Synthesizing findings from national surveys and discussions with key stakeholders, the report provides invaluable perspective on the benefits of self-direction, while also exposing gaps related to hiring, retention, administrative burdens, and availability of assistance. Key takeaways include:

• Recruiting and retaining workers is extremely challenging for many self-directing participants, underscoring the workforce shortage.

• Low compensation, lack of benefits, inefficient hiring processes, and required trainings that create barriers all contribute to workforce challenges.

• Participants and representatives overwhelmingly desire more robust information and assistance structures to support hiring and managing workers.

This report offers a roadmap to drive change and inspire future research to support and strengthen the essential self-directed workforce.

Read the full report to inform your own efforts and help realize the full potential of self-direction.