Welcome to our Self-Directed Services monthly newsletter, where we share updates, reminders, and helpful information to support you in self-directing your services.

Your Services, Your Story

Each month, we highlight someone successfully self-directing their services with 

The Arc, and this time, we are highlighting Lily! 

 

Lily has been self-directing her services since 2020 when the pandemic began. She chose self-direction because of the level of flexibility it gave her with her services and the ability to hire employees that support her goals and values. 


Additionally, the flexibility of self-directing her services has afforded Lily the ability to attend programs at Oasis Farm, Meals on Wheels, and thrift shops. Lily and her team work closely to identify resources in the community to enrich her life. She has kept her employees satisfied by offering them fair compensation, health insurance benefits, and paid time off through her budget. 


Lily’s family appreciates that The Arc’s team provides quick service and support when needed. Lily has also been able to find a Support Broker who’s a strong advocate and keeps the family up to date on DDA and FMCS policies. 


The team’s advice to new Participants coming into Self-Directed Services is to “go big.” The family encourages Participants to work with CCSs and advocates to identify needed services. Once needs are identified, find local resources that fill gaps in services and activities. Be sure to ask questions to learn about Self-Direction and how to be successful. 


Want to be featured in our next edition? 

 

Please email fmsparticipants@thearcccr.org to tell us about your experience self-directing! 

Monthly Webinar Series

We will not be hosting a webinar in August 2024. 

 

Need to catch up on previous webinars? Find links to our previous webinars on our Forms and Resources page under “Webinars and Presentations.” 


Self-Direction Team Spotlight 

This month, we are highlighting Abiola Onyekaba, our Payroll Manager.  

  

Abiola joined The Arc three years ago as a Payroll Specialist and has continued to grow in her skills, knowledge, and leadership. In her new role as Payroll Manager, Abiola ensures that The Arc’s Payroll team is processing payroll in a timely manner for over 5,000 employees while also ensuring efficiency and accuracy. 

 

As the number of Participants and employees in Self-Direction continues to increase, Abiola’s role will continue to be critical in supporting the Payroll team.  

 

“It gives me great joy to see our payroll processes continue to rise to meet the expectations of our stakeholders,” said Abiola. “It is an honor to serve in such an impactful role where employees are paid accurately and in a timely manner so they can focus on the great support they provide to Participants daily.” 


Forms & Resources

Employee Onboarding

Selecting and hiring employees is a key component to successfully self-directing your services. The Arc provides helpful tools to assist in the employee onboarding process. For a step-by-step overview of employee onboarding, please review our presentation on Employee Onboarding Success. This and other resources can be found on our Forms, Resources, Tools, and Technology Page.  

Waiver Eligibility Determination

Each year, most Participants who receive services through the DDA, including those that self-direct, must meet waiver eligibility requirements. The application process includes:   


  • submitting updated financial statements and documentation,   
  • completing an annual Person-Centered Plan and  
  • being recertified to meet the medical level of care.   


Coordinators of Community Services (CCS) assist Participants with the application process. It is very important to provide the documentation needed to complete the application so that services may continue without interruption.

   

Please contact your CCS if you have additional questions.



The Arc is here to assist with all your Self-Directed Services needs.


If you have questions or need assistance, our Stakeholder Relations team is available by phone 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday-Friday at 866.252.6871.


You may also place a ticket by clicking Open a Customer Service Ticket


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Questions about using Evvie or using FMSE? Click Here!


Phone: 866.252.6871

Fax: 866.272.2236