🧠 Roles & People
What is a Direct Support Professional (DSP)?
A person who supports individuals with developmental disabilities in daily tasks, goals, and independence.
What is IDEA?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act — a law that guarantees students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education.
What is Self-Direction?
A service that lets people choose their own staff and how they receive their supports.
What is Respite?
Temporary care to give a break to the person’s caregiver.
Malik wants to hire his cousin to help him shop for groceries. What support is he using?
Self-Direction (with help from an FI).
What is the job of a Care Manager?
To help create and update a person’s Life Plan and coordinate their services.
What does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect?
It protects people with disabilities from discrimination in jobs, schools, and public places.
What is a Life Plan?
A written document outlining a person’s goals, services, and support needs.
What is the role of an Advocate?
To speak up for someone and help make sure their needs are heard and met.
Katie needs a break from caregiving her adult son. What support might she use?
Respite.
Who helps individuals plan how to use their budget and services in Self-Direction?
A Broker.
What is a 504 Plan?
A plan that provides accommodations for students with disabilities in school settings.
What is the Medicaid Waiver used for?
It helps pay for supports and services that Medicaid wouldn’t normally cover.
What does it mean to be Self-Directed?
It means the person chooses their own services, supports, and staff with help from their team.
Maria wants to meet people and learn how to cook. What support might help?
Day Hab.
What does a Fiscal Intermediary (FI) do?
Manages money, pays staff, and handles the budget in Self-Direction.
How is IDEA different from a 504 Plan?
IDEA is more specific and includes special education services; a 504 Plan is for accommodations only.
What is Day Hab?
A daytime program where people can learn skills, do activities, and socialize.
What is a Broker responsible for?
Helping the person plan their budget and select services under Self-Direction.
James doesn’t know how to speak up for what he needs. Who could help him?
An Advocate.
What is OPWDD and what do they do?
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities — they provide funding and coordinate services for people with developmental disabilities in New York.
Who qualifies for protections under ADA?
Anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
What is Com Hab?
Community Habilitation — support provided at home or out in the community to build skills and independence.
What is one reason someone might use Respite?
To give a family caregiver time to rest, go to work, or attend to other needs.
Sofia wants to learn to take the bus and handle her money. What service could help?
Com Hab.