How to Talk to Your DDD Support Coordinator About Switching to AWC
Your DDD Support Coordinator is your gateway to state services. They authorize your hours, write your service plan, and help you find providers.
If you are currently frustrated with a traditional home care agency—perhaps dealing with high turnover or long waitlists—or if you have a family member ready to step in as a paid caregiver, you need to ask your Support Coordinator to transition you to an Agency with Choice (AWC) provider.
Here is how to approach that conversation confidently.
1. Be Clear About the Problem
Support Coordinators manage dozens of families and appreciate direct communication. Explain exactly why the current setup isn't working.
"We have had three different agency workers this month, and the lack of consistency is causing behavioral regressions."
"We have been on an agency waitlist for six months and are not receiving our authorized care."
2. State Your Solution (The AWC Model)
Let them know you have done your research and know exactly what you want to do.
"We want to utilize the Agency with Choice model so we can hire [Name], who is my sister/neighbor/friend. They already know my child's routine and can provide consistent care."
3. Name Your Preferred Provider
You have the right to choose your agency. Do not leave it up to the state to assign you one randomly.
"We would like to partner with Nova Z Health Services as our AWC provider. They are an approved Qualified Vendor in the Phoenix area, and we are ready to begin the onboarding process with them."
4. Follow Up in Writing
After your phone call or meeting, always send an email summarizing the request. For example: "Hi [Coordinator Name], as discussed today, we are requesting to move our ATC and RSP hours to Nova Z Health Services under the AWC model so we can hire our own caregiver. Please let us know when the authorization is sent."
