Section 178 - Services and Supports - Self-Directed Option

Purpose

The purpose of t he Self-Directed Option is to provide eligible participants who require minimal or no support with the opportunity to prepare and manage their own vocational plan. The plan may be prepared with or without the assistance provided as part of the vocational counseling process. Requests are submitted directly to the Services for Persons with Disabilities Division for funding consideration.

 

Process

A Self-Directed marketAbilities Program Handbook For Applicants is available to assist applicants, including the necessary forms for determining service eligibility, and service plan requests. Applicants submit their application (see Appendix XVII) to the Service Delivery Support Division at 119-114 Garry St. in Winnipeg for funding consideration.

Any funding requests under $1000.00 will be considered internally by Service Delivery Support Branch staff for funding approvals. Any requests over $1000.00 are considered applications for the Self-Directed Option Review Committee.

The applications which are recommended by the Self-Directed Review Committee are either approved or denied by the Service Delivery Support Branch Specialist who is also the Co-Chair of the Committee.

In the event that the Co-Chairs cannot come to an agreement, the Team Leader, Service Delivery Support Branch will review the application and make the final decision. Administrative Reviews of decisions to deny funding are carried out by the Director, Community Service Delivery Division or their designate.

 

Standards

The following standards apply to the Self-Directed Option:

1. Reporting and accountability practices are similar to the expectations of participants who are working with a Vocational Counsellor for their service requests.
   
   Self-Directed participants:
   

1. are required to provide quarterly reports on the progress they are making in pursuing their vocational plan. Individuals in multi-year educational programs are required to provide a transcript of their marks with their application for annual renewal of funding;
2. are responsible for arranging, obtaining, co-ordinating, and managing the funds allowed to implement the approved vocational plan;
3. are responsible to ensure funds are directed to the appropriate vendors and/or suppliers to implement the approved Vocational Training plan;
4. will ensure invoices and bills are promptly paid within approved limits and provide Manitoba with any expenditure verification as and when required.
5. are required to provide progress reports as and when required by Manitoba with appropriate supporting documentation (e.g., mark transcripts, written progress report from school or training facility, as well as invoices from any and all services or suppliers).
   

• Applicants applying for services will have their service request prioritized the same, as applicants' requests submitted by Vocational Counsellors. Therefore, if a waiting period is required for educational funding, for example, the Self-Directed Option is treated the same as other applications.

 

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