Consumer direction is a way for Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C) and Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) participants to take control of their health care and hire the workers they trust to care for them in their homes. To use consumer direction, CAP/C and CAP/DA participants or the employer they assign must complete the required initial and annual trainings. The 2026 annual training will be offered online in an on-demand format through the link provided below.
Initial Training
Initial training is required when first applying to use consumer direction.
This training will:
- Teach families about consumer direction.
- Help families decide if consumer direction is right for them.
- Explain key roles and tasks in consumer direction.
- Help families understand how to manage budgets.
After completing the training, attendees will receive a certificate. The certificate will help the CAP/C or CAP/DA participant start the paperwork to use consumer direction services.
The 2026 training dates and registration links are listed below. Choose the training session that best meets your schedule. You must complete this training before using consumer direction services.
2026 Consumer Direction Initial Training Dates and Registration Links:
- Jan. 28, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – noon
- Feb.25, 2026, 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 25, 2026, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- April 22, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – noon
- May 27, 2026, 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- June 24, 2026, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- July 22, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – noon
- Aug. 26, 2026, 2:30 p.m - 5 p.m.
- Sept. 23, 2026, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Oct. 28, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – noon
- Nov. 18, 2026, 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Dec. 16, 2026, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Annual Refresher Training
Annual refresher training is required when the participants or their designated employers continue to self-direct their own care using consumer direction. This training should be completed before developing the reassessment plan of care.
This training will:
- Remind families about the basics of consumer direction.
- Help families decide if consumer direction continues to be right for them.
- Briefly explain key roles and tasks in consumer direction.
- Help families remember how to manage budgets.
After completing the training and associated online survey, the attendees and their care advisor will receive a confirmation email based on the email addresses they provide in the survey. This confirmation email will serve as the certification of completion.
The 2026 training will be offered online in an on-demand format. This allows access around the family’s availability. Care advisors should be prepared to support families in accessing or reviewing the training as needed; for example, by printing slides and typing in survey responses for the family if needed.
2026 Consumer Direction Annual Refresher Training
Access the training presentation here.
Contact
For help with registration or questions regarding any of the above trainings, contact:
- NCLIFTSSConsumerDirection@acentra.com
- Phone: 833-522-5429