Applying for Service Coordination Services

Who is eligible for "DD Services" in Oregon? The state criteria for eligibility is stated in the Oregon Revised Statutes and in Oregon Administrative Rules. (Click here for more on eligibility criteria.) In general, individuals who are diagnosed with mental retardation or related developmental disabilities, and who need significant supports in order to carry out activities of daily living, may be eligible for Community Developmental Disability Program services. The best way to find out if you or your family member is eligible for services is to make an application at your local Community Developmental Disability Program. The rules require that you receive a written decision about your application. Where are the Administrative Rules about Developmental Disability Program Services? OAR 411-320-0010. Where are the Administrative Rules about who is eligible for services? OAR 411-320-0080. See also the "Definitions" section at the beginning of the CDDP rule: OAR 411-320-0020.

What information does the Service Coordinator (sometimes called the Case Manager) need in order to determine if an applicant is eligible? The DD intake worker or Service Coordinator needs psychological and medical documentation of the conditions that are to be considered in determining whether or not the applicant's conditions meet the state's criteria for eligibility. Usually copies of cognitive evaluations, IQ tests, assessments of adaptive functioning, medical diagnoses and assessments are needed. Additional documents may be needed depending on the individual application. Is my income or age a consideration? No. A decision about eligibility is based only on whether or not a person's conditions meet Oregon's definitions of mental retardation or related developmental disabilities. Does it matter if I wait to enroll in services until later? Yes!! Documentation showing that the applicant's condition was present before age 18 (or 22 for developmental disabilities other than mental retardation) are very important. If you wait, the schools, doctors, or hospitals may no longer have the records you need to prove your eligibility.