Agency With Choice

The Agency With Choice (AWC) program model is based on the principles of choice and self-determination; individuals or their designated surrogates are given the opportunity to manage their own programs by choosing and scheduling their own Support Service Professionals (SSPs) through The Arc's payroll and billing system. The Arc assists participants with oversight of their programs, giving them the tools they need to properly manage and maintain staff. As the Employer of Record, The Arc hires qualified staff identified by the participants (including family members) and handles all of the required employment, including tax documents, billing and payroll processing. The Arc is responsible for ensuring all programs are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

The Benefits:

Agency with Choice programming empowers individuals to actively take control of their services and identify/express their needs, allowing for greater program satisfaction and quality. Other benefits our participants experience include:

Control of all day-to-day activities within authorized programs
More flexibility in scheduling around individual needs
Opportunities to choose, hire and schedule trusted staff
Individualized assistance with building and enhancing services
Personalized supports broker services available, if needed, to help complete Managing Employer responsibilities

Services Offered Through AWC:

In Home and Community Supports
Companion
Supported Employment
Respite
- 15 minute
- Daily
Supports Broker

Need Services For An Individual or Loved One?

How to get started:

1. Individual will need to have a waiver under the Office of Developmental Programs or base funding through your county.

2. Identify someone to act as the Managing Employer. This person should meet the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age or older.
Must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime that would disqualify them from becoming a Managing Employer.
Participate in all required training sponsored by the Office of Developmental Programs and Agency with Choice.
Sign any and all agreements with the Office of Developmental Programs and Agency with Choice.
Agree to perform all the tasks outlined in Bulletin 00-20-04.
Agree to work with the Supports Coordinator to develop and revise the individual’s ISP as needed and required and participate in the required ISP monitoring.

To learn more about Managing Employer roles and responsibilities, click here.

3. Have your SC submit a referral in order to start the intake process.

Click here to access the Referral Form

4. Have the Managing Employer complete the intake process and undergo training with Agency with Choice.

5. Have any identified employees completed the new hire paperwork and become qualified by Agency with Choice.

6. The county will approve the services in the ISP as submitted by the Supports Coordinator.

7. The Arc of Crawford County's Agency with Choice department will contact you to begin services.