Consumer Directed Services (CDS) is a program established by the legislature. CDS allows disabled
individuals who are Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) consumers to (self-direct)
hire and manage their own attendants (service providers.) The program is designed to allow DADS consumers
more control in the hiring process rather than being appointed caregivers. Individuals set the wages
based on their service budget and may employ friends and family members. Individuals enrolled in CDS
must work with a Consumer Directed Services Agency (CDSA) who will provide financial management services,
such as processing payroll and taxes.
A CDSA is paid for providing financial support services. The employer sets their own budget. The employer
does the interviewing and can fire an employee. The CDSA can assist the employer with the hiring process,
how to set an hourly wage, est. benefits, etc. The employer must submit the employee timesheets to the
CDSA. The employer is also assigned a Case Manager.
At least once a year TWC will provide training to a group of potential CDSA's. TWC representatives
may be asked to participate in other meetings or discussions.
For TUCA purposes, the individual (disabled person) is the employer. They hire and manage their own attendants.
TWC accounts will be established as domestic, sole proprietorships in the name of the individual. If
the individual is under age 18 or declared mentally incompetent or otherwise handicapped to such a degree
they are unable to act on their own behalf, a parent or guardian will be appointed. In those cases, when
a parent or guardian has been appointed by the court to act on their behalf the parent or guardian would
be considered the employer so the account should be styled in that person's name.
