Resources > Participant-Directed Services
Participant-Direction means services and supports are directed by the person who needs them. Based upon the principles of self-determination, PDS offers an alternative to how supports are traditionally provided in the ID system.
Based upon the principles of self-determination, Participant-Directed Services (PDS) offer an alternative to how supports are traditionally provided in the ID/MR system. You and your family member(s) gain more control over services and supports when you are directly involved in hiring and managing your support people. In this section of the website we have information on the models of support and services available through the ID system for people who choose to self-direct.
PA's Guide to Participant-Directed Services PDF
Financial Management Services (FMS)
FMS is a provider or organization that provides administrative services to support employer functions. There are two models of FMS in Pennsylvania: Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent and Agency With Choice.
Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent FMS (VF/EA)
One of the types of Financial Management Service options. In this model, the participant or their surrogate (representative) is the COMMON LAW EMPLOYER and the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Financial Management Service is the Common Law Employer AGENT. As an Employer Agent, the VF/EA handles payroll and other administrative on behalf of you, the Common Law Employer. The company that ODP contracted with to provide VF/EA statewide for waiver participants is Acumen.
Wage and Benefit Ranges for VF/EA 2011-12
Wage and benefit ranges are set by ODP each year for each of the services available in Participant-Directed Services. As an employer, you determine your employee wages from these ranges.
Informational Packet 078-11 - Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Financial Management Services Wage and Benefit Ranges for Specific Participant Directed Services Effective July 1, 2011 ( PDF)
Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent FMS Bulletin 00-08-14
Acumen Frequently Asked Questions/Meet and Greet PDF
VF/EA Forms
There are a number of forms you, as a Common Law Employer, may use. ODPs forms are below. For forms that Acumen created, contact Acumen.
DP 1001: Authorized Surrogate Designation Form PDF
DP 1002: Common Law Employer/Surrogate Agreement Form PDF
DP 1003: Documentation of Support Service Worker (SSW) Qualifications Form PDF
DP 1005: Monthly Progress Notes PDF
Agency With Choice (AWC) FMS
One of the types of Financial Management Service options. In this model, the agency is the Common Law Employer and the participant or their chosen surrogate (representative) is the MANAGING EMPLOYER. As MANAGING EMPLOYER, you share responsibiloities for managing your workers with the AWC. The AWC handles payroll and other administrative on your behalf. ODP contracts with different AWCs across the state. The list of current AWCs is below.
AWC Provider Listing (Informational Memo 099-10) PDF
Wage and Benefit Ranges for AWC 2011-12
Wage and benefit ranges are set by ODP each year for each of the services available in Participant-Directed Services. As an employer, you determine your employee wages from these ranges.
Informational Packet 046-11 - Agency With Choice (AWC) Financial Management Services (FMS) Wage and Benefit Ranges and Corresponding Rates for Specific Participant Directed Services (PDS) Effective November 15, 2011 PDF
Agency With Choice (AWC) Financial Management Services (FMS) Bulletin 00-08-08 PDF
AWC Forms
There are a number of forms you, as a Managing Employer, may use. ODPs forms are below. Your Agency With Choice will also have some of its own forms.
DP 1006: Authorized Surrogate Designation Form PDF
DP 1007: Managing Employer/Surrogate Agreement Form PDF
DP 1008: Documentation of Support Service Worker (SSW) Qualifications Form PDF
DP 1010: Monthly Progress Notes PDF
Microboards
A Microboard© is a small, non-profit corporation that functions as a provider agency and is formed with the specific intent to support only one individual with a disability. The Microboard© concept was designed on a person-centered planning philosophy and the sole purpose of the Microboard© is to focus on assisting an individual to plan for, obtain, and manage the supports they need and desire to direct their own services.
Microboard Bulletin 00-07-04 PDF
Microboards AE Responsibilities Letter PDF
Partnership Trainings about Directing Your Own Services
The Partnership offers a workshops that help people understand the ways that you can direct your own services if you use ODP funded services.
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To find the full list of ODP Bulletins, please see the Publications section of our website.