OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Developmental Disabilities Services Division
P.O. Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK  73125
(405) 521-3571

May 8, 2010

Dear In-Home Supports Waiver Participant,

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) is implementing a new self-directed option within the In-Home Supports Waivers for Children and Adults. Please find attached a listing of all the trainings across the state on the self-directed services (SDS) option.

In SDS, you have the ability to use your approved budget to hire your Self-Directed-Habilitation Training Specialists (SD-HTS) and to buy goods and services, which meet your needs, within Medicaid guidelines. A Fiscal Agent (FA) will assist you in managing your SDS account. The FA will issue payroll checks, withhold taxes and reimburse vendors for Self-Directed Goods and Services. The SDS option will allow many of you more control over how your services and supports are delivered.

Note: If you are a family member and you are being paid as the Habilitation Training Specialist (HTS), you will not be allowed to self-direct your SD-HTS services.

The Self-Directed option will become available June 1, 2010. You are eligible to choose the SDS option at the time of your initial or annual review. A more in-depth look at how SDS works and the policy is covered in the SDS training. You are required to complete the SDS training before you can self-direct.

A registration sheet for training is attached. Seating is limited so you must pre-register for the training.

Sincerely,

James M. Nicholson, Director
Developmental Disabilities Services Division

*Note: For more information, including the training schedule mentioned in the letter above as well as the registration form, please contact Doris Erhart, SDS Project Coordinator, via e-mail at doris-erhart@ouhsc.edu or by phone at (405) 271-4500, ext. 41006.