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.
WHEREAS, self-direction is an optional model of home and community-based service
(HCBS) delivery that enables individuals of all ages, with all types of disabilities, to maintain
their independence at home in their local community; and
WHEREAS, when an individual chooses to self-direct, they decide how, when, and from
whom their services and paid supports will be delivered; self-direction gives individuals the
freedom of choice and self-determination about their services and supports to live
independently in their own homes and communities; and
WHEREAS, the central goal of self-direction is to maximize an individual's opportunities
to live independently in the most integrated community-based setting of his or her choice;
and
WHEREAS, self-direction strategies shift control over resources and staffing to the
individual, allowing each person to determine the role that service providers will play in his
or her life; and
WHEREAS, a range of benefits have been noted when individuals participate in self-directed
services, including improved satisfaction with support services, better quality of life, reduced
costs compared to provider-directed services, and less institutional stays; and
WHEREAS, the program also empowers individuals participating in public programs and
their families by expanding their degree of choice and control over their long-term services
and supports; and
WHEREAS, self-direction further provides attractive alternatives to individuals who find the
traditional services system inflexible, as well as those who have been unable to receive all
the services they need; and
WHEREAS, self-direction was implemented in Georgia beginning with a small number of
participants in the Independent Care Waiver Program in April 2005; and
WHEREAS, to date, the self-direction model is available in Georgia in five different Home
and Community-Based Waiver Programs, which provide the elderly and disabled with
necessary medical care and services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize February 26, 2025, as Self-Direction Day.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the
press.