Partners Advancing Self-Determination

Partners Advancing Self-Determination (PAS) is a collaborative effort with the Behavioral, Physical, and Aging Services Administration (BPHASA) that works to increase the availability and use of arrangements that support self-determination, also known as self-directed services, for people with developmental disabilities in Michigan. We are funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council in a grant to The Arc Michigan.

We uphold the principles of self-determination for all Michigan citizens: Freedom, Responsibility, Authority, Support and Confirmation.

Partners Advancing Self-Determination (PAS) is a project done in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Behavioral Physical Health and Aging Services Administration’s

Adult Home and Community Based Services Division.

The PAS goal is to increase the availability and use of self-directed services for people with developmental disabilities in Michigan. PAS staff, along with BPHASA, will provide free state-level technical assistance, training, and support to local PAS Teams that want to improve Community Mental Health (CMH) processes to help make sure people are able to direct their own services. In addition to increasing the satisfaction of people receiving services, the project will also help CMHs meet some of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) requirements.

While also working to improve supports at a local level, PAS facilitates a Budget Authority workgroup that is developing recommendations for the Department. PAS meets quarterly with leadership at BPHASA and Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council and works to develop/refine state requirements and standards that results in changes in MDHHS/BPHASA policies, procedures, guidance, and technical assistance.

A Better Life, Rosalie and Wob Austin

Still, if I had known before what I know now about self-direction, it would have saved my family a whole lot of trauma. Today, Wob does therapeutic horseback riding and other activities, and they are helping. She was recently able to purchase her first augmentative and alternative communication device. We’re making slow but steady progress.