Personal Assistant Program

Personal Assistant Program The Personal Assistant (PA) Program assists individuals with disabilities who need support to live independently in their homes. The program helps consumers seeking services through the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Home Services Program, provides referrals for in-home care, and offers a list of trained Personal Assistants to individuals who are already approved for DRS services. The program also assists individuals who are interested in becoming Personal Assistants and providing support to people with disabilities who wish to remain living independently in their homes. Need Assistance Applying for In-Home Care? If you have a long-term disability and need assistance applying for the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Home Services Program for an in-home caregiver (Personal Assistant), please contact the PA Coordinator. The PA Coordinator can answer questions about eligibility and assist you with making a referral to DRS. Looking for a Personal Assistant? If you need an in-home caregiver (Personal Assistant) and are an eligible recipient of the DRS Home Services Program, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) can provide you with a list of trained Personal Assistants who may be available to provide services.

Personal Assistant (PA) Orientation

Are you interested in working as a Personal Assistant (PA) for someone with a disability who receives Home Services in Will or Grundy County?

Our free PA Orientation will explain what the job involves and how to get started.

After you complete the orientation, your name and contact information will be added to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) Personal Assistant Registry. Home Services customers who are looking for a PA can use this registry to find and contact potential assistants. To register for an orientation or learn more, call 815-729-0162.

Orientation includes information on: DRS guidelines, identifying the customer’s needs, potential tasks listed on the service plan, timesheets, payment schedule, information about Center for Independent living, and more.

Please note: Completing the orientation does not guarantee employment. Disability Resource Center (DRC) is NOT your employer. The orientation simply allows your name to be added to the referral list available to eligible Home Services customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Personal Assistant (PA)?

A Personal Assistant helps individuals with disabilities live independently in their own homes. PAs work for customers who receive services through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS/DRS) Home Services Program.

Each customer has a service plan that outlines the assistance they need. Services may include: dressing, bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and other daily living activities.

Who pays the Personal Assistant?

Personal Assistants are paid through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS/DRS).

Who is my employer?

The person receiving Home Services is your employer—not the Disability Resource Center.

How do I find a PA job?

After completing the PA Orientation, your name is added to the Personal Assistant Registry. When Home Services customers are looking for a PA, they can receive the registry by mail, email, or pick up from DRC. Customers contact PAs directly if they are interested in hiring them.

Personal Assistant Application - Online Form