Choosing direction, providers, rates, or a start
Compare provider-arranged and self-directed models
Compare traditional provider services, Agency with Choice, and the Participant Directed Program before choosing.
Official sources checked 2026-07-29
Start here
What is self-directionBefore you start
- Goals, approved supports and budget, desired control, hiring and supervision capacity, representative help, staff candidates, administrative duties, training, backup coverage, and provider-arranged alternatives.
Who to contact
Use the official destination above, the DDS Area Office assigned by city or town, the service coordinator, the operating agency, or the exact contact on the controlling notice.
Step by step
- Ask the service coordinator which of the three DDS delivery models are available for the approved supports.
- Compare control, shared administrative responsibility, employer duties, fiscal support, and backup needs.
- Document the selected model and every enrollment and readiness step.
Expected next
A documented choice, self-direction enrollment activity, fiscal or agency action, or written explanation of a constraint.
Save this proof
Comparison notes, approved budget, roles, enrollment records, training, staff records, and backup plan.
If this stalls or the answer is no
Contact the service coordinator or DDS regional self-direction manager and ask for the exact rule and alternative when an option is unavailable.
Beyond Childhood planning aid
Compare provider-arranged and self-directed models checklist
A Beyond Childhood planning aid derived from the cited official sources.
- Owner and date started
- Documents supplied
- Confirmation or notice
- Current status
- Next event and date
- Escalation contact
Derived from DDS self-directed services, What is self-direction
Official resources
Limits
Self-direction does not remove eligibility, planning, budget, employment, documentation, safety, or fiscal requirements.
Beyond Childhood’s checklists and prompts are planning aids derived from official sources. They are not official forms, legal advice, eligibility decisions, or guarantees of funding, capacity, quality, or service.