Project Description:
To support statewide education, advocacy, improvement and expansion of Person Directed Services in PA.
In 2009, the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PA DDC) ignited a movement that engaged constituents from across the various systems: Power to the People! The vision established at the Power to the People Summit was to challenge these systems to place decision making where it belongs, with people with disabilities, their families and other freely chosen allies.
Again, in 2012, the chance to realize this vision was provided by the PA DDC. For the next five years, a cohort of people dedicated to systems change demonstrated that with support, people can and do successfully direct their services. Important improvements were made to the Participant Directed Services system within ODP such as key policy changes and the strengthening of the Supports Broker role. Proud to have been a part of that project, we worked to insure that people have the power!
Now there is again opportunity, this time to ensure these improvements are available to all Pennsylvanians by using PDS. This project, conducted by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, Values into Action, Self Advocates United as One and the Pennsylvania Health Law Project will engage and include people with disabilities themselves, their family members, community allies and system professionals to educate others on the complexities, challenges and successes of controlling ones own services and supports. Using lessons learned from the first project, this project team will continue to engage various stakeholders from across the state by engaging in community conversations, ensure stories of and by people who are directing their supports are available to generic business leaders, as well as other system stakeholders. These working groups and the stories of hope, commitment, perseverance and innovative thinking will compel the creativity and collaboration needed to create not only expansion of PDS but also drive significant improvements in the manner in which it is managed among the diverse communities of the Commonwealth. By building on the expertise of those who are directing, those who are employing and those who are supporting, a contemporary system for continuing education and sharing of best practices can be sustained and available for those seeking it. Including business leaders to share their knowledge and to learn from their potential consumers, means opportunities for generic social change are more readily available.
