Provider Selection Guide
The Developmental Disabilities Support Division (DDSD), understands that there are many different factors in determining which agency to select for each service. These factors include location of the service provider, experience, staffing, safety, and ability to access community resources. DDSD has developed the Provider Selection Guide, a useful tool for assisting individuals/families to select the right provider for their support needs.
Start here with the Provider Selection Guide Tool:
- With your Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), develop an Individual Service Plan, based on your desired outcomes, and the services and supports needed to accomplish those outcomes.
- Talk with your Case Manager regarding what you should expect from each service provider. You can also review the DDW Service Standards chapter which pertains to the service you are looking at.
- Access the DDSD Secondary Freedom of Choice and obtain a list of providers in your region or county.
- The DDSD Provider Selection Guide Interview Questions are provided to assist you to make informed decisions when selecting an agency to provide services and supports. These are suggestions. Please use the additional room to add your own specific questions. The questions are divided up into several sections: Agency, Staff, Communication, Service Specific and Health and Safety. Review this form, adding any additional questions that you have, which may be specific to your situation or needs. This form may be filled out and saved to your computer or printed and completed by hand.
- Contact the providers in your region or county who are accepting new clients. You can call and make an appointment to meet with them, or make an appointment to meet by phone. Explain that you are looking for an agency to provide service(s), and require about 20 minutes of their time.
- Meet with the agency representative, by phone or in person, and complete the Provider Interview Questions Form, including any additional questions you included. If you are not satisfied with the answers provided, you should ask to speak to a supervisor or the manager of the agency.
- If you have further questions regarding this process, or the Freedom of Choice process, please contact one of the DDSD Regional Offices near you.
PROVIDER SELECTION GUIDE – COVID APPENDIX
During this time of COVID-19, there are additional important questions related to choosing the right provider. DDSD has created a document which may assist you in identifying these safety concerns and obtaining information about how the agency is implementing these precautions. Please follow this link to review the document: