The Family Choice Program is a unique, self-directed program that offers people with developmental disabilities and their families the control of recruiting Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and in-home coordination of services through the SELF, Level 1, and IO waivers.
As the agency provider of record, The Arc of Ohio assumes the hiring and training of DSPs while also providing oversight and responsibility for certification, compliance, waiver billing, workers’ compensation, and payroll.
In conjunction with a designated family representative (referred to as the Family Coordinator in HPC situations) or the OSL contractor, The Arc of Ohio oversees DSP compliance in regards to service documentation submission, incident reporting, and on-going staff training.
The Arc of Ohio created the Family Choice Program (FCP) in order to bridge the gap that some people and families are experiencing in services through the Level 1, SELF and IO Waivers.
The FCP is based on the philosophy of self-determination and empowers people with developmental disabilities to enhance the quality of their lives by providing them with the opportunity for choice and control over their services and supports and by acknowledging that they are the best judges of their own needs and how those needs should be met.
The result is a self-directed service that allows the person, or their chosen family representative, to manage their support workers as a Family Coordinator with the authority to control the services they receive, recruit their support workers, as well as determine how and when services will be provided.
We are very excited to provide this service to the families throughout Ohio who are looking for a more self-directed program which is controlled by the person and their families.
People and families can choose to utilize the FCP through Homemaker Personal Care (HPC), Transportation, Ohio Shared Living or Agency with Choice Waiver Services.
The Family’s role included in the FCP Service is that of a Family Coordinator. This role will be filled either by the person receiving services or their chosen family representative and will have multiple self-directed responsibilities including:
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are chosen by the person or family members and are employed by The Arc of Ohio. DSPs must complete all trainings and background checks required by DODD to provide services in Ohio.
Homemaker / Personal Care (HPC)
Ohio Shared Living (OSL)
HPC Transportation
The Family Choice Program is largely electronic-based and relies heavily on the competency of applicants to navigate the required online application and training requirements. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) will use an online employee portal system to submit service documentation post-enrollment, so basic technology skills are crucial for successful longevity in the Family Choice Program.
The following are mandatory requirements for all DSPs whether providing HPC services or Ohio Shared Living:
For individuals receiving HPC services, The Arc of Ohio requires direct oversight of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) by asking families to designate a volunteer supervisor called the Family Coordinator. In conjunction with The Arc of Ohio, Family Coordinators oversee DSP compliance in regards to service documentation submission, incident reporting, and on-going staff training. Family Coordinators are responsible for scheduling DSPs and other various responsibilities.
Family Coordinators will be asked to complete a brief training and to sign a Family Coordinator Agreement. Please proceed with the below training ONLY if you have been given instructions to do so by an FCP administrator. If you have not yet been instructed to complete this step, you will once your application has been processed.
Below is the Family Coordinator Training. If you have been instructed to complete this training, please view the slide presentation in total and provide your electronic signature on the Family Coordinator Agreement document that is linked at the end.
The Arc of Ohio strives to provide a smooth and timely enrollment for each applicant. Please note that the enrollment timeline varies for each applicant. Factors that effect the enrollment timeline are: competency of applicant to complete training requirement and submit application items as directed, the coordination of The Arc and the local County Board of Developmental Disabilities to amend the ISP and authorize services, influx of applications, etc.
The Arc of Ohio encourages all applicants to familiarize themselves with all of the requirements prior to submitting any applications. On average, 4 to 6 weeks is a realistic expectation for the enrollment process.
Ohio Shared Living (OSL) applicants follow the same process, with the understanding that the DSP is an in-home caregiver and is not being recruited from the community.
Download interactive Overview form:
To begin the enrollment process, the family representative should contact The Arc of Ohio’s Family Choice Program team to obtain an Enrollee Application.
Once received and processed, a virtual meeting will be scheduled to review the services being requested and to provide more details on the hiring process for staff. Upon completion of the virtual meeting, the Staff Application will be sent out for the DSP to begin their portion.
Once a DSP submits an initial application, they will be instructed to move on to the next step. As you can see in the Overview section, there are additional application forms and trainings that are required. The Uploader pages provide a convenient way to download the needed forms and to securely submit them back to us. Please select the service you are applying for to be directed to appropriate page.
HPC Uploader:
OSL Uploader:
To obtain an Enrollee Application, please contact us at (614) 487-4720 ext. 202.
Due to the ODM moratorium on provider application/certification enrollments, we are receiving an influx of inquiries. We are working diligently to connect with all interested parties in the order in which communications are received. Your patience is greatly appreciated!
The Family Choice Program is based on the philosophy of self-determination and empowers people with developmental disabilities to enhance the quality of their lives by providing them with the opportunity for choice and control over their services and supports by acknowledging that they are the best judges of their own needs and how those needs should be met.
Advocacy / Independence
Daily Living
Community Inclusion
Transportation
Have a question about Family Choice? Call Us: (614) 487-4720
