Traditional or self-directed: Which service is right for you?

PICS offers both traditional services (Personal Supports & Respite) and self-directed services (Consumer Directed Community Supports and Consumer Support Grant). While these services do share similarities, key differences – in how you can spend your budget, develop your plan and manage workers – may make one a better choice for you and your family.

We want you to choose the service options that fits you best, so we’ve created a guide to help you compare.

You may find that as life changes, what you need from your services will change too. For example, if a child currently using Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) moves to a day program after high school, the cost of the day program will use up a large portion of their budget. By switching to Personal Supports & Respite, funding for the day program would not need to be included in the funds available for staffing services.

Talking with your Case Manager and PICS Service Coordinator when your life situation changes can help you make sure you're getting the most from your services. You can download our guide to help with these conversations.