Assessing the Implementation of Self Direction
xploring Dane County’s Self-Determination Project: Options for Improvement
This document dives into Dane County’s self-determination project, offering a thoughtful analysis of how to assess its impact and guide future improvements. It outlines four key options for evaluation, each with distinct questions, methods, and potential impacts.
Option 0 focuses on tracking changes in individuals and their supports over time using before-and-after data, though it’s currently unavailable due to the lack of baseline measurements. Option I emphasizes learning from implementers through interviews to create a narrative of lessons learned, offering insights for other counties but limited in assessing direct effects on individuals. Option II, known as VOICE, centers on the value people with disabilities experience from their supports, aiming to establish a system of continual quality improvement. Option III investigates how individuals experience choice and the effects of self-directed services on project values, offering a fresh but untested approach.
The document also highlights the importance of aligning the evaluation with broader goals, such as improving service quality, enhancing the county’s performance, and sharing lessons with other regions. It suggests VOICE as the most promising option for August’s review, given its focus on ongoing improvement and its adaptability to Dane County’s needs.
Readers will also find a detailed exploration of the conditions for choice, emphasizing the importance of personalized supports, community integration, and cost efficiency. The memo provides a roadmap for understanding how self-directed services can empower individuals while fostering collaboration between the county and its citizens.
Whether you’re a policymaker, advocate, or curious reader, this document offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing self-determination in service systems. Dive in to explore how Dane County is shaping a future of choice, partnership, and community for people with disabilities.