At Fello, we believe you know what is best for you. That belief is at the heart of Self-Directed Services, a powerful option for people with disabilities who want more control, choice, and independence.
Self-direction puts you in the driver’s seat. You have the tools and support you need to live your life on your terms. You decide who supports you, what kind of support you need, and when and where you receive support.
With Self-Directed Services, you are in charge. Fello is here to handle the behind-the-scenes work, like paperwork and payments, so you can focus on living your life.
What Is Self-Direction?
Self-Direction is very different from what most people think of when they think of services for people with disabilities.
While many people with disabilities choose to get their support through a service provider, that means someone else manages the people who support you, the services you receive, and your schedule.
But with Self-Directed Services, you make all those decisions. You hire your own support team. You can choose people you already know and trust and decide what they do and when they work.
“Self-direction means you’re the expert in your own life,” says Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer at Fello. “At Fello, we’re here to support you, but you’re the one in charge. We handle the details so you can focus on your goals and build the life you want.”
Leading Self-Direction Services in Maryland
In 2007, Fello partnered with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to bring self-direction to Maryland. With nearly 20 years of experience, we are the largest Financial Management and Counseling Services (FMCS) provider in the state. Today, we support over 3,000 self-directing participants and the 8,000+ employees they’ve hired across Maryland.
How Fello Supports You
When you self-direct, you are in charge, but you’re never alone. Fello handles the paperwork and details behind the scenes. As your FMCS provider, we take care of:
- Paying your employees
- Managing their paperwork and tax documents
- Supporting human resources documents and functions
- Sending payments for items and services in your plan
- Providing monthly budget reports
Fello also uses helpful tools and technology to support you in managing your services. FMS Engine is an online software that helps you track your budget, pay bills, and manage your plan. It’s easy to use and gives you easier access to your data.
Self-Directed Services means you are in charge of how the money in your budget is spent. When you are approved for Self-Directed Services through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), you have a budget for paying your employees and vendors. As your FMCS, we keep track of how much you’re spending. We track the financial and human resources details so you can get back to living your life. When you have questions, our team is only a phone call or customer service ticket away.
What Self-Direction Looks Like
Meet Kavita. She’s been self-directing her services for over 13 years.
Kavita chooses who works with her. She manages their schedules, sets wages, and approves payroll. Just like any other employer, she handles the responsibilities and the rewards of leading her team.
Her long-time employee, Yolanda, has worked with her from the very beginning. Their strong relationship is a perfect example of the consistency and trust that self-direction makes possible.
Kavita leads with confidence, makes her own choices, and sets goals for her future. She is in charge, and that’s exactly what self-direction is about.
You Know What’s Best for You
Self-direction is a flexible, personalized approach that puts your needs and goals first. You make the decisions, and Fello is here to help every step of the way.
Want to learn more? Visit https://fello.org/selfdirectedservices/