Personal assistance services (PAS) are regarded as key to the independence of persons with disabilities. The consumer-directed PAS model allows consumers maximum control over what services are provided and who provides the services.
PAS consumers and personal assistants (PAs) have identified distinct training needs. To try to meet these information and skill needs, training manuals for consumers and providers have been developed by independent living centers, rehabilitation hospitals, home health care agencies, and other organizations. These typically cover a combination of topics, including the hiring process, assistance with personal and household tasks, dispute resolution, and other areas. Using on a national review of PAS training manuals assessing the comprehensiveness and attentiveness to consumer direction in content and training approach, a model of topic areas that encompasses the entire training spectrum for consumers and for providers will be presented. It was found that a majority of training manuals do not address the complete range of training that could benefit consumers and PA's. We failed to uncover a training model that provided comprehensive coverage of various service provision models, training needs, and levels of consumer direction. Testing has taken place with these topic models and results will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. List at least 5 topics of training needed b personal assistance consumers. 2. List at least 5 topics of training needed b personal assistance providers. 3. Discuss consumer reaction to internet presentation of training topics.
Keywords: Consumer Direction, Personal Assistance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: InfoUse
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee