My name is Shannelle Coles, and I am asking DMAS to please consider the real-life impact that ending independent service facilitation would have on families and individuals like mine.

For my family, independent service facilitation is not just another service on a list. It has been one of the things that has helped us keep our family together, keep our children in the community, and avoid institutional placement.

I also personally use these services, so I am speaking not only as a family member and caregiver, but also as someone who has directly benefited from having an independent service facilitator.

Our independent service facilitator, Jada Meredith, has been instrumental in helping my family and me obtain the services and supports we need. She has walked alongside us through complicated systems, helped us understand our options, explained things in a way that makes sense, and made sure we were not left trying to figure everything out alone.

Her support has helped me personally navigate services and better understand the resources available to me. Having someone who provides individualized, one-on-one assistance has made the process less confusing and has allowed me to be more informed and involved in decisions about my own services.

That personal support matters.

Families caring for children and loved ones with significant needs are already carrying tremendous responsibilities. At the same time, individuals receiving services are trying to understand complicated programs, requirements, paperwork, and choices that directly affect their lives.

When someone like Jada is able to sit with us, listen to our individual situations, explain what is available, and help us navigate the process, it can make the difference between successfully accessing support and becoming completely overwhelmed by the system.

Because of the support we have received, our children have been able to remain where they belong: with their family and in their community. I have also been able to receive the support I need while remaining active and involved in my own life and community.

That is what these services are supposed to accomplish.

I am deeply concerned that removing independent service facilitators could take away the very individualized support that helps prevent crisis situations. When individuals and families cannot navigate the system, cannot access services, or do not understand what resources are available, the consequences can be serious. Services can be delayed or lost, families can become exhausted, and individuals with disabilities can become more vulnerable to unnecessary institutional placement.

Please do not look at independent service facilitation only as a program, a contract, or a budget item. Look at the people behind it.

Look at the children who are able to sleep in their own beds.

Look at the parents and caregivers who are able to continue caring for their loved ones at home.

Look at the individuals receiving services who are able to understand their choices, advocate for themselves, and remain active members of their communities.

Look at the families who are able to stay together because someone took the time to help them understand and access the support they needed.

Jada Meredith has made that kind of difference for me and for my family.

I am asking DMAS to protect independent service facilitation and preserve our ability to choose independent facilitators who know us, understand our needs, and provide the personalized assistance that makes community living possible.

For us, this is not simply about losing a service.

It is about losing a lifeline that has helped me personally and has helped my family remain together, supported, and connected to our community.

Please listen to the individuals and families who depend on this support before making a decision that could change our lives.