The Arc’s Agency with Choice program is based on the philosophy of Self-Determination. This is the belief that one should have choice and control over all aspects of life. 

The Agency with Choice program allows an individual recipient of services, and the individual’s representative to select an employee as a service provider.  This handpicked employee will be an employee of The Arc for payroll, tax and Workers’ Compensation purposes; but will be subject to the day-to-day direction and control of the individual and the representative for their service activities.

Through this program, The Arc is embracing the national movement to redesign the delivery of services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. This movement includes such concepts as:

• Person-centered planning
• Individualized budgeting
• Funding following the individual (rather than the service provider agency)
• The provision of self-directed supports to individuals and their representatives (i.e., substitute decision makers)

Under this model, the individual and his/her representative have choice and control over the services the individual receives and who provides them. This includes the ability to:

• Select his/her own service providers
• Recruit/hire or select his/her personal support service workers directly
• Determine how and when his/her services are provided

The Arc strives to see persons with disabilities receive supports in their communities rather than through the traditional, facility-based service delivery models. The Agency with Choice program empowers persons with disabilities to thrive in their own community.

Providing individuals with the opportunity for choice and control related to their services and supports acknowledges that they are the best judges of their own needs and the best decision-makers on how these needs should be met.