I rely on my service facilitator to help my family navigate the often complex and ever-changing system of services and supports we depend on. For the past four years, we have had the privilege of working with the same service facilitator, who has been a lifeline for our family. He has supported us through appeals, changes to the system, and countless situations where having someone knowledgeable, reliable, and familiar with our needs has made all the difference.

Throughout these four years, he has been more than just a service facilitator. He has been a trusted source of guidance, a much-needed line of communication, and an advocate who helps us navigate challenges that would otherwise feel overwhelming. Having someone who understands our situation, knows our history, and is familiar with our individual needs provides a level of consistency and peace of mind that cannot easily be replaced.

The ability to choose our own service facilitator is not simply a preference; it is an essential part of our independence, self-determination, and ability to make informed decisions about the services and supports we rely on. Assigning a broker and taking away that choice would mean losing a trusted relationship that has taken four years to build. It would create unnecessary uncertainty for families who already face the challenges of navigating a complicated system.

I urge you to consider the real-life impact this decision would have on individuals and families like ours. These relationships are not interchangeable, and the people who provide these services become an important part of the support systems that help families maintain stability, dignity, and independence. Please protect our right to choose and retain the providers who know us, understand our needs, and have stood beside us through difficult changes and challenges. After four years of building trust and relying on this support, we should not have to lose a relationship that has been such an essential lifeline for our family.