Ddra Fact Sheet - Eligibility 01-29-09

What’s in Draft 1 of the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act (DDRA)? Who will Get Supports and Services? The draft DDRA will expand eligibility for services at the DC Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) over a 2 year period. For the first year after the DDRA becomes law, eligible people will be:
DC residents with intellectual disabilities;
Of all ages;
And their families. From 12 months to 24 months after the DDRA becomes law, eligible people will be:
DC residents with intellectual disabilities or with a developmental disability that has been designated by the DC Department on Disability Services (DDS);
Of all ages;
And their families. Beginning 2 years after the DDRA becomes law, eligible people will be:
DC residents with developmental disabilities;
Of all ages;
And their families. This 2-year roll-out will be guided by a Mayor-appointed Comprehensive Developmental Disabilities Task Force. The Task Force will develop a Plan to help DDA address priority needs over the 2 year period. The Plan will be complete within 9 months after the DDRA becomes law. Intake Process


A person asks DDA to determine his or her eligibility, and may ask anyone to help with making the request. A parent or guardian makes the request on behalf of a minor.




DDA must determine eligibility by no later than 40 days.




If DDA finds that a person is ineligible, DDA must refer and connect the person to other DC government services as well as community-based legal and advocacy services. Ineligibility can be appealed to the DDA Deputy Director and the DDS Director. A person can request a new eligibility determination if new information about the person’s residency or disability becomes available.




The District pays for assessments for eligibility determination, if the person does not have public or private health insurance.




DDA may provide services before determining eligibility, if the person is homeless or at risk of homelessness, if there is imminent risk of abuse or neglect, or if the Superior Court orders services for a person who has been found incompetent in a criminal case.

For more information, visit http://dc-ddleg.blogspot.com or contact the DDS MAC Legislative Committee through [email protected] or (202) 636-2963.