Skip Navigation
Part of the Easterseals National Network
Find Your Easterseals
Search
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore
A mother and a daughter hold hands and smile in a hallway

Self-Directed Care

Take charge of your care by hiring a friend or family member as your caregiver.

Overview

Easterseals’ Self-Directed Services empower individuals and families to choose and manage the care and support that best fits their unique needs and goals. Through programs such as Personal Attendant Services, Pediatric PAS, and Agency With Choice, participants gain greater independence, flexibility, and control over their daily care and respite services.

Our Programs

Personal Attendant Services (PAS) allows adults with disabilities or chronic health conditions to choose and hire their caregiver to help them with daily activities and personal care. Individuals qualify through the Delaware Vision of Services for the Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD), or through the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA). Learn more about Adult Personal Attendant Services.

Pediatric Personal Attendant Services (Pediatric PAS) provides support services to children with disabilities or chronic health conditions that help them with daily activities and ensure their well-being by allowing them to hire their own attendants. Individuals qualify through the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA).  Learn more about Pediatric Personal Attendant Services.

Agency With Choice (AWC) gives people with disabilities more control over the hiring and management of their caregivers. Funds received through AWC can be used for respite services such as camp or for personal care. Individuals qualify with the Medicaid Lifespan Waiver through the Division of Develomental Services (DDDS). Learn more about Agency With Choice.

Our Stories

See All Stories
  • An older man with dementia sits in chair while a direct support professional poses next to him

    Easterseals Adult Day Program Gives Participants Purpose

    After a stroke and dementia diagnosis left Jose unable to live independently, Easterseals’ Adult Day program has helped him regain purpose, maintain his love of art, build friendships, improve his recovery, and stay engaged while giving his daughter peace of mind as his caregiver.
  • Young adult male with a disability playing bingo

    Stevie Soars with Easterseals

    Stevie has been bringing smiles to the faces of staff and fellow participants at his Easterseals Adult Day program in Georgetown since 2007. The program not only gives him the opportunity to socialize with his peers and remain a part of his community but also gives his parents a much-needed break from full-time caregiving.
  • a man with cerebral palsy sits in a wheelchair while surrounded by camp counselors

    Making Campers Feel Like Family

    Jamal has dubbed himself the “Mayor of Camp” and it is not hard to see why as he has attended Camp Fairlee for over 36 years and loves his days spent at our accessible camp.

Resources

See All Resources
  • Podcast logo
    Video

    Easterseals Podcast Ep. 3: Relief Through Respite

    Produced in partnership with Easterseals and iHeartRadio’s 94.7 WDSD, "Easterseals: Real People. Real Impact." is a podcast series focused on raising awareness about the life-changing services Easterseals provides.
  • Podcast logo
    Video

    Easterseals Podcast Ep. 4: Assistive Technology

    Produced in partnership with Easterseals and iHeartRadio’s 94.7 WDSD, "Easterseals: Real People. Real Impact." is a podcast series focused on raising awareness about the life-changing services Easterseals provides.

Other Areas of Support

Programs