TO: DD Council Members

FROM: Jerri Stephens, Chair

DATE: January 3, 2006

RE: Personal Assistance Services

The WV Developmental Disabilities Council is composed of individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, interested others, and representatives of State agencies. More than 60% of Council members are individuals with developmental disabilities and/or family members. Therefore, several Council members use Personal Assistance (PA) services.

It is the position of the Council to pay for PA services for members at Council functions who need such assistance. It is also the position of the Council that there should be clear guidelines for individuals who provide PA services to Council members.

Employing someone to provide PA services in an area outside the home may be a new experience for some. It may also be a new experience for the assistant. In an attempt to provide information to our members who may need such services, Council staff has researched and developed the enclosed information which I hope you will find useful. Much of the information was taken from Personal Assistance in the Workplace, A Customer-Directed Guide, published in February, 2001 by the Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports.

If you would like further information on hiring and supervising your personal assistant, the Council library has a few resource books that may be of interest to you. They include some helpful tips on placing ads, conducting interviews, hiring, training, and firing.

Remember - you are the Council member appointed by the Governor. It is your viewpoint and expertise the Council wants and needs to hear!

Personal Assistance Services - Checklist (.doc)