Self-Directed Supports -- Taking Charge of Your Life
Acumen Fiscal Agent is ten years old this year. It is hard to imagine that we started with eight clients and now have over 10,000. It is very gratifying to be part of something as exciting as the self-determination movement and to see so many people self-directing their supports. The road ahead seems clear, more and more people will be given the opportunity of working independently from agency-driven systems. It makes sense on so many levels. What an exciting time for all concerned.
As an employer fiscal agent, Acumen began supporting people with physical disabilities, then people with developmental disabilities, then older people, and finally people with mental illness. Generally, these four groups do not have much in common, but we have found that they all share the common desire to be in charge of their lives. They want to be employers of their own supports.
One exciting thing for me is to see hundreds of people become employers for the first time in their lives. People, who a few years ago, no one could imagine them hiring and firing their own support staff. But they can, they are, and they are doing great.
Acumen’s task is to be there to support them in as seamless and responsive manner as possible. We have made many changes during the last few years as we have grown from a small operation to a large one. Some of the changes worked better than others, and we have had our share of growing pains. But, rest assured that improvement is constantly on our minds. We may stub our toe and may limp for a time, but we always learn from the experience and improve.
I would like to learn from you, what is working and what is not. Please feel free to call the toll-free feedback line at 888-530-7473 or email me a gnebeker@fiber.net or drop me a line at 240 W Center, Orem, UT 84058. Improvements may not be immediate, but without your input, Acumen will never know what practices to keep and what practices need attention.
Gerald
