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 Mary Beth! 

Mary Beth has been self-directing her services for the past fifteen years and her family feels that the service model has been “life-changing.” Previously, Mary Beth attended a Day Services program, but their schedule was not conducive to her lifestyle. Since choosing Self-Directed Services, Mary Beth is more satisfied with her services partly because of her ability to hire and retain her own employees in tune with her needs. Mary Beth’s employees have each worked with her for three years on average. 

Through the years, Mary Beth has successfully embraced changes in self-direction. While the family experienced a learning curve with the switch to electronic timekeeping, they all appreciated that The Arc’s employees provided guidance and answered questions. 

Their advice for new participants coming into Self-Directed Services is to persevere and be persistent. Getting settled into self-direction can be difficult at the onset, but it is “well worth it.” 

Want to be featured in our next edition? 

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

New Look for The Arc's Website

The Arc will be updating its website with a new look in late June.  This will include an easier-to-navigate Self-Directed services page so you can easily access the forms and resources you need to successfully self-direct.

Stay tuned for more updates. 

Monthly Webinar Series

We will not be hosting a webinar in June 2023.  



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

Self-Direction Team Spotlight 

This month, we are highlighting Lynn Ervin, our Payroll Manager. 

Lynn first joined The Arc in November 2018 as a Payroll Specialist and worked in roles as a Senior Payroll Specialist and Assistant Payroll Manager before finally becoming the Payroll Manager she is today. 

Over the last 6 years, Lynn has witnessed The Arc’s Self-Directed Services program grow from only 800 employees submitting paper timesheets in 2018 to over 4,900 employees using the Evvie electronic timekeeping system today.  

“So much has changed, but so much has stayed the same,” says Lynn. “My motivation for showing up and providing excellent self-directed services comes from the people we serve and the mission behind what we do at The Arc!” 

Pay Rate Changes

As an employer, you may change wage rates for your employees aligned with the DDA's reasonable and customary rates by submitting a signed Employee Change Form. When increasing a rate beyond the maximum rate listed on your budget sheet, a budget modification is required. Please note that Participants must wait for their budget modification to be approved by the DDA before submitting an Employee Change Form. Employee Change Forms submitted before a modification is approved will not be processed. 

Mileage Rates

As a reminder, the IRS’s maximum standard mileage rate for 2024 is 67 cents per mile.  This is the maximum rate set by the DDA for employees supporting Participants in Self-Directed Services. Please ensure this amount is not exceeded on budget sheets submitted for review. At your discretion as the employer, the mileage rate can be lower than the IRS’s rate.  

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

Need to view the latest important announcements? Click Here!

Questions about using Evvie or using FMSE? Click Here!

Phone: 866.252.6871

Fax: 866.272.2236