Overview
In order to deliver a more consistent and sustainable self-direction service model, OPWDD has used a portion of the enhanced FMAP funds to examine how its current self-direction model compares to the models used by other states and countries and how it can be improved.
Through a competitive process, OPWDD selected Guidehouse to conduct the Self-Direction Program Evaluation. Throughout 2024, Guidehouse will analyze similar successful self-direction models used by other states, identify service gaps, with a particular focus on the needs of children who are using OPWDD’s self-direction model, and identify potential efficiencies and areas of inconsistency in Fiscal Intermediary practices and geographic regions. The project will also examine how OPWDD can improve access to self-direction for historically under-represented populations and ways the program can assist people to self-direct their services when their parents can no longer help them to navigate the program model.
Based on this analysis and stakeholder engagement, the evaluation will make recommendations for changes to the Self-Direction Program/Delivery Model and recommend policy changes to improve the program.
Evaluation Process
Guidehouse will examine the Self-Direction Program by gathering extensive input from the full range of Self-Direction stakeholders, examining current data about the Self-Direction Program and studying other models for self-direction used by other states. Specifically, Guidehouse will speak with self-advocates, their families, and government leaders about the current Self-Direction model, as well as with Care Coordination Organizations, Support Brokers, Fiscal Intermediary agencies and their staff and national and state experts. There will be opportunities for all parties to share feedback through surveys, townhalls, focus groups and interviews. Guidehouse will also work with the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council’s Self-Direction Committee to ensure the program evaluation is examining the service model appropriately and hearing from the right community partners.
Guidehouse’s Program Evaluation will provide:
- Summer 2024 - Initial Report which will outline initial findings on the existing Self-Direction model
- Self-Direction Manual - a “how-to” guide for people with developmental disabilities and their families
- Gap analysis, describing how OPWDD’s Self-Direction program compares to similar programs in other states
- Spring 2025 - Final Report with recommendations on how to improve OPWDD’s Self-Direction model
Program Evaluation Timeline of Activities:
April – June 2024
- Examine the OPWDD Self-Direction model
- Begin data analysis
- Deliver the first draft of the Initial Report to OPWDD
July – September 2024
- Conduct interviews with OPWDD Central Office and Regional Office staff
- Conduct additional data analysis
- Finalize Initial Report
October – December 2024
- Talk with community partners:
- People who receive services and their families
- Fiscal Intermediaries
- Support Brokers
- Care Coordination Organizations and Other Providers
- Other Experts
January – March 2025
- Complete data analysis and documentation review
- Complete Self-Direction Manual
- Complete Final Report