PICS Family Spotlight: Meet Angela and Zachary
At PICS (Partners in Community Supports), we love getting to know the families we work with. Our PICS Family Spotlight series offers the opportunity to learn more about an individual or family that has chosen to partner with us for their services. At PICS, we are lucky to work with amazing families every day.
This month, we are happy to introduce Angela and her son, Zachary! Zachary receive services through Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), and Angela is his mother and guardian.
Q. Tell us a little about yourselves and your journey using Home and Community-Based Services.
Angela: I'm Zachary's mom, and since he turned 18, I am also his guardian.
Zachary was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when he was four. 17 years ago, there wasn't as much information readily available about how to get services. I left his appointment, where we learned about his diagnosis, with some recommended books to read. I slowly started learning about the services offered. I remember reading about some social skills classes I thought he would greatly benefit from, but they were $2,000 for eight sessions. By then, we had started seeing a developmental pediatrician recommended by a friend. I asked him how people could afford classes like these, and that's when I learned about the Consumer Support Grant (CSG). I went to a class, filled out the paperwork, and we started working with PICS around 2009. When Zachary turned 18, he qualified for the CADI waiver, so now we use Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS).
With the Consumer Support Grant (CSG), we used it mostly for classes we never would have been able to otherwise afford. When he was between 16 and 18, we utilized it for a driving assessment and lessons through Courage Kenny. Now that he's an adult still living at home, we use it for paid caregiving, as there are many needs he can't provide on his own. We like the flexibility of knowing we can change things if a new need comes up.
Q. What aspects of Home and Community-Based Services do you find most empowering, and how has it improved your sense of control over the care, life decisions, quality of life or independence for yourself or your loved one?
Angela: Being paid caregivers helps us to be more available to do what we need to do to help provide for Zachary's needs. We can come alongside him to help him learn what he needs to know to become the best he can be.
Q. What advice would you give to others who may be considering this support option for themselves or their loved ones?
Angela: If you qualify, consider it a blessing. Sometimes, the paperwork can feel overwhelming, but it is worth it in the long run. And PICS is a great help.
Q. How has PICS contributed to making your home care experience smoother and more effective? Are there any specific instances of support or guidance that were particularly valuable to you?
Angela: I appreciate knowing I can reach out to PICS if I have questions. My service coordinator is very responsive and helpful.
Thank you, Angela and Zachary, for sharing more about your family!
Learn more about accessing self-directed services
The first step for someone interested in determining eligibility for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) is to call your local county human service agency or tribe and ask for a MnCHOICES Assessment. The agency can provide you with information about the available programs, eligibility requirements and how to apply.
We have created a step-by-step checklist to help families start with HCBS services.
Learn how to share your story using PICS services
We want to hear about your experience with PICS! If you are a PICS Participant or Representative, we invite you to share how Community First Services and Support (CFSS), Consumer Directed Community Support (CDCS), Consumer Support Grant (CSG) or Individualized Home Supports (IHS) have impacted your life. Together, we can help others learn about these incredible home-based care services and their positive effects. Share your story here!