Examples of intellectual/developmental disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Intellectual/developmental disability may result in limited functioning in:
Self-determination is a process that assists the person in designing and exercising control over their own life and directs a fixed amount of Medicaid dollars that will be spent on authorized supports and services, often referred to as an “individual budget.”
Self-direction is a method for moving away from professionally managed models of supports and services. It is the act of selecting, directing, and managing one’s services and supports. People who self-direct their services are able to decide how to spend their CMH services budget with support, as desired.
Methods of self-direction are built upon the five principles of self-determination:
1. Freedom: Deciding how to live a good life
2. Authority: Controlling a targeted amount of dollars
3. Support: Organizing resources in ways that are life-enhancing and meaningful
4. Responsibility: Using public funds wisely
5. Confirmation: Having a role in redesigning the service system
NOTE: For a full list of services and definitions, please see the updated Customer Handbook on Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health’s website:
The first step to receiving services is to contact our Access Center. The staff at the Access Center will do an initial screening to determine what services you qualify for and connect you to those services.
Services are available through Medicaid insurance.