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.*
*Limited by State Maximums
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.
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.
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.
Attendant Registry
Paraquad's Personal Assistance Services Department maintains a list of available personal care attendants. All attendants are required to have a background check performed by the State of Missouri and a clean record.
When a participant or an outside person with a disability is looking for an attendant to hire, we provide them this list, which includes the attendant's name, zip code, phone number, gender and availability. Participants hire their attendant directly.
For additional information about Paraquad's programs or services, please contact Information and Referral at: 314/289-4200 (voice) or 314/ 289-4252 (TTY).
