Nearly all services delivered through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) are through a federal Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver. They’re called waivers because they waive the option to receive services in an institutional setting, choosing instead to receive the same or similar services in their own home and community. DDA has five different waivers, each with its own set of services and funding limits.
Individual & Family Services (IFS)
For children and adults living in the family home. Services include Specialized Habilitation, Community Engagement, Assistive Technology, Respite, Skilled Nursing (age 21+), Risk Assessment, Stabilization Services, Therapeutic Adaptations, Environmental Adaptations, Vehicle Modifications, Specialized Equipment/Supplies, OT/PT/Speech/Hearing & Language (age 21+), Staff/Family Consultation, Peer Mentoring, and Person-Centered Plan Facilitation. Annual funding levels are based on assessed need: $1,560, $2,340, $3,120, $4,680.
Basic Plus
For children and adults living in the family home or other community-based setting whose ability to continue being supported in that setting is at risk without additional services. Services include: Assistive Technology, Specialized Habilitation, Community Engagement, Community Inclusion, Respite, Skilled Nursing (age 21+), Risk Assessment, Stabilization Services, Therapeutic Adaptations, Environmental Adaptations, Specialized Equipment/Supplies, OT/PT/Speech/Hearing & Language Services (age 21+), Staff/Family Consultation, Supported Employment.
CORE
For children and adults at immediate risk of out-of-home placement who have a need that cannot be met by the Basic Plus waiver, and who may need up to 24-hour residential services that include training and education; or, who may require daily to weekly one-on-one support for physical or health needs. Services include most services under Basic Plus*, as well as supported living and community transition services. (*CORE waiver services provide more funding for services than Basic Plus, based on assessed need.)
Children’s Intensive In-Home Behavioral Support (CIIBS)
For children (ages 8-20) living in the family home who are at risk of out-of-home placement due to the intensity of their behavioral challenges. Services are based on a wraparound approach of support and team-based planning that builds upon strengths and works toward outcomes driven by the family. Each child’s team includes family, friends, providers, school staff, and others. Services include: Specialized Habilitation, Respite, Assistive Technology, Risk Assessment, Stabilization Services, Specialized Clothing, Music & Equine Therapies, Therapeutic Adaptations, Environmental Adaptations, Vehicle Modifications, Specialized Equipment & Supplies, Peer Mentoring, and Person-Centered Plan Facilitation.
Community Protection
For adults who need 24-hour on-site awake staff supervision and therapies to maintain their own and community safety. The goal of the Community Protection program is to provide a structured, therapeutic environment for persons with community protection issues in order for them to live safely and successfully in the community while minimizing the risk to public safety. Community Protection services include all services under the CORE wavier, except: Community Engagement, Respite, Wellness Education and community Inclusion.
Learn More
Step by Step Guide to Waiver Eligibility, Assessments and Enrollment
DDA Waiver Changes Effective October 1, 2020
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