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Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities

 

  • Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
    • Find Local DDS Office
    • Eligibility
      DDS Services are based on eligibility and availability. The eligibility determination process begins when the patient or family contacts the patient's local DDS office. The Regional Intake and Eligibility Team then complete the intake process.

      Regarding Immigration Status- From The Disability Law Center: "Legal status should not impact eligibility."(5/22)

      For adults, DDS recently started using the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Process (MASSCAP) to determine what services a client qualifies for. There are four elements to the MASSCAP:

      • The Inventory of Client and Agency Planning (ICAP), which assesses the functional limitations of an individual to indicate the level of supervision required,
      • Resource availability,
      • Individual characteristics, and
      • Caregiver capacity

      MASSCAP will be part of the intake process for all new adults applying for DDS eligibility, as well as clients whose service needs are being re-evaluated.

      Referring to DDS as soon as the patient is diagnosed with a developmental disability is crucial. The sooner an individual is involved with a DDS office, the better their needs can be identified and addressed.

    • How to Apply (and applications)
      Contact the DDS Regional Eligibility Team directly at the Intake Referral Number for the appropriate office; or Complete the appropriate application and return to the DDS Regional Eligibility Coordinator.
    • DDS Client Rights (scroll down) - Mental Health Legal Advisors' advocacy tip sheets
      • Autism coverage- On August 6, 2014, Governor Patrick signed the Autism Omnibus Bill into law as Ch. 226 of the Acts of 2014. The law extends DDS eligibility to many persons with Autism, Prader Willi Syndrome and Smith-Magenis syndrome. Many individuals with autism do not have an IQ lower than 70 (previously required for DDS eligibility) but do have significant functional limitations (self care issues, mobility, learning issues). Rather than relying solely on an IQ criteria, DDS will be required to use the federal definition of “developmental disability” to expand eligibility to adults with ASD and PW who meet conditions for “substantial functional limitations”.
    • DDS Ombudsperson Program
      • They can help resolve conflicts, offer guidance, and make sure individuals and families are receiving their eligible DDS services. If you would like to connect with the Ombudsperson over a concern or question, email DDSOmbuds@mass.gov or call (617) 821-1677. Find more information on the DDS Ombudsperson website. 

  • DDS Participant Directed Program
    Offers flexibility to arrange and customize supports based on the DDS client’s needs and preferences. The individual can hire their own support staff and make other decisions about how to use their DDS funded allocation.

    To enroll in the Participant Directed Program, a person must:

    • be eligible for DDS supports
    • have an assessed need for the services to be provided
    • if applicable, be prioritized for DDS services
    • receive a DDS allocation
    • be willing and able to work cooperatively with a Support Broker
    • be responsible, working closely with a Support Broker, to manage their services and budget     

    See this DDS brochure.

    Massachusetts Real Lives is a searchable online database for Work, Day, Home or Help programs in Massachusetts for DDS clients who have enrolled in the Participant Directed Program. For more information, see Real Lives Massachusetts- Website Helps DDS Clients Self-Direct Services- MGH Community News, December 2018.
  • Housing Models for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Who are Not in State-Supported Housing, MGH Community News, October 2016

  • ExceptionalLives website
    • "How To" guides to help parents navigate the often unfamiliar situations they face in providing care for their exceptional family members. ExceptionalLives' first Guides show parents how to:
      • Be prepared for a potential crisis or emergency
      • Obtain guardianship or explore alternatives
      • Access social security (SSI) and other disability benefits
      • Optimize their child's health insurance
    • Exceptional Lives Resource Directory - a searchable online database of disability programs and providers in Massachusetts. Key populations are those with ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability. The directory covers a wide variety of services including ABA Therapy, Social Skills groups, Animal Assisted Therapy, Respite care, Social and Recreational Activities groups
  • Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)

  • Early Intervention 
    Early Intervention (EI) is a program to help infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have developmental delays or are at risk of developmental delays. Early Intervention teams work with children and their families to figure out what services are needed and the best way to provide those services. Staff disciplines on individual teams may include speech, occupational and physical therapists, developmental educators, social workers, psychologists and nurses. Early Intervention services are free for Massachusetts families with limited incomes.

  • Transition to Adulthood
    • 3LPlace (Transitioning to Adulthood for those with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities, MGH Community News, May 2013)
      • 3LPlace has developed a comprehensive transition curriculum which is free to families, educators, and non-profit organizations. They are also now accepting applications for a residential “Life College” program to being in January 2014.
    • Gateway Arts
      • Gateway Arts helps young people with disabilities transition from school to work in the arts.
    • Housing: Is My Intellectually Disabled Child Likely to be Entitled to a State-Funded Group Home? - MGH Community News, October 2017

  • Advocacy Guide for Families and Guardians (8/11)- Massachusetts COFAR (advocates for choice in, and access to comprehensive and high-quality care for persons with intellectual disabilities.)
    • Part 1: Advocating Effectively on Behalf of Your Family Members and Wards
    • Part 2: Getting Services (Determining Your Eligibility)
    • Part 3: Protections for Ricci Class Members and non-Class Members
    • Part 4: Individual Support Plans
    • Part 5: Guardianship
    • Part 5: Other Resources

  • Recognizing and Responding to abuse - R3: Recognize, Report and Respond is a free app that helps teach adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities how to recognize abuse and report it. Learn more (MGH Community News, July 2023)

  • Wandering Resources

See also: