If you have a family member with a disability, you may have heard the term “self-direction” and wondered what it actually means. It sounds simple, even obvious. But in the world of disability services, self-direction is one of the most powerful options available to individuals and families, and one of the least understood.
At its core, self-direction means that the individual with a disability — not a government agency, not a provider organization, is in charge of how their care is designed and delivered. Through programs like New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), eligible adults can choose their own support workers, set their own schedules, and build a life that reflects their personal goals and values.
But here is something many families don’t realize. You do not have to be enrolled in DDD to benefit from understanding self-direction. The principles behind it apply to anyone navigating disability services, Medicaid, or public benefits. Knowing that you have the right to ask questions, request options, and advocate for a plan that fits your family’s life is the foundation of self direction, no matter where you are in the process.
One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is the belief that the system will automatically figure things out for your loved one. In reality, the system is complex, and it requires someone, often a family member or a trusted advocate, to actively engage on behalf of the individual. That is where supports brokerage comes in. A supports broker is a conflict-free planning professional who helps individuals understand their options, build a spending plan, and navigate the self direction process without making decisions for them.
Self-direction is not just a program. It is a mindset. It says that people with disabilities deserve to live with dignity, choice, and agency, and that the people who love them deserve real support in making that happen. Whether your family is just beginning to explore disability services or has been navigating the system for years, the most important thing you can do is stay informed, ask questions, and know that resources are available to help you.
You do not have to figure it out alone.
About the Expert
Ashley Jones is the Executive Director of Onboard Outreach Inc., a New Jersey nonprofit providing person-centered brokerage and community-based services for adults with disabilities. To learn more, visit www.onboardoutreach.org or contact Ashley Jones at ashley.jones@onboardoutreach.org.
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