The Developmental Disabilities Home and Community-Based Waiver (DD Waiver) is a form of funding available through Medicaid that will pay for a variety of services to assist persons with develop-mental disabilities to live in local communities rather than in institutions or nursing homes.

The Developmental Disability Waiver can pay for staff to support an individual in his or her own home up to 24 hours a day (assisted and supported living) or will pay for a family or friends to support an individual in another home setting (home-based services).  Residential services available from the Developmental Disability Waiver can also include some nursing support, help with medication, assistance with daily living, personal care, nutrition, housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation and access to the community. The Developmental Disability Waiver will pay for therapy services from occupational, physical, speech and behavior therapists in your home or their office. The Developmental Disability Waiver also pays for services outside of the home, including supported employment and day habilitation.

In order to receive Developmental Disability Waiver services, you must apply and be determined eligible for waiver funding. Currently, there is a four to five year wait for Developmental Disability Waiver services from the date of application to the date of allocation (when you are notified that funding for you has been made available). The Arc Advocates can provide detailed information about the services available through the Developmental Disability Waiver, and information about how to apply and the providers offering waiver services.