Self-directed home and community based services (HCBS) waiver services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have become a viable and widely used method of service provision in the United States. Grounded in theories of self-determination, previous literature on self-direction has suggested high satisfaction and positive outcomes for people who use self-directed programs as well as cost savings for state IDD service systems. This study explored the ways in which state IDD service administrators think about how self-direction may be used as a method of achieving cost savings while providing opportunities for people with IDD and their families to exercise choice and control. Informed by 54 high-level IDD service administrators in 34 states, and guided by a thematic analysis approach to data interpretation, the study found evidence that administrators typically see strong potential for self-direction to have cost-savings benefits, while also fostering choice. In the current political climate, the need for cautious fiscal stewardship may become a stronger driving force behind self-direction for people with IDD in the United States.

Self-direction is an approach to human service delivery within long-term services and supports that aims to provide greater control for individuals with disabilities and their closest supporters. The purpose of this study was to understand the implementation of self-directed supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Researchers interviewed state developmental disabilities administrators in 34 of 42 states that currently operate self-directed service options and used qualitative analysis to arrive at a thematic map of the strengths and challenges currently experienced by state administrators. Common strengths identified by state administrators were increased opportunities for participant self-determination and improved relationships with support staff. Common challenges included restructuring case management relationships, as well as rulemaking and enforcement. Administrators’ suggestions for the future of self-direction focused on increasing program size and streamlining services using technology.

Open educational resources (OER) and the open education movement have blossomed over the past decade, yet their demonstrated impact on social work is in its infancy. This teaching note describes the process of creating the first two open textbooks for social work education about undergraduate and graduate research methods. In the first year post-publication, the undergraduate open textbook was used by over 1,100 students across 35 campuses and accrued an estimated savings of $150,000 for students. Despite these clear benefits, the process of resource creation for faculty can be challenging, and this note offers practical guidance for faculty considering both small or large-scale open textbook projects. As universities, states, and international bodies increase funding for the creation and adoption of OER, the field of Social Work should demonstrate its commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice by leading these efforts within our classrooms, discipline, and institutions.

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