When DDA transitioned Individual & Family Services into a federal Medicaid Home & Community Based Services waiver, the following new services were added:
Peer Mentoring 
Support and guidance by a peer with a developmental disability, or the family member of a peer, who has a shared experience.
Peer Mentoring is for DDA clients who are enrolled in the Individual & Family Services (IFS) waiver and would benefit from a connection with a peer who has had similar experiences. The individual’s parent can also receive mentoring by another parent under the IFS waiver to benefit the individual. (See printable Peer Mentoring bulletin for examples.)
Services are Provided by organizations contracted with DDA for Peer Mentoring. Peer Mentors may not be an employee of DDA or Aging & Long Term Care Services Administration (ALTSA) or a family member of the waiver participant.
Person Centered Planning Facilitation
Developing a person-centered plan in any area of life with the help of a trained facilitator to guide the process.
Facilitated Person-Centered Planning is for DDA clients who are enrolled in the Individual & Family Services (IFS) waiver and need help to create a plan for home, community, school or work life that reflects their interests, strengths, and goals. (See printable Person Centered Planning Facilitation bulletin for examples.)
Services are Provided by an experienced professional who is contracted with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to facilitate person centered planning that includes:
- identifying and developing a potential circle of support;
- discovering capacities and assets, including family, neighborhood, and support network;
- creating an action plan;
- facilitating follow-up meetings.
Community Engagement
Developing creative, flexible, and supportive community resources for individuals with developmental disabilities to increase access to informal community supports.
Community Engagement is for DDA clients who are enrolled in the Individual & Family Services (IFS) waiver and need help to connect to their local community. The number of hours will be determined by an individual’s annual IFS benefit amount and other IFS services that may be included in their plan. (See printable Community Engagement bulletin for examples.)
Services are Provided by an individual or agency contracted with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to provide Community Engagement services. A provider may not be a parent of the participant or an employee of Aging and Long Term Care Services Administration (ALTSA) or DDA.
To Request These or Other IFS Services
Talk to your son/daughter’s DDA case manager at your annual assessment (if currently on IFS). If your family member is on DDA’s No Paid Services Caseload and lives at home with you, call the Service Request & Information Line to request Individual & Family Services (IFS).
There are currently enrollment openings in the IFS waiver program. Click here to learn more about other IFS services and benefit amounts.
Printable Bulletins
Printable, one-page bulletins are available for each of these services:
