When Cassie turned 21, the world shut down. COVID closed schools, routines disappeared overnight, and for Cassie and her mom, life suddenly became very small. With no school, no outside help, and no ability for her mom to work, the days became overwhelming and isolating. That moment marked a turning point. Through self-direction, Cassie, with the day to day oversight of her family, was able to build a new life from the ground up. “I honestly feel like it saved all of our lives,” her mom shared. “Especially Cassie’s.”
Cassie requires constant, around-the-clock care and safety is at the forefront of every decision made on her behalf. Through self-direction, Cassie was able to rely on her family to carefully orient and familiarize a trusted team of people who understand Cassie’s behaviors, her sensory needs, and her reliance on routine. Working closely with a behaviorist, Cassie’s team can often anticipate changes in her mood and environment before they escalate, helping her stay regulated, calm, and secure.
This intentional approach has also allowed Cassie to use her budget authority to use resources wisely. Rather than paying for standard programs that can feel rigid and do not best meet Cassie’s individual needs, self-direction allows funding to be used only where it truly makes a difference, while prioritizing safety, consistency, and continuity. By focusing on what actually works for Cassie, she is able to maintain stability without waste, showing that individualized care can be both effective and affordable.
That consistency has opened the door to something bigger than care alone: community. Cassie’s days are filled with familiar faces and meaningful connections. She loves taking weekly, sometimes even daily trips to Target, where she collects coffee stirrers, brochures, and friendly greetings from staff who know her by name. These small rituals matter. They create belonging. Over time, Cassie has formed relationships in her community so strong that they exchange holiday gifts. Self-direction made that possible by allowing Cassie to move through the world with people who know her well and keep her safe.
Self-direction has eased the weight of constant caregiving by allowing Cassie to work with outside caregivers, giving her mom and family the breathing room they need to sustain their daily lives. Cassie’s mom remains present and ensures back up protection, always ready to step in. But Cassie’s trusted team allows her family moments to rest, create, and sustain their household. Together, she and Cassie discovered painting during the pandemic, eventually selling their artwork to make ends meet. Today, they have launched a small creative business featuring their creations.
When asked to sum up self-direction in one word, Cassie’s mom didn’t hesitate. Safety to stay at home. Safety to be in the community. Safety to be known, understood, and protected. For Cassie and her family, self-direction is not just a service. It is a person-centered approach that makes meaningful life possible while using resources in a way that truly reflects Cassie’s needs.