Personal Assistants Evaluation

This document, “A Checklist for Evaluating Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Policies and Programs,” is a practical guide designed to help individuals and organizations assess the effectiveness of PAS for people with significant disabilities. ​ Authored by Connie Lyle O’Brien and John O’Brien, with input from disability advocates, it emphasizes the importance of PAS in enabling individuals to live dignified, independent lives. ​ The checklist evaluates PAS across three key dimensions: availability, comprehensiveness, and control. It highlights criteria such as accessibility for all ages, affordability, flexibility, and participant control over services. ​

The document underscores the role of PAS in fostering independence, reducing institutionalization, and enriching community diversity. ​ It also advocates for individualized supports, including accessible housing, transportation, assistive technologies, and health care. ​ Readers will find detailed criteria for evaluating PAS policies and programs, such as ensuring assistance is available 24/7, supporting employment, and allowing participants to hire and train their assistants—including family members.

With contributions from leading advocates and supported by organizations like the Georgia Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, this resource is ideal for policymakers, disability advocates, and community organizers. It aims to inspire action toward creating inclusive, effective PAS systems that empower people with disabilities to thrive as full citizens. ​ Dive in to explore how PAS can transform lives and communities!