What's a Supports Coordinator?
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A support coordinator is a person who helps individuals and their families navigate the system of services and supports for people with disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to achieve their goals.
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What do they do?
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Advocacy and Support:
They act as a liaison between the individual, their family, and service providers, advocating for their needs and ensuring they receive appropriate services.
Needs Assessment and Planning:
They conduct needs assessments to identify an individual's strengths and areas where they need support, and then help develop individualized support plans.
Service Coordination:
They help individuals access and coordinate various services, including healthcare, education, employment, and community-based supports.
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Information and Education:
They provide information about available services, resources, and the system of supports, empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions.
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Problem-Solving:
They assist in resolving issues or challenges that may arise in accessing or utilizing services.
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Monitoring and Evaluation:
They monitor the implementation of support plans and evaluate the effectiveness of services to ensure they are meeting the individual's needs.
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Building Relationships:
They build strong, trusting relationships with individuals, families, and service providers to foster a supportive and collaborative environment
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Why consider it early?
Even for young children, support brokering can be beneficial for ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive, whether that's in accessing therapies, activities, or other services. It's never too late to start.
When to start?
The timing will depend on your child's individual needs and circumstances. Some families may find it helpful to start engaging with support brokers early on to help with planning and accessing services, while others may wait until their child reaches a certain age or stage of development.
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On a yearly basis, they will create an Individual Supports Plan (ISP) that helps individuals self-direct their services and supports, particularly those with disabilities, by assisting with tasks like hiring, training, and managing support staff.
Benefits of using a support broker:
Support brokers can help individuals with disabilities and their families navigate complex systems, access resources, and develop a strong support network. They can attend IEP meetings with you and help you determine services that can be provided outside of school. They are not an advocate but more of a supportive role.
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One important benefit is to lay down the groundwork of securing funds like Family Driven/Family Support (FSS) funds and waivers. This is important because your child won't be in the county's radar for waiver funding if they don't receive FSS funding first.
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Providers:
Beacon Specialized Living
Where: 100 Abington Executive Park, Suite B, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Call: 570.702.8000
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Quality Progressions
Where: 65 E. Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 410, Bethlehem, PA. 18018
Call: 610-691-0215
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SAM Inc
Provides services to the Lehigh Valley and Carbon
Where: 590 Terry Reiley Way, Pottsville, PA 17901
Call: 855-737-2223
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