Welcome! This resource provides information for individuals interested in topics related to Participant-Directed Services.

Participant-directed services are home and community-based services that help people of all ages across all types of disabilities maintain their independence and determine for themselves what mix of personal assistance supports and services work best for them. Participant-directed services are sometimes referred to as consumer-directed or self-directed services. Historically, several initiatives have advanced participant directed services including the Independence Plus and the Cash & Counseling Programs.

The National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services (NRCPDS), is a technical assistance center that offers states the tools they need to implement a wide variety of participant-directed long-term care programs. It is the only national center of its kind and is available to assist states and other entities that want to offer, or already offer, participant-directed services to people with disabilities.

The NRCPDS offers an array of services—including program consulting, membership benefits, training, and research. A variety of informational resources and valuable tools can be found online at http://www.participantdirection.org

Contact Information

What's New

New Website and Online Resource Center Launched
This comprehensive site from the National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services at Boston College provides information on how individuals can direct their personal care services to best meet their needs. The site includes an interactive map allowing participants and advocates to easily find out what programs and services are available in their state, an expanded library of resources, and information about joining their National Participant Network. Learn more by visiting ParticipantDirection.org.

FMS Conference - November 14 & 15, 2011, Baltimore, MD
The National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services is hosting their 4th Biennial Financial Management Services Conference, which is a day and a half long, and will feature workshops with participant direction tax experts within the Internal Revenue Service as well as with other Financial Management Services specialists and experts. Check out the site if you are interested in exhibiting or registering.

Federal Tax Changes for Fiscal/Employer Agents in 2011
View this brief, noting that the Advanced Earned Income Credit must no longer be paid by employers, and Federal tax deposits must be made by electronic funds transfer. Read about these changes and more.

Online Participant Direction Handbook
Developing & Implementing Participant Direction Programs & Policies: A Handbook is an online guide for aging and disabilities program staff interested in and/or responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining participant direction programs. Examples of chapters include Legal Authority, Involving Participants, Enrollment, Fiscal/Employer Agent Services and Quality Management in Self-Direction Programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section is organized by category, with examples featured below.
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General

Cash & Counseling

Resources