For Abby, self-direction means living a life that is active, connected, and centered upon her own choices.
Before self-direction, Abby participated in a traditional program with rigid schedules, limited flexibility, and frequent staff changes. While those settings work for some individuals, they left little room for Abby to decide how she spent her days or to build consistent relationships. Activities were often predetermined, and opportunities to fully engage with the broader community were limited.
Self-direction changed that model entirely.
Today, Abby spends much of her day in the community, participating in activities she enjoys and chooses. Her week includes dancing, volunteering, and participating in a variety of parks and recreation programs. Rather than being confined to a single setting, Abby is engaged in her community, meeting new people and forming lasting social connections.
She is also part of a network of self-directing peers and families who spend time together several days a week. These relationships have given Abby a sense of belonging and routine that extends beyond scheduled activities. Through this community, Abby has built friendships, expanded her comfort in social settings, and developed greater confidence navigating her world, and the world around her.
Equally important, self-direction has brought stability. Abby is supported by a consistent team that knows her well and communicates regularly, reducing the stress that comes from frequent turnover and unfamiliar faces. This consistency has had an incredibly positive impact on her emotional well-being and mental health, allowing her to focus on her interests, relationships, and personal growth.
Self-direction has also strengthened Abby’s connections at home. Daily time with family has deepened her relationships and created natural opportunities for learning, problem-solving, and shared routines. These moments play a critical role in Abby’s development and quality of life.
Abby’s experience demonstrates that self-direction delivers strong outcomes while using public funds responsibly. Her supports are individualized and community-based, relying on existing local programs and natural supports rather than costly, centralized facilities. This approach avoids unnecessary overhead while producing better results: increased independence, stronger social connections, and improved emotional
health.
However, these outcomes depend on maintaining fair wages for the self-directed staff who support Abby. Self-direction relies on skilled, reliable caregivers who build trust, understand individual needs, and provide one-on-one support. Cutting SDS wages would make it harder to retain these workers, disrupting the stability that Abby depends on and putting her progress at risk.
For Abby, self-direction is not just a service model, it’s the foundation that allows her to participate in her community, build meaningful relationships, and live with dignity and choice.
Her story shows what’s possible when we invest in people, prioritize individualized supports, and recognize that cost-effective solutions can also be the ones that lead to the best outcomes.