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Unlocking Independence: The Role of Supports Coordinators in Empowering Individuals with Disabilities

BY GRETCHEN STILL

Services To Enhance Potential’s (STEP) committed Supports Coordinators are dedicated to fostering the independence of each member through a range of specialized services, including housing assistance, benefit planning, case management, and healthcare support. Annually, STEP Supports Coordinators collaborate with members and their support networks to develop Individual Plans of Service (IPOS) through the Person-Centered Planning Process.

During the IPOS sessions, whether led by STEP or the Clinically Responsible Service Provider (CRSP), Supports Coordinators evaluate members’ needs and preferences, devise personalized plans, advocate for their interests, facilitate access to essential services, and oversee the quality of support provided. These plans serve as roadmaps, directing member engagement in daily activities while receiving services.

Central to the Person-Centered Planning approach is empowering individuals to make autonomous decisions, assume ownership of their lives, forge supportive partnerships, and cultivate relationships built on mutual trust and respect.

The strong rapport established between Supports Coordinators and each member, as well as their families or caregivers, has yielded remarkable outcomes for those served. Consistently, STEP members rate their satisfaction with the care provided, with Supports Coordinators consistently achieving satisfaction scores exceeding 95% in annual surveys.

Services To Enhance Potential (STEP) is a nonprofit organization which provides support and services to nearly 1,400 persons with disabilities and other mental health needs in Macomb, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. A major goal of Services To Enhance Potential is to increase the number of persons who are employed, self-employed, and volunteer in their communities. STEP provides and supports a variety of employment and self-employment options. We were founded in 1972 to bring an employment focus to individuals with a disability and have developed a strong reputation in the community for doing so. Learn more about STEP at www.stepcentral.org.