Developmental Disability Services and Medicaid Waiver Programs

What Are Intellectual And Developmental Disability (IDD/ DD) Services ?

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be challenged with language, mobility, learning and independent living.

Developmental Disability (DD) services helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as:

  • Autism spectrum disorders, a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.
  • Cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and to maintain balance and posture.
  • Developmental delay, a delay in reaching key developmental milestones, such as talking, crawling, walking or rolling.
  • Down syndrome, a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome.
  • Other genetic disorders, includes all conditions which cause developmental or intellectual disability.
  • Intellectual disability, a disorder characterized by limits to a person’s ability to learn as expected.

DD Services provided varies by state. Services might include

Service Coordinations:

Support is provided to any child/adult with developmental disabilities review their current situation, identify needs, and make referrals for essential services. These services are reviewed at least annually.

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Family Support:

Family support provides assistance to families caring for their children with developmental disabilities at home. The program addresses the unique needs that arise when a child has a developmental disability.

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In-Home and Community Supports:

In-home supports are provided to eligible children/adults living in their family home to help them remain in their home and be engaged in the community. A child and their family are assisted to direct a person centered plan and budget and arrange for needed services.

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Behavior Support Services:

Behavior is supported through a structured plan that positively addresses the person’s behavior as well as his or her quality of life. Positive behavior support is based in the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and involves understanding factors that impact behavior including antecedents and consequences.

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Residential Care:

Residential care consists of group homes in local communities providing 24-hour supports, supervision and training to children with developmental disabilities. Group homes for children have 24-hour awake staffing.

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Waiver Programs

In some states DD services are provided through DD Waivers. These waiver programs provide person-centered, community oriented support to individuals with DD to live in their homes and participate in their communities. Many states have very long waitlist to receive a waiver program. Request to be place on the list as soon as possible to ensure your child has access to these services.