Real Life Choices
Real Life Choices is a self-directed approach that represents a system’s change for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). The system is changing from focusing on goals identified by professionals to outcomes developed by individuals and their families.
Overview of Real Life Choices
Click here to download the Overview of Real Life Choices in PDF format.
Real Life Choices is based on assisting individuals and families to create outcomes through a Person-Centered Thinking model, Essential Lifestyle Planning (ELP). This is a strength based tool that helps individuals and their families go beyond the identification of available services and allows them to focus on what is important to them and how to build those choices into their Plan of Care.
Download an Essential Lifestyle Plan
Download a completed Essential Lifestyle Plan in PDF format.
Real Life Choices participants purchase services and supports based on an individual budget. The individual and family purchase services and supports from a qualified provider to achieve the outcomes they have identified in their Plan of Care.
"I HAVE MY PLAN AND MY BUDGET- NOW WHAT DO I DO???"
Now that you are participating in Real Life Choices, searching for supports and services can seem like an overwhelming task, especially when there is so much to do in our every day lives. Where do I begin? What is the most important matter that I need to happen now? What do I want to address further down the road? Click here to get some answers!
Examples of How Participants are Using Their Budgets.
To see examples of how participants are using their budgets, click here.
DDD is using the Family Support Center clearinghouse as a tool for families in Real Life Choices to search for services and supports that will enable them to achieve the outcomes defined in their Essential Lifestyle Plan. Individuals and families will be able to not only find thousands of resources for individuals with disabilities by using this tool, but also locate the providers in their area that have been approved by DDD to provide and receive payment for services through Real Life Choices.
The Resource Database is Now Online
Click here to Search For Services in the Resource Database
Real Life Choices participants may only purchase services and supports from a DDD qualified provider. A DDD qualified provider is defined as any agency, organization, or individual that has completed the qualification process through the Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide fee for service supports to participants self-directing their services based upon their Plans of Care.
How To Become A DDD Qualified Provider
Individuals/Families and/or Providers interested in learning about the qualification process click here.
Application To Become A DDD Qualified Provider
Providers interested in becoming approved by the Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide services through Real Life Choices please click here to be directed to the application that best fits your situation.
Providers interested in becoming approved by the Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide services through Real Life Choices can also download and complete the application that matches their type of business/organization. Mail or fax completed applications along with supportive documentation to: DDD, P.O. Box 726, Trenton, NJ 08625 Attn: Nydia Gutierrez. Fax #: 609-631-2217.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS |
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Contract Application (to be completed by DDD contracted agencies ONLY) |
Non Contract Application (to be completed by agencies/organizations that do not have a contract with DDD)
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Supplemental Application (to be completed by DDD qualified providers who wish to add additional services)
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Community Business Application (to be completed by community businesses such as YMCA’s, fitness clubs, music studios, dance studios, horseback riding facilities etc.) |
Assistive Technology Services Application (to be completed by home improvement contractors, businesses that perform vehicle modifications, sellers of PERS or assistive technology) |
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Educational Services Application (to be completed by institutions of higher learning) |
Service Definitions and Standards
As a DDD qualified provider, providers may only render services and supports that are federally reimbursed through the Division’s Community Care Waiver (CCW). Click here to view the definitions and standards of these reimbursable services and supports.
Real Life Choices Rates
The rates to render services and supports through Real Life Choices have been determined by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. By signing the Provider Agreement, a DDD qualified provider agrees to the rates set forth by the Division. Click here to view the current rate sheet.
If you have any questions regarding the Real Life Choices qualification process, please contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities Coordinator of Agency Qualifications at 609-631-6511.