SR151: SR151 Self-Direction Day; recognize February 26, 2025

25 LC 112 2849 Senate Resolution 151 By: Senators Brass of the 6th, Walker III of the 20th, Anavitarte of the 31st, Hatchett of the 50th, Payne of the 54th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing February 26, 2025, as Self-Direction Day; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, self-direction is an optional model of home and commun ity-based service2 (HCBS) delivery that enables individuals of all ages, with all types of disabilities, to maintain3 their independence at home in their local community; and4 WHEREAS, when an individual chooses to self-direct, they decide how, when, and from5 whom their services and paid supports will be delivered; self-direction gives individuals the6 freedom of choice and self-determination about their services a nd supports to live7 independently in their own homes and communities; and8 WHEREAS, the central goal of self-direction is to maximize an i ndividual's opportunities9 to live independently in the most integrated community-based setting of his or her choice;10 and11 WHEREAS, self-direction strategies shift control over resources and staffing to the12 individual, allowing each person to determine the role that service providers will play in his13 or her life; and14 S. R. 151 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2849 WHEREAS, a range of benefits have been noted when individuals participate in self-directed15 services, including improved satisfaction with support services, better quality of life, reduced16 costs compared to provider-directed services, and less institutional stays; and17 WHEREAS, the program also empowers individuals participating in public programs and18 their families by expanding their degree of choice and control over their long-term services19 and supports; and20 WHEREAS, self-direction further provides attractive alternatives to individuals who find the21 traditional services system inflexible, as well as those who have been unable to receive all22 the services they need; and23 WHEREAS, self-direction was implemented in Georgia beginning with a small number of24 participants in the Independent Care Waiver Program in April 2005; and25 WHEREAS, to date, the self-direction model is available in Georgia in five different Home26 and Community-Based Waiver Programs, which provide the elderly and disabled with27 necessary medical care and services.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body29 recognize February 26, 2025, as Self-Direction Day.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed31 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the32 press.33 S. R. 151 - 2 -