Program Overview
Roseanne
Ada The Individualized Budgeting Program provides financial allowances to eligible individuals with disabilities who are in need of personal care and home and community-based services. Participants use this allowance to purchase their own care instead of receiving it from an agency or contracted provider. The individual is given the choice to select the types of services and supports independently from typical programs offered through the government of Guam.
The Individualized Budgeting Program enables participants to hire family members or friends as their workers, as opposed to DISID or another agency making the selection. It also allows individuals to use funds to modify their homes or vehicles or to purchase items to support independent living. A range of goods, from microwaves to washers and dryers to touch lamps, may be purchased through this program upon approval. Upon purchasing the goods, the money goes directly to the vendor.
The Individualized Budget is simple: instead of money passing through agencies, the money is put under the control of the individual. The program is guided by the Individualized Budgeting Advisory Committee, which includes persons with disabilities, service and support providers, and advocates. The guiding principles of the program are:
- The Individualized Budgeting process will ensure that persons with disabilities are respected with dignity and receive equal treatment.
- Persons with disabilities will be given the opportinuity to make choices and selections with the necessary support.
- The input of persons with disabilities is significant and valuable.
- The Advisory Committee considers the needs of persons with disabilities and the real need for quality services.
In collaboration with Guma’ Mami, Catholic Social Services, and the Individualized Budgeting Advisory Committee, DISID is responsible for making sure the program operates smoothly and helps individuals and families get what they need. The organizations listed above can help you understand what the program does and how to use it to gain optimum self-determination in your life.