Program Name: New Freedom

Goals: To implement a service system that will expand consumer-directed care to a state-of-the-art level

Target population: Adults with disabilities and older individuals who require nursing facility level of care

Number of anticipated participants: 100 during the first year

Waiver used: 1915(c)

Lead agency: The Department of Social and Health Sciences

Website: www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov

Questions and enrollment:

Karen Fitzharris
Project Director
Aging and Disability Services Administration
Department of Social and Health Services
Aging and Disability Services
P.O. Box 45600
Olympia, WA 98504

(p) 206-341-7889
(p) 360-725-2446

Or

Marietta Bobba
Strategic Planning
Aging and Disability Services Administration
Department of Social and Health Services
Aging and Disability Services
P.O. Box 45600
Olympia, WA 98504

(p) 360-725-2618
bobbam@dshs.wa.gov

Washington New Freedom provides consumers the option to control their own waiver services. Consumers receive a monthly budget based on his/her needs, and they are able to use this money to hire personal assistant services, make home modifications, and more. Counselors work with consumers to develop and revise individual budgets. Consumers have the option of appointing a representative, and being part of a peer support group.

This program is available in King County, which includes Seattle.