The primary aim of these supports is to assist you and your family to capably use your funding allocation to get the "best deal" possible, and the best services or supports to meet your individual needs. The process is intended to increase personal confidence and competencies, resulting in real participation in your community - in ways that are meaningful to you.

FACT SHEET - How Support Brokers Work under the Maryland New Directions Waiver (to come)

The Obligations of Being a Support Broker This article, by Dennis Harkins, helps to define the role of a service broker by outlining the roles and tasks support brokers accept in agreement with the person they assist.

FACT SHEET - How Fiscal Intermediaries Work under the Maryland New Directions Waiver

Guiding Principles of Individualized Funding

These principles are based upon The Seattle 2000 Declaration on Self-Determination and Individualized Funding which were developed by self-advocates, families, and professionals from across the world at the International Conference entitled "Foundations for Freedom: International Perspectives on Self-Determination and Individualized Funding."

• Individualized budgets must allow for flexible and individual practices, within the guidelines set forth within the New Directions Waiver.
• Individual Budgets must be sensitive to the culture, values, and preferences of each person and their family.
• People should not have to give up any of their income or belongings to have an individualized budget for services.
• People with disabilities and their families should have input into the guidelines and system that regulate the funding.
• The service system that manages the funding (In our state this is The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration) needs to provide assistance, where required, with the management of funding and supports, so that it is not limited to people who have the ability to manage supports all on their own.
• The design of the individual budgeting system must reflect the basic assumption that people and their families are trustworthy.
• Individual budgeting must be recognized as the means to honor people's personalized visions for their life.
• Individual budgeting must be recognized for its value as an investment in people and communities.
• Funding allocated to people must be based on their individual need, not on pre-defined or set limits.
• Individuals must be free to pay the providers of their choice, including family members.
• Individuals and their families must have full control over their support, including the planning, choosing, and directing support providers.
• People must have a choice of who will provide budgetary and administrative support to help them track their individual budgets.
• People must be given the opportunity and supports to explore options and make their own choice of sources for assistance in advocacy, brokerage, and peer support.
• Service providers and agencies must be encouraged to endorse and apply the principles of self-direction and individual budgeting. They can and should be key allies in developing supports that minimize dependency and strengthen partnerships with the larger community.
• Individualized funding systems must be designed so that the supports and assistance provided are accessible and are not a barrier to implementation.
• The funding systems should be straightforward and easily understood by everyone.
• Action must be taken to recruit and employ people with disabilities and their families in the administration of individualized funding systems.