Frank’s Journey with Self-Direction and Care Management
At ACANY, we celebrate the power of person-centered care. Every story we tell is about how supports and services can open doors to a full and meaningful life. Frank’s story is a powerful example of this. Although he does not communicate with words, Frank expresses himself every day through his communication device, his actions, and his passions.
With the support of his mother, Mrs. Vaca, and his Care Manager, Lizeth, Frank has been able to transition from uncertainty to stability, and from limitation to opportunity.
A New Beginning with Self-Direction
When Lizeth first met Frank and his family, they were overwhelmed by delays in services. Mrs. Vaca recalls being frustrated with the process:
“Estábamos en pausa. No teníamos los servicios adecuados, y fue muy difícil para mí sola.” (“We were at a standstill. We didn’t have the right services, and it was very difficult for me alone.”)
Lizeth stepped in to guide the family. She worked to identify a new broker, explained options for self-direction, and reminded Mrs. Vaca that she had a choice.
“I wanted her to know she could pick whoever she felt most comfortable with. The goal was to get Frank moving forward again,” Lizeth said.
That shift marked the beginning of Frank’s journey into self-direction services—a model that has allowed him to live a much more active and personalized life.
The Right Supports at the Right Time
Through his self-direction budget, Frank now has access to Community Habilitation, a Without Walls Day Program, and a strong support network, including a dedicated Community Habilitation Specialist named Elijah.
Mrs. Vaca explains:
“Con el apoyo de su trabajador de Habilitación en la Comunidad, Frank puede salir todos los días. Él va al gimnasio, va a sus clases comunitarias, y participa en actividades sociales.”(“With the support of his community habilitation worker, Frank can go out every day. He goes to the gym, attends community classes, and participates in social activities.”)
Unlike traditional site-based programs, the Without Walls model allows Frank to spend most of his time in the community—something that truly matches his personality.
“We both knew Frank was too outgoing for a site-based program. He loves to be outside, engaged. His anxiety grows when he’s stuck at home. Without Walls was the right choice,” Lizeth explained.
A Full and Active Life
Frank’s days are now filled with purpose. He goes to the gym, enjoys community classes, spends time at the amusement park, and has developed routines that give him joy and stability.
“A Frank le gusta vivir la vida sin límites,” Mrs. Vaca shared. (“Frank likes to live life without limits.”)
She described how much he loves roller coasters and rides at amusement parks:
“Si pasa un fin de semana completo sin poder salir, se pone muy ansioso. Él necesita estar en movimiento, disfrutando de la vida.”(“If he spends a whole weekend without being able to go out, he gets very anxious. He needs to be active, enjoying life.”)
Finding His Voice Through Technology
One of the most transformative changes has been Frank’s communication device. In the past, he could only signal basic emotions like happy or sad. Today, he can build full sentences and express his needs more clearly.
For example, when he feels pain, he can now say: “I am feeling pain in my knees because I have a blister from the gym.” He can also use pictures and phrases to order food, choose activities, or identify people in his life.
“Antes, yo tenía que adivinar lo que quería. Ahora él me puede decir directamente,” Mrs. Vaca said. (“Before, I had to guess what he wanted. Now he can tell me directly.”)
This technology has given Frank independence and control over his daily life, something his mother and care manager see as life-changing.
The Impact of Services—and the Threat of Cuts
For Mrs. Vaca, the impact of these services is clear:
“Siento que su vida no tendría el mismo propósito sin estos apoyos. Todo lo que tiene ahora le da algo que esperar cada día. Sin fondos, ¿qué pasaría con él?”
(“I feel like his life wouldn’t have the same purpose without these supports. Everything he has now gives him something to look forward to. Without funding, what would happen to him?”)
Lizeth agrees: “Frank proves that disability doesn’t mean limitation. With the right supports, he can do what anyone else can—live a social, active, and joyful life.”
A Message to Other Families
When asked what advice she would give to families waiting for services or just starting the process, Mrs. Vaca offered encouragement:
“Puede ser frustrante y hay mucha espera, pero no se den por vencidos. Vale la pena al final, porque sus hijos realmente se benefician a largo plazo.” (“It can be frustrating and there is a lot of waiting, but don’t give up. It’s worth it in the end because your children will truly benefit long term.”)
Living Fully, Without Limits
Frank’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and joy. With the right supports—self-direction, Community Habilitation, Without Walls programs, and his communication device—he is living a life full of meaning and purpose.
At ACANY, we are honored to walk alongside Frank, Mrs. Vaca, and Lizeth in this journey. His achievements remind us that every person, regardless of disability, deserves the chance to live fully and without limits.