Once a loved one is enrolled with Arizona DDD, one of the most important people in your family's journey is the Support Coordinator. Knowing what this role includes, and what it does not, can help you build a strong, trusting partnership and get more out of every planning conversation.
A key contact for families
Arizona DDD assigns a Support Coordinator to each enrolled member. Their central role is to listen to the member's goals and preferences and help develop a Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP). The plan is created with the member and a planning team, which may include a guardian, family members, service providers, or other people the member chooses. DES summarizes the role in its Support Coordination quick reference (opens in a new tab).
Helping create a person-centered plan
A good plan starts with the individual: what matters to them, what they want to achieve, where they need support, and how they would like to take part in their community. The Support Coordinator leads these planning conversations and updates the plan as needed. The member's strengths and preferences should shine through, not only their support needs.
Explaining services and resources
Support Coordinators talk through available supports, help coordinate approved services, and point families toward community resources. Depending on eligibility, they may coordinate long-term services and other parts of care. They also help families know who to contact when questions or service problems come up.
When your plan includes services like attendant care, respite, or habilitation, your Support Coordinator helps connect you with a qualified provider to deliver them.
Working through concerns
If an authorized service is not being delivered, or you have questions about the plan, your Support Coordinator is an important starting point. Explain the problem, ask what steps are available, and request follow-up. Your coordinator can also explain member rights and how complaint procedures work.
What to bring to a planning meeting
- ✓What is going wellCelebrate progress and routines that are working.
- ✓What has changedNew health needs, school or work changes, or shifts at home.
- ✓What feels hardRoutines or times of day that are a struggle.
- ✓New goalsWhat your loved one wants to try or learn next.
- ✓Documents and examplesRecent evaluations, school updates, or notes you have kept.
If you are a family member supporting the individual, prepare your questions too, while keeping the member's own voice at the center. A short list of everyday examples can help everyone understand needs more clearly. Our article on activities of daily living offers helpful language for describing daily needs.
What if you cannot reach your Support Coordinator?
Arizona DES recommends contacting the Support Coordinator's supervisor. If you do not know the right contact, the DDD Customer Service Center can help at 1-844-770-9500, option 1, or DDDCustomerServiceCenter@azdes.gov.
How a provider fits alongside your coordinator
Your Support Coordinator plans and coordinates; providers deliver the hands-on care. As a DDD licensed agency, Inspiration of the Valley works with families and coordinators so approved services are delivered with warmth and consistency. You can also explore our DDD family caregiver program if a family member would like to become the paid caregiver.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Support Coordinator directly provide caregiving?
No. The coordinator facilitates planning and coordination; direct services are delivered by providers.
Can the plan change?
Yes. The planning team can discuss changed needs and updates.
Can a member ask questions about their rights?
Yes. Helping members understand their rights is part of the coordinator's role.
Official sources and further reading
- ✓Arizona DES: Support Coordination Quick Reference (opens in a new tab)The role of the Support Coordinator, in DES's own words.
- ✓Arizona DES: DDD Member Categories (opens in a new tab)How support coordination differs across member categories.
Looking for a provider to work alongside your coordinator?
If your loved one's plan includes in-home or community services, we'd be glad to talk about how we work with families and Support Coordinators. DDD determines eligibility and authorizes covered services. Reaching out to us is simply a conversation; it does not guarantee enrollment, authorization, or service availability.