Self-Direction

In New Jersey, adults (21 and over) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities may choose to self-direct some or all of their supports and services using an individual budget through The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). All people being served by DDD must be Medicaid-eligible and complete the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJCAT).

Once the NJCAT is completed, the person is assigned a tier (and acuity for behavioral or medical needs), which corresponds to a budget dollar amount. The person and their family then choose a support coordination agency to begin the person-centered planning process and create an Individual Service Plan (ISP). This ISP will guides the supports and services a person receives for a full community life.

Self-direction enables a person to choose who supports them and how that support will be provided. People can interview, hire and train their support staff in order to have the person-centered life they choose.