Introducing The Self-Direction Center: A New Nonprofit Dedicated to Self-Direction

Applied Self-Direction is pleased to announce the launch of The Self-Direction Center, a new nonprofit organization that will be dedicated to advancing self-direction through collaboration, community, and collective action beginning in May 2025.

What You Need to Know:
  • The Self-Direction Center (SDC) will focus on education, community building, and research in self-direction
  • Self-Direction in the News and the biannual National Self-Direction Conference will transition to SDC
  • Applied Self-Direction will continue its technical assistance, consulting services, and membership offerings to support states, FMS providers, and organizations implementing self-direction
While Applied Self-Direction and The Self-Direction Center will operate as separate and independent organizations, we will collaborate on our shared commitment to advancing self-direction and supporting all stakeholders who make self-direction possible across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Transition

Q: What exactly is happening?
A: In May 2025, a new nonprofit organization called The Self-Direction Center (SDC) will launch. The Self-Direction Center will focus on education, community building, and research in self-direction. Applied Self-Direction (ASD) will continue as a separate organization focused on technical assistance and consulting services.

Q: Why is this transition happening?
A: This transition allows for expanded resources and specialized focus in the self-direction field. The Self-Direction Center will be able to prioritize education, community building, and research initiatives, while Applied Self-Direction will continue to provide technical expertise and consulting services to states and organizations implementing self-direction programs.

Q: Will the organizations compete with each other?
A: No. Applied Self-Direction and The Self-Direction Center have distinct missions and service offerings that complement rather than compete with each other. Both organizations are committed to strengthening self-direction and will collaborate as partners in the field.

Q: Who will be leading The Self-Direction Center?
A: The Self-Direction Center is co-founded by Erica Andres, Molly Morris, and Brenda Vitale. Molly and Brenda will conclude their tenure on the ASD staff on 5/1/25 to support the nonprofit launch. Erica is remaining on the staff at ASD. Erica, Molly, and Brenda are serving as the initial board members. In the coming months, the board will expand to include members who are representative of the national self-direction community. Ultimately, at least fifty percent of the board will be composed of people with lived experience in self-direction, primarily participants themselves, as well as authorized representatives.

    Impact on Services & Resources

    Q: What will happen to Self-Direction in the News?
    A: Self-Direction in the News will transition to The Self-Direction Center. To continue receiving this weekly newsletter, you will need to sign up for The Self-Direction Center's mailing list.


    Q: What will happen to the National Self-Direction Conference? 
    A: The National Self-Direction Conference will be hosted by The Self-Direction Center going forward. Information about future conferences will be shared through The Self-Direction Center's communications. 

    Q: Will ASD's technical assistance services change?
    A: No. Applied Self-Direction’s mission will remain unchanged. It will continue to provide the same technical assistance, consulting, and membership services it currently offers. 

    Q: What will happen to existing resources on the ASD website?
    A: Existing resources will remain available through Applied Self-Direction. Over time, educational resources will be developed by and available through The Self-Direction Center as well.

    Q: How will research work be affected?
    A: Future research initiatives will be coordinated between the organizations based on their respective missions and expertise.

    Q: I'm an ASD member. What does this mean for my membership?
    A: Your membership with Applied Self-Direction remains unchanged. You will continue to receive all core membership benefits. Please note that with the National Self-Direction Conference now managed by The Self-Direction Center, conference registration and any associated discounts will be handled separately from ASD membership.

    Q: Will I need separate memberships for both organizations?
    A: Applied Self-Direction will maintain its current membership structure. The Self-Direction Center's participation model will be announced as the organization develops.

    Q: Will I need to sign up for both mailing lists to stay informed?
    A: Yes, if you want to receive communications from both organizations. Your current subscription to Applied Self-Direction communications will not automatically transfer to The Self-Direction Center. To receive Self-Direction in the News and conference updates, you will need to sign up for The Self-Direction Center's mailing list.

    Q: I have a contract/project with Applied Self-Direction. Will that change?
    A: No. There is no change to existing contracts and projects with Applied Self-Direction.

      Getting Involved

      Q: How can I support The Self-Direction Center as it launches? 

      A: The best way to support The Self-Direction Center is to:
      • Sign up for the new mailing list 
      • Follow SDC on LinkedIn
      • Share information about the launch with your networks 
      • Participate in upcoming events and initiatives 
      • Provide feedback as the organization develops its programs and services
       
      Q: Will there be volunteer opportunities with the new organization? 
      A: The Self-Direction Center will be sharing information about opportunities to get involved with the board or advisory council as they become available. Please sign up for their mailing list to receive these announcements. 

      Q: I have more questions. Who should I contact? 
      A: You can direct questions about:
      • Applied Self-Direction services and membership to info@appliedselfdirection.com
      • The Self-Direction Center and its upcoming initiatives to hello@selfdirectioncenter.org
      • We appreciate your support during this transition and look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen self-direction nationwide.