Service Coordination plays a pivotal role as the “agent” for the individual; a broker of service in the pursuit of life goals. The quality of an individual's life is enhanced by the direct involvement of the person, and all those important to him or her, in the creation of their life plan. This approach fosters meaningful choices, ensures that the person's aspirations, interests, preferences, strengths and capabilities are acknowledged, and provides the impetus for the selection of services and supports. Dutchess ARC Service Coordinators utilize natural resources to meet individual needs as much as possible, working in partnership with families and the person receiving services.

Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) is a Medicaid State Plan Service provided through New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (NYS OPWDD), and promotes the concepts of choice, individualized services and supports and consumer satisfaction. The focus of MSC is to assist each person in achieving his or her unique goals, desires and valued outcomes in terms of having a job, a circle of friends, enjoyable leisure activities, access to medical and clinical services, and continued family contact after moving from home.

Dutchess ARC is unique in its willingness and capacity to work with and on behalf of families to file for Medicaid (if this has not already been established), which is a critical necessity in order to access MSC services.

In a recent MSC satisfaction survey, some of the comments were:

"JoAnn is efficient, caring, knowledgeable and wonderful! [My daughter] and I are thrilled that JoAnn is her MSC!"

"Stacy has been an answer to our prayers. She does a wonderful job. Thank you!"

"Excellent, timely and understandable information. Follows up on requests. Competent and friendly."

"Leah is always very professional and sweet at the same time. Thank you!"

"The ISP I just received was knowledgeable and made me aware of everything that is being done for [my son]."

"We are the lucky ones to have people like you doing and caring. Thank you!"

"Reggie Jackson is very considerate and always helpful. We cannot praise him enough. He is always there when needed."

For more information, please call (845) 635-8084 or e-mail us at info@dutchess-arc.org.

Sarah, Kelley, and Leah of Dutchess ARC Service Coordination pose for a picture in their Team MSC  (Make Someone Care) shirts.

Medicaid Service Coordinator, Reggie Jackson

proudly displays his recent Everyday Heroz Award.