Consumer Directed Services (CDS)
Consumer Directed Services (CDS) is a Medicaid based program which provides personal care attendant (PCA) services to individuals with disabilities; enabling them to live independently. Individuals in the CDS program are trained to hire their own attendants to assist them with daily tasks such as: Bathing/Showering; Toileting; Obtaining/Organizing Medication; Meal Preparation/Cleanup; Housekeeping/Laundry; Essential Transportation.
Paraquad's CDS program is a consumer controlled model. Consumer control means that the person with a disability receiving services is the employer of the attendant. Program participants are responsible for locating, hiring, setting work schedules and managing their own attendants. A friend or family member may be hired as an attendant, with the exception of a spouse or anyone under the age of 18. The attendant must have a clean background check through the Missouri State Family Care Safety Registry before being employed by a CDS participant.
Paraquad provides training on hiring and managing attendants for CDS participants in St. Louis City and County areas.
To qualify for consumer controlled CDS services, a person must:
- Be receiving or eligible to receive Medicaid.
- At least 18 years old.
- Have a physical disability.
- Able and willing to recruit, hire and manage attendants.
- Seeking or living in an independent living situation.
- Able to self-direct their services
For additional information about Paraquad's programs or services, please contact Information and Referral at: 314/289-4200 (voice) or 314/ 289-4252 (TTY).
