Guided Personal Supports

What is the Guided Personal Supports program? 

This program is made up of a combination of SSQUAL contracts (Enhanced Family Support for Adults) from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) that focus on preparing individuals on acquiring skills in different aspects of their lives to be more independent and live their best life. All of the referrals in this program come from DDS.

In Home Supports (with or without an ASD diagnosis)

These supports are intended to promote additional skill building around community integration, life skills, safety skills. and social skills based on individual goals.

Autism Coaching (individuals supported by DDS who have an ASD diagnosis)

These supports are intended to help coach an individual using a life plan. Some of the skill sets that individuals can work on include social, relationship, employment, education etc. This program also includes the pre-engagement coaching program that works with individuals who are having a difficult time connecting with a provider. The goal is to work on building an initial relationship before identifying other goals. Visit the Autism Coaching page to learn more.

College Navigation (individuals supported by DDS who have an ASD diagnosis)

These supports are intended to help individuals transition to college life and be able to access college supports so that they are able to successfully navigate college life.

Agency with Choice

Agency with Choice offers the option to partner with an Agency (Northeast Arc). Individuals who choose this support model will have a budget allocation for the purchase of services to meet their needs. The participant/family is able to identify the people they wish to employ with the support of an agency to assist in the hiring process, payroll management, and other related tasks. The participant/family has responsibility for daily supervision of employees. The agency assumes responsibility for paying employees, including withholding, filing, and paying federal and state income and employment taxes, as well as providing a worker’s compensation policy.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Program

The DESE/DDS Program (the Program) is designed to provide in-home services/wrap-around supports to school-age participants; the goal of these supports and services is to help prevent a more restrictive educational or out-of-home residential placement. The intent of the Program is to increase a family’s ability to support his/her child in the home and community. The Program does this by creating an individualized plan of supports for the participant that promotes skill building, independence, and social integration across multiple settings including the participants home, school, and community. The DESE/DDS Program is administered by the Department of Developmental Services with funding from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Assistive Technology and Remote Supports Program and Library

This program provides assistive technology assessments, support, and sometimes products for use. This can also provide remote support vendors. Visit the Assistive Technology page to learn more.

For more information on the programs, please contact: Lillian Alvino, 978-924-5794.