Participant-Directed Services (PDS)
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Introduction
Participant-Directed Services are an alternative service delivery option that provides the individual receiving regional center services and their family with the flexibility to “direct” how, and by whom, certain services are provided to them. With participant direction, individuals and families can choose their own qualified worker and schedule their services in a way that works best for them. Individuals have the ability to select someone they know, such as a friend, family member or other community member to provide eligible services, so long as the selected worker(s) are over the age of 18, eligible to work in the State of California, and qualified to provide the service.
The following services are available through Participant-Directed Services:
- Day Care
- Nursing
- Respite
- Transportation
- Community-Based Training Services for Adults (CIT)
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In 2020, the Department of Developmental Services (Department) issued a Directive to all regional centers, expanding Participant-Directed Services to include:
- Personal Assistance (PDS PAS)
- Independent Living Services (PDS ILS)
- Supported Employment (PDS SEP)
All Participant-Directed Services must utilize a Financial Management Service (FMS) for payment of services and to handle payroll, taxes, reporting, and other employment related tasks.
Participant-Directed Social Recreation, Camp, and Non-Medical Therapies
In 2023, the Department further expanded Participant-Directed Services to allow regional centers to purchase social recreation, camp, and non-medical therapy services from community providers that are not vendored by the Regional Center. The use of Participant Directed Social Recreation, Camp, and Non-Medical Therapies allows individuals and families to request activities and services through organizations such as city/county parks and recreation programs, YMCA, dance and art studios, and more. These community-based organizations will get paid directly through a Financial Management Service (FMS) so that individuals and families do not have to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs.
For more information about Participant-Directed Social Recreation, Camp, and Non-Medical Therapies, please refer to the DDS Guidance on Restored Services.
General Self-Directed (General SD) Supports through Participant-Directed Services
General Self-Directed (SD) Supports became available through Participant-Directed Services in August 2024 and can provide individuals and their families with coaching and/or training to help them successfully enroll in the Self-Determination Program (SDP). General SD Supports can be authorized after the SDP orientation is completed and before a potential participant is enrolled in the SDP.
Individuals who want General SD Supports may choose to work with:
- A vendored service provider
- A qualified provider of their choice through Participant-Directed Services (PDS)
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To receive General SD Supports through PDS, the individual and family will identify the type of support they want and who they want to provide this service(s). The identified provider must be qualified to provide General SD Supports and must use a Financial Management Service (FMS).
Regional centers may typically authorize General SD Supports for up to 40 hours, although additional hours may be requested and authorized by the regional center on a case-by-case basis. These services may be provided in-person or remotely, based upon the individual’s choice and need, and as agreed to by the IPP team.
For more information on the qualification requirements, service definitions, rates and guidance for General SD Supports through Participant-Directed Services, please see the Initial Person-Centered Plan and Pre-Enrollment Transition Supports Guidance from the California Department of Developmental Services.
In order to learn more about any of these Participant-Directed Services, or to request specific Participant-Directed Services, please contact your service coordinator.