What’s in Draft 1 of the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act (DDRA)? Supports and Services Under the draft DDRA, the DC Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) must provide a comprehensive system of supports and services for all persons who have been found eligible. Eligibility will expand over a two-year period, from persons with intellectual disabilities to persons with developmental disabilities, and will cover people across the lifespan.
DDA will develop, administer, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the system.
The system must make maximum use of federal funds.
For persons over the age of 18, the system will include: Support coordination; Information and referral; Transition planning; Community living (residential supports); Employment services; Supports to facilitate access to community recreation and social opportunities; Professional services (e.g., medical, psychological, vocation, social, educational, and rehabilitative services); o Community outreach and education; and o Any other assistance that DDA believes is needed to provided a comprehensive, coordinated system.
o o o o o o o
(Children and youth under age 18 and their families will be eligible for a range of Family Support Services, which will include in-home supports and respite.)
DDA must provide regular orientation sessions and trainings for people receiving services on supports and services, service planning, rights, and grievances.
Subject to the availability of funds, DDA will develop and administer pilot programs and research initiatives.
Supports and services will not replace or reduce other public benefits to people and their families, or be considered as resources or income in any eligibility determination or sliding fee scale.
For more information, visit http://dc-ddleg.blogspot.com or contact the DDS MAC Legislative Committee through
[email protected] or (202) 636-2963.