Share your story

We'd love to here from you! Please share your experiences with the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and we may include them here on the webiste. We would also welcome pictures. Please email your stories and photos to bryan@cdpaanys.org.

Thank you!

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I began using the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program over seven years ago after 20 years of receiving personal care aides through various nursing agencies.  My motivation came from the disgust at having to open the door to complete strangers that someone else chose for me and then having to work with that person for an entire shift, or usually days or even weeks - whether we were a suitable match or not. 

When I first switched to CDPAP, finding and hiring my own personal assistants was a scary endeavor.  However, I thought it was important for me to assume the task of finding the right employees for myself, rather than relying on a nursing agency to do so.  It took some trials and tribulations over the years to learn the best ways to manage the program, but I gladly accept that responsibility in exchange for taking control over my own care. 

Finding the right employees can be challenging, frustrating, and gratifying all in one.  The end result is the satisfaction in knowing that I made the choice of selecting the people who assist me with my needs … which is why I love the phrase, “Nothing about me – without me”!

~ Margie