Families and providers often ask: “What kind of programs can Self-Direction pay for?”
This guide breaks down the official OPWDD rules into easy-to-understand language. It covers classes, memberships, camps, and other common expenses under Individual Directed Goods and Services (IDGS).
Camps
What’s allowed: Camps (day or overnight) that provide safeguarding supports and help participants work toward their personal goals. Camps can serve either children with special needs or the general population.
Important: Because camps must have a Department of Health (DOH) permit, they are only covered during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Examples:
What’s allowed: Community classes in areas like art, dance, cooking, exercise, or computer training — as long as they support the person’s goals and teach skills. These are regular classes (not designed only for people with special needs).
Examples:
What’s allowed: Memberships to gyms, YMCAs, JCCs, or other community organizations that support fitness or community participation. These do not need to be “special needs” memberships.
Examples:
Some therapies can be covered under IDGS if not available through Medicaid:
✅ Music therapy to help improve speech and communication.
❌ Massage “just to relax.”
Transportation
IDGS funds cannot be used for:
✅ Tips for Families
Be clear in your flyer/description about:
Conclusion
Self-Direction gives people with I/DD more freedom to choose meaningful programs. As long as a class, membership, or camp meets OPWDD requirements and ties back to a participant’s personal goals, it may be approved.
This guide breaks down the official OPWDD rules into easy-to-understand language. It covers classes, memberships, camps, and other common expenses under Individual Directed Goods and Services (IDGS).
Camps
What’s allowed: Camps (day or overnight) that provide safeguarding supports and help participants work toward their personal goals. Camps can serve either children with special needs or the general population.
Important: Because camps must have a Department of Health (DOH) permit, they are only covered during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Examples:
- ✅ A summer day camp for children with special needs, where staff are trained to support disabilities.
- ✅ A general community sleepaway camp that offers structured activities and can meet the participant’s support needs.
- ❌ A year-round recreational program labeled “camp” without a DOH permit.
- ❌ Babysitting-type programs with no skill-building.
- The camp must have a health department permit (to prove it’s safe and legal).
- Funding is capped at $4,000 per year.
- Cannot exceed the camp’s published fees.
What’s allowed: Community classes in areas like art, dance, cooking, exercise, or computer training — as long as they support the person’s goals and teach skills. These are regular classes (not designed only for people with special needs).
Examples:
- ✅ A cooking class to improve independence at home.
- ✅ Dance lessons to support exercise and social interaction.
- ✅ Gym trainer sessions if linked to a health/fitness outcome.
- ❌ A social skills group — these are worked on through Community Habilitation or Respite, not IDGS.
- ❌ Classes just for fun with no connection to the Life Plan.
- Must be connected to a valued outcome (independence, health, communication, etc.).
- Must be non-credit (not part of a college degree).
- Cost cannot exceed the published fee.
What’s allowed: Memberships to gyms, YMCAs, JCCs, or other community organizations that support fitness or community participation. These do not need to be “special needs” memberships.
Examples:
- ✅ Annual YMCA membership.
- ✅ Museum membership to support community participation.
- ❌ Private, invitation-only clubs.
- ❌ Family memberships (IDGS only covers the participant).
- Annual cap of $1,500 per year.
- Membership must be a standard membership anyone can purchase.
Some therapies can be covered under IDGS if not available through Medicaid:
- Hippotherapy (licensed PT/OT/SLP using horseback riding as therapy).
- Therapeutic Riding (PATH-certified instructors teaching riding to build confidence, social skills, and balance).
- Other therapies: massage, music therapy, aquatic therapy (must be prescribed by a doctor and linked to goals).
✅ Music therapy to help improve speech and communication.
❌ Massage “just to relax.”
Transportation
- What’s allowed: Transportation directly connected to approved services, activities, or safeguards.
- ✅ Reimbursing staff mileage for driving participant to an art class.
- ✅ Bus pass to get to a community program.
- ❌ Taxi to a medical appointment (covered under Medicaid, not Self-Direction).
- Mileage reimbursement cannot exceed the IRS mileage rate.
- Public transit fares covered only at published rates.
IDGS funds cannot be used for:
- DOE/academic services like tutoring, math classes, homework help — schools must provide these.
- Social skills classes or groups (the socialization goal is covered under ComHab/Respite instead).
- Experimental therapies.
✅ Tips for Families
- Always keep flyers, websites, or program descriptions — OPWDD requires proof.
- Make sure the class or camp connects to a valued outcome in the Life Plan (e.g., independence, communication, health, socialization).
- Ask your broker before paying for the class/membership.
Be clear in your flyer/description about:
- The skills or benefits participants gain.
- Published rates or membership fees — your flyer or website must clearly show pricing so families and brokers can confirm it fits the budget limits.
- That the program is a regular structured program, not limited to special needs.
- Compliance with any licenses, permits, or certifications.
Conclusion
Self-Direction gives people with I/DD more freedom to choose meaningful programs. As long as a class, membership, or camp meets OPWDD requirements and ties back to a participant’s personal goals, it may be approved.
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