of “self-determination” and “self-direction” for individuals with I/DD and their families. It also outlines how both of these ideas can lead to greater fulfillment of an individual’s vision for a good life.

To find out more about the ways Optum® and Spark Initiative members are helping individuals with I/DD lead a self-directed life, visit https://www.optum.com/resources/library/spark.html.

Optum® & The Spark Initiative Whitepaper #1: Lead the life you want with self-determination and self-direction

The Spark Initiative, developed by Optum®, brings together experts from government, nonprofit and private sectors to spark new thinking on major health and human service issues. This report focuses on individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and is one of a series of four Spark white papers on this topic.

Its purpose is to discuss the benefits and challenges of “self-determination” and “self-direction” for individuals with I/DD and their families. It also outlines how both of these ideas can lead to greater fulfillment of an individual’s vision for a good life.

California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS)

The California Health and Human Services Agency manages all public health services provided to Californians. The agency oversees the following departments:

  • Department of Aging
  • Department of Child Support Services
  • Department of Community Services and Development
  • Department of Emergency Medical Services Authority
  • Department of Health Care Services
  • Department of Developmental Services
  • Department of Managed Health Care
  • Department of Rehabilitation
  • Department of Public Health
  • Department of Social Services
  • Department of State Hospitals
  • Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development

There is a wealth of information available on the web site https://www.chhs.ca.gov/, including the latest California news, a data portal, as well as links to the individual agencies with resources.

Consumer-Directed Attendant Services

Chapter II of MaineCare’s Benefits Manual discusses Consumer Directed Attendant Services (CDAS) for health care providers. This resource covers purpose, eligibility, and amount of duration for the CDAS in Maine.

Self-Determination Code of Conduct (Training Resource Manual)

From Michigan, the Basic Skills Training Resource Manual can be accessed on the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services web site which provides an overview of the self-determination code of conduct for the state.

The Art of Impact: A Handbook for Self-Determined Living

Have you ever had someone tell you that their job is to represent you, or to speak for you? Have you ever said, or wanted to say, “I can speak for myself”? If so, this book has been developed just for you!

The Art of Impact explores the power of self-advocacy. It presents the thoughts of a core group of committed leaders on NACDD’s Self-Advocate Leadership Circle. Scott Michael Robertson, Ph.D., wrote this book with input from these Leadership Circle members. The book shares tips, tools, and strategies for advocacy to help you live a self-determined life and become an advocate for change.

This e-book is your guide to self-advocacy and healthy living in your community. It will help introduce you to self-advocacy. Those of you who already know about self-advocacy can learn more about it. You can learn how to practice and improve your self-advocacy skills. You can also learn tips from veteran leaders.