DDS EXPANDS ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The Department on Disability Services Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDS/DDA) was established to coordinate supports and services for people with intellectual disabilities. The passage of the Developmental Disability Eligibility Reform Amendment Act (DDERAA) of 2022 expands eligibility for DDS/DDA services to people with developmental disabilities, not just intellectual disabilities. DDERAA ensures that eligible people with developmental disabilities who have long-term support needs can access critical community-based services. This new law will not impact people currently receiving services or people who have already been found eligible for services.
WHAT IS A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY?
- Down Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Fragile X Syndrome
People with developmental disabilities must also have substantial functional limitations in three (3) or more of the following areas of major life activities:
- Self-care
- Health and Safety
- Functional Academics
- Understanding and Use of Language
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for Independent Living
- Social Skills
WHAT DOES “SUBSTANTIAL FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION” MEAN?
“Substantial functional limitation” means that a developmental disability is so serious that it makes it very
difficult for a person to live everyday life independently. These limitations must be present across various
settings (home, school, work, and community).
WHAT DOCUMENTS OR RECORDS ARE NEEDED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR DDS/DDA SERVICES?
A completed application includes the following:
- Birth Certificate or Government Issued I.D. such as a driver’s license or non-driver’s I.D., a Supplemental
Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) card, etc. - Social Security Card, if available.
- Proof of District Residency: Current lease agreement, utility bill, statement from Social Security
- Administration listing address. Cell phone bills are not acceptable.
- DC Medicaid or public or private coverage, if available.
- Documents verifying the diagnosis of a developmental disability.
- Signed Release of Information.
Applicants will need to submit records that support the presence of a developmental or intellectual disability. Records may include any of the documents below:
- School Records/IEP
- Psychological or Psychiatric Evaluations
- Speech Language Evaluations
- Occupational Therapy Evaluations
- Physical Therapy Evaluations
- Diagnostic Assessments
- Vocational Assessments
- Genetic Assessments
- Annual Medical Evaluation
HOW CAN YOU GET THESE SERVICES?
Ask Dynamic Community Services!
At DCS, we embrace diversity and prioritize inclusivity. Our dedicated team of professionals will assist you in gathering all the necessary documents needed for enrollment and help with completing the DDA application. We will be there with you till the end!