Direct Care Services

AWC is funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and requires a referral from DDS.

AWC provides families the opportunity to have more control and be more creative with day-to-day scheduling and staff supervision. This means that Autism Connections provides regular case management, budget review, problem solving and information and referral.

The program allows for Autism Support hours to be used for a specific goal (i.e. starting a business) or combination of goals (i.e. household management skill building, community access, vocational and pre-vocational, etc)

Those who are DDS eligible and have Chapter 688 funding allocation and/or family support allocation are eligible for Agency with Choice.

Individuals and families:

Work with a DDS Service Coordinator and Autism Connections' Family Support or Autism Specialist to determine how best to meet your needs with allocated funds.

Recruit, interview, and select your staff.

Autism Connections reserves the right not to hire any applicant who does not meet the standards of the job. Note: DDS must approve hiring of members of the family of the individual served.

Set pay rate for staff (hourly rate must fall within state minimum wage law and DDS maximum standard service rates).

In addition to the hourly rate paid to the employee, a % will be allocated to the budget to cover expenses like payroll taxes, worker’s compensation insurance and unemployment benefit. For example, if you pay the employee $10 per hour, and additional $2.20 will bring the total hourly rate to $12.20. This total must not be more than the DDS maximum standard for that position classification.set schedule for staff and determine dutiesprovide staff with training specific to your family member’s caresupervise the day-to-day activities of the employee, including Performance Evaluations (completed in conjunction with Autism Connections Family Support or Autism Specialist)approve and submit required financial management documents review, sign, and submit employee signed time sheet review, approve, and submit bills for AWC program expenses (including staff mileage paid at the organization's mileage reimbursement rate)

Note: Your signature verifies the truth and accuracy of each document share responsibility for regular, open, and mutually respectful communication with the Family Support or Autism Specialist agree to participate in a problem solving process when issues arise may inform the Family Support or Autism Specialist that you no longer wish to have this employee working with your family the Family Support or Autism Specialist will ensure legal guidelines are followed check with your insurer for coverage for individuals who work in your home.

Autism Connections assigns a Family Support or Autism Specialist as your point of contact while receiving services through the AWC program. That contact will:orient you to the AWC program, policies, and procedure.
Work with you and your DDS Service Coordinator to help identify the services you need
help you develop a budget within your allocated amount for these services
if needed, assist you in recruiting staff as outlined in your budget
maintain communication with you and your staff through visits in the initial month to review services and speaking with you as often as needed during that initial period and at least monthly thereafter
provide information and guidance on training and supervision of staff, including guidance with your employee’s performance review and any corrective action reviews
work with you and your DDS Service Coordinator, as needed, to resolve concerns through the Problem Resolution process

Pathlight, Autism Connections' parent organization is the official “employer of record” and will fulfill the following administrative tasks:

- ensure that all state, federal and agency mandates are met concerning the eligibility of the potential employee

-interview and screen the prospective employees you identify;

- secure work references (two positive references are required) verifying citizenship/ability to work in the United States;

- conduct a driving record check;

- perform a Criminal Offender Record Information check (CORI) after the offer to hire is extended;

- make the final hiring decision.


Pathlight/Autism Connections will do its best to accommodate the preferences of the family while maintaining the organization standards and meeting all applicable laws and regulations, and:

- complete new hire paperwork;

- provide orientation to the employee regarding agency policies and procedures;

- provide required staff training (paid from the family’s budget);

- provide financial management services including processing payroll, withholding taxes, paying unemployment and worker’s compensation insurance, issuing W-2 forms, maintaining all financial records and producing a monthly financial report for you;

- may reassign staff no longer wanted by family or terminate staff;

- meet with the family monthly to review budget and adjust as needed;

- conduct regular check-ins with staff, family members, and individuals seeking feedback.

It is a grant funded program that is administered through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) with funding from The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and subject to annual appropriation.

Family participation is essential to the success of the program.

Students must be between 6-17 years of age at the time of enrollment.

Students must be DDS eligible.

The program ends at age 22, or upon leaving the school system.

The following program components help the participant to remain in his/her home by focusing on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and greater independence into adulthood:

- Family Service navigation 4 hours per month;

- at least 2 home visits per year, more if needed;

- development of a Service Plan;

- on-going communication, problem solving, monitoring & assistance to families.


Professional Staffing:

- senior level therapist, skills trainer, in-home or community based therapists, speech, OT, or PT;

- create and implement plans;

- in-home activities, minimum of 3 hours/week;


Community Participation:

- develop skills and enhance quality of life;

- respite hours available


Ancillary Goods and Services (Flexible Funding):

- community integration activities;

- community outing costs;

- family training;

- chore services;

- peer mentor;

- educational materials and reinforcements;

- adaptive/replacement clothing;

- specialty nutritional supplements;

- uncovered medical supplies and services.