Self Direction:  What It Is & How We Got Here

In this episode of Life Without a Filter, Cheryl breaks down the basics of self-direction programming through DDS in Massachusetts and shares the behind-the-scenes story of how her family prepared for this path with her son, L.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What self-direction is and how it’s funded through DDS.
• The difference between Agency with Choice and Participant Directed Programming.
• Why Cheryl’s family chose Participant Directed Programming and what it really takes to manage it.
• The step-by-step journey that led them here—starting at age 14 with transition planning, the 688 referral, DDS applications, and person-centered planning.
• The importance of building relationships early with your DDS Transition Coordinator and Self-Direction Coordinator.
• Why person-centered planning and transition assessments became the turning point for L’s program.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• DDS website: Choosing an Adult Service Model that is Best for You:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/what-is-self-direction 

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For more information on the resources we share, visit our website: https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

✨ Goodbye School, Hello Unknowns ✨
 When the school “bubble” pops, it can feel overwhelming. Services, waitlists, adult systems—it’s a lot.

In Episode 2 of Life Without a Filter, I’m breaking down Transition Planning 101:
✅ What transition planning really means
✅ When it starts (and why it’s different by state)
✅ The 3 pillars every parent & teacher should know
✅ Checklists that make the process less scary

If you’re a parent or teacher wondering what’s next after public school—this episode is for you. 💙

Resources from today's episode

✅ The Turning 18 Checklist from Autism Housing Pathways:  https://autismhousingpathways.org/turning-18-checklist/

✅ The Arc of Massachusetts Transition from School to Adult Timeline:  https://thearcofmass.org/resource-search/transition-from-school-to-adult-life-time-lines/

✅ The Federation for Children with Special Needs Transition Resources:  https://fcsn.org/resources/parents-families/transition/

Rather watch the video version?  Check out this episode on our YouTube Channel:  https://youtu.be/BgBtN0hnZGk 

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Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website: https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

When the school bus stops coming, what happens next?  Let's talk about the fears, questions, and realities families face the day public education ends.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Life Without a Filter!  In this episode, you will hear a bit about our family and the decision we made when our son, L, finished his public school education.

Join us for future episodes as we take deep dives into what a self-direction program is, what I need to do to make it work, and hear from other families that are currently thriving in navigating this program model.

Thanks for joining us on our journey!

Don't want to miss an episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website: https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

Don't want to miss an episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website: https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/