Positions in this field center around supporting individuals in exercising control over the services and supports they receive. These roles involve assisting people, often those with disabilities or chronic conditions, to make informed decisions about their care, manage their budgets, and hire their own support staff. An example includes a support broker who aids an individual in developing a person-centered plan and navigating available resources.
The significance of this area lies in its promotion of autonomy, self-determination, and improved quality of life for care recipients. Shifting the power dynamic from service providers to the individual fosters greater satisfaction and more effective utilization of resources. Historically, this movement arose from a desire to move away from paternalistic models of care towards person-centered approaches.
