Developmental disability waiver information

The developmental disability waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Waiver service may be provided in a person’s home, in a relative’s home, or in a foster care home.

Developmental Disabilities waiver program information
DD waiver fact sheet

Rule 185 Case Management

This program provides eligible persons with developmental disability or related conditions assists persons in gaining access to needed social, medical, educational and other supports and services. The case manager works on behalf of the person to identify their unique needs and to minimize the impact of the disability on the person’s life while assuring continuity of services and supports for the person.

Re-evaluation of children at 5 years

 
Children with a global developmental delay diagnosis who are receiving developmental disabilities services in Minnesota are required by law to have a re-evaluation of intelligence and adaptive skills between their 5th and 6th birthdays. 

Before 5 years, children commonly are given a less specific diagnosis to account for developmental changes that may occur. By 6 years, intelligence and adaptive testing will produce a more specific diagnosis.
 
When your child is due for a re-evaluation, it is important to schedule testing with a licensed and qualified psychologist, certified school psychologist or certified psychometrist. Testing should include standardized tests of intellectual functioning, assessments of adaptive behavior, adaptive skills and developmental functioning.
 
It is advisable to also make sure that the psychologist or clinic you choose is covered by your health insurance.
 
It is very important to schedule this appointment as soon as possible as many qualified psychologists have long waiting lists. To continue services without interruption, the county must receive these test results before the child's 6th birthday. 

Semi-independent living skills services

A staff person will go to clients' homes to support them while they learn the skills they need to live in the community. Staff could help with budgeting and paying bills, cooking, shopping, running a household or learning about the community. Staff may go to their homes every day or only once a week.
The county that clients live in will pay for the service if there is money available. Each county has limited resources, and clients may have to wait to receive this service, even if they are eligible. 

Vocational services and Pre-vocational services

These are designed to prepare people for paid or unpaid employment and are reflected in the plan of care. 

Supported employment services

This program helps people obtain and retain competitive employment. 

Day training and habilitation

These are licensed supports to help people develop and maintain life skills, participate in community life and engage in activities of their own choosing.