Amid ongoing changes in government support and eligibility requirements, access to reliable resources has never been more important. In response to that need, The Arc of Massachusetts has launched The Resource Roundup, a series focused on sharing information and resources on a variety of topics vital to our community.
Many in our community rely on the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), so this month’s Roundup focuses on resources and tips about programs and improving access to DDS.
- Speed Up the DDS Eligibility Process:
- If, while waiting for an eligibility determination, your situation changes due to illness, housing instability, or other emergency, let your DDS Intake Teamknow so they can prioritize your case and move it through the eligibility process more quickly.
- If you have been assigned an Intake Specialist, reach out to that person and request the process be expedited and state the reasons why.
- If you have not heard back from DDS about your application, contact your region’s Intake Team, which is determined by the town where you live. Visit this site to find your regional DDS office.
- Once you identify your regional office, call and ask to speak with the Intake Team to request your eligibility determination be prioritized and the reasons why.
- Autism Waiver Program with DDS:
- The Autism Waiver Program offers intensive in-home services for children under 10 years old with a diagnosis of autism who have high behavioral, social, and communication needs. The child must be eligible for DDS services and MassHealth standard.
- The program’s services occur in the child’s home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained clinical staff for three years. Related support such as community integration activities and respite may also be offered.
- After three years, the child may access supplemental services to help with transition out of the program until their 10th birthday. To apply, parents submit an application during the Open Interest Request Period, which typically runs for two weeks in October. Not everyone who applies and is eligible gets into the program as it is a lottery system.
- Visit this webpage to learn more information about the Autism Waiver Program with DDS and the upcoming Open Interest Request Period this Fall.
- Visit this webpage to contact your nearest Autism Support Center.
- DDS Office of the Ombudsperson:
- If you have a concern about a DDS service or DDS provider that you’ve been unable to resolve after multiple attempts such as calling/writing service coordinators, copying supervisors and area directors, etc., you can escalate the issue by reaching out to Meghan Allen at the Office of the DDS Ombudsperson. You can leave a voice message for Meghan at (617) 821-1677, but should always follow up by email as that is the best way to document an issue or concern: Meghan.l.allen@mass.gov.
- The Ombudsperson should look into the situation, provide information to help you address the issue, or direct you to additional resources.
