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Definition of PAS |
Purpose of this PAS
User's Manual
Although this manual has been prepared by individual adults
with diverse disabilities, it may be helpful to family members hiring for an elderly
parent, an adult child with disability or a child with a disability.
Many people with disabilities require assistance with tasks to live within the community
independently. This is new territory in this society as people with disabilities have been
hidden in homes or institutions due to ignorance about disabilities. In order for people
with disabilities to live in the community, a set of supports need to be in place.
Personal Assistance Services is one vital element. It equals with housing and
transportation services. This manual addresses the nitty gritty elements of hiring and
managing a Personal Assistant (PA). There have been social attitudes and monetary
disincentives contributing to abuse and a pool of poor quality providers. Numerous
Independent Living Centers have sprouted up nationally and world wide to address the needs
of people with disabilities.
On a personal level...
Although this is manual is not the total solution to the difficulties
people with disabilities are faced with in regard to locating, hiring and managing PAS, we
feel some skill building will empower individuals to make better decisions in screening,
selecting and directing a Personal Assistant.
On a social and emotional level...
We feel peer support is very helpful as people deal with situations
which present themselves in daily living. Connecting with Independent Living Centers which
have peer support groups or starting them can be very beneficial in combating the
isolation which has contributed to the mass of ignorance. Some statewide resources are
listed in the appendix.
On a political level...
Additionally we believe in involvement in action groups which influence
positive changes through planned activities that educate the public, decision making
officials and entities regarding people with disabilities.
We believe in consumer involvement in issues which affect our lives. We encourage
alignment with action groups like ADAPT, a national action group and statewide groups like
Project PAS Port for Change which is in Washington State. Project PAS Port for Change's
Vision Statement is in the appendix.
What is PAS?
Personal Assistance Services
A person assists another person with eating, dressing, bathing, or getting in and out of
bed ... A person reads mail aloud for someone ... A person assists another with planning a
budget and making money decisions. These are all examples of PAS. The service may be
called CHORE, COPES, Respite, Attendant Care, Medicaid Personal Care, Aide, Assisted
Living or something else.
The purpose of this PAS Users Manual is to provide skills to people with disabilities for
hiring and managing a Personal Assistant. We encourage peer support.
In the process of meeting our own needs more matter of factly we hope to raise awareness
of consumers, change public attitudes, educate policy and decision makers
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