Service Coordination

Woman in a wheelchair being helped in van by an aide

The Service Planning and Coordination Division (SPCD) assists all people eligible for DDA services to receive the services identified in their person-centered Individual Service Plan (ISP). This division plans, coordinates and facilitates the provision of quality services and supports, reviews the implementation and delivery of services and supports identified in the ISP, takes corrective action as necessary, assists with problem solving, and advocates for the person and his/her family. The Service Planning and Coordination Division (SPCD) uses a Person-Centering Thinking approach in planning and monitoring services with people who have been found eligible for supports funded through DDA.

Service coordination is at the core of the DDS service delivery systerm by identifying their respective person-centered Individual Support Plan (ISP).

Person-centered thinking

Person-centered thinking is a philosophy behind service provision that supports positive control and self-direction of people’s own lives. DDS’ Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is working to implement person-centered thinking through training sessions and other agency wide initiatives. Teaching and supporting the use of person-centered thinking skills means that it is likelier that service plans will be used and acted on, that updating service plans will occur “naturally,” needing less effort and time, and that the person’s ability to lead a fulfilling, independent life is maximized.

Read more about Person Centered Thinking on the DDS website and on the Support Development Associates website.

The Individual Support Plan (ISP)

The Individual Support Plan (ISP) document all of the supports, activities, and resources each person is receiving in detail. The ISP is developed to record decisions and agreements made during a person-centered planning process. The personal preferences and needs of the person are the key considerations in the development of all ISPs.

The person and their team/circle of support are responsible for developments of the ISP. This team is composed of people who are important to the person, care about them and may also include specialists, consultants or staff from provider agencies, or other public or private agencies.

The ISP contains information on what is important to and for the person and this should be reflected in the goals and objectives contained within the written plan.

Role and Responsibility of the Service Coordinator

Utilizing the Person Centered Thinking tools and processes the Service Coordinator facilitates the development of the annual individual service plan (ISP) per department policies and procedures. Participates in team meetings, court hearings, and service planning with external community entities involved in the person’s life, this may include: the legal system, Child and Family Services Administration, Department of Mental Health, University Legal Services, Quality Trust, Housing Authority, Adult Protective Services, etc.

Service Coordinators complete ongoing monitoring of supports provided based on the department policies and procedures. They document contacts made with the person or on behalf of the person to ensure the service plan is effectively implemented and adequately addresses the needs of the person. When the needs or status of the person change they are responsible for ensuring that changes are made to the ISP that reflect the change and specify any new or changed support options being provided. Service coordinators provide linkages to medical, social, vocational and residential services and other supports of services to meet the person’s needs.