Welcome to The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s

Self-Directed Services Newsletter!

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 who is successfully self-directing their services with The Arc, and this time we are highlighting Michael! 

Michael has been self-directing his services since 2009, coming into Self-Directed Services when the program was known as New Directions. Since that time, Michael has seen the program change in a variety of ways, most recently in 2023 with the switch to electronic timekeeping. Michael’s team is using Evvie and FMS Engine to their fullest potential. The team also reports receiving timely and thorough responses to questions via The Arc’s ticketing system, specifically from The Arc’s payroll department. 

Michael chose Self-Directed Services as his initial DDA service model. He and his team feel that the program is the best fit for his needs, as it provides Michael and his family with the most flexibility and best options for staffing. They feel that self-direction provides a lot of value for people with disabilities. 

Michael’s advice for new Participants coming into Self-Directed Services is having a clear understanding of how your services should be provided and working closely with your team. 

Want to be featured in our next edition?

Please email [email protected] to tell us about your experience self-directing!

Monthly Webinar Series

Our webinar series covering important self-direction-related topics continues on Tuesday, March 19. This month's webinar will cover Entering and Approving Time in the Evvie Portal, including the new Batch Shift Entry feature. 

We hope you'll join us for the next webinar in the series:

Entering and Approving Time in the Evvie Portal 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 

1:00pm - 2:00pm via Zoom  

The Zoom link will be sent to everyone on the morning of March 19. 

The webinars will be open to Participants, CCSs, Support Brokers, and other team members and advocates.

Did you miss our last webinar on Employee Onboarding Success? You can view a recording of the webinar here or find links to all of our previous webinars on our Forms & Resources page under "Webinars & Presentations." 

Self-Direction Team Spotlight

This month, we're highlighting Leigh McHargue, our Director of Employer Resources. 

Leigh has been The Arc's Director of Employer Resources for nearly 3 years and leads the departments responsible for onboarding new employees, monitoring contract requirements, and ensuring compliance with employment, workers' compensation, unemployment, and other laws, regulations, and requirements. 

She is a mission-driven, passionate, and dedicated leader who is respected and relied on for her expertise. She regularly provides training, guidance, and mentorship to the entire Employer Resources team and uses teamwork to promote a positive work environment. 

"I love my job," says Leigh. "My team helps break down barriers and open doors to new opportunities for the people we support every day. We routinely hear incredible success stories, which is very empowering." 

Thank you for your incredible contributions and ongoing leadership, Leigh! 

Waiver Eligibility Determination 

Each year, most Participants who receive services through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (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. 

Employee Benefits

As an employer, you can provide benefits to your employees, such as Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday pay, payment of health insurance premiums, mileage reimbursement, and training time. As you work with your team to create your budget based on your approved Person-Centered Plan, you may budget benefits to provide per employee.

Your CCS and Support Broker can help as needed. 

Please note that employees working in Montgomery County are required to earn leave through the Montgomery County Sick and Safe Leave Law. 

Participants can add codes by including them on the Applicant Data and Payroll Form when an employee is being onboarded or by submitting an Employee Change Form. 

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