Finding the Right Disability Service Provider

Each person’s Strengths, Preferences, Interests and Needs (SPIN) and lifestyle choices are unique. The goal is to find the provider who can best meet those needs. A provider who can help a person live their best life. 

Here are three tips to help in your search: 

1. Name your personal (or family) values and the support needed to live a desired lifestyle. What are the goals you want to achieve? How do you want to receive needed support? Is the gender of your service provider important to you? Does the person need to like animals? Should they be a certain age? What about reliable transportation? Understanding your needs will help you pick the best provider for you. 
2. Talk with the experts – other people with disabilities and families. Their knowledge and experiences will supply information not found otherwise. 
3. Do your own research. Here are a few questions to consider and items to ask for: 

• How do persons with disabilities or family members contribute to the organization? Do they serve on the Board of Directors? Do they supply policy development input? 
• What affiliations is the person or organization a member of?
• How are persons with disabilities matched with direct support providers (DSP)? 
• How are residents matched with other residents? 
• How do you support the practice of self-determination and self-advocacy? 
• How do you address emergencies that occur after regular operating hours? 
• What training do you require of all staff members?
• Will you create a single-person contract? This will help give you the opportunity to continue with a preferred person, medical professional, therapist, etc.  
• Can they describe their conflict resolution process? Ask for a copy. 
• Obtain a copy of their most recent and past 5-year reviews/audits. 

These are just a few things to consider. You will most likely have some questions of your own. Be sure to write them down and compare answers. 

This search can assist you in finding disability service providers.