Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)
The Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides them with opportunities to live independently and in the most integrated setting possible.
Eligibility
To be eligible for services, a person must have an intellectual disability—or a closely related developmental disability, such as severe autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy—that substantially impairs intellectual or adaptive functioning. The disability must have originated from birth or during the developmental years (by age 18 for an intellectual disability, or by age 22 for a developmental disability).
Services are funded via state dollars and two types of Medicaid waivers, New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Waiver (COMP). The NOW waiver offers services and supports to individuals to enable them to remain living in their own family home and participate or live independently in the community. The COMP waiver serves individuals with more intensive needs, primarily provides residential care for individuals with I/DD. The waivers provide additional support for people who want to live at home or in other kinds of community living arrangements. All services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are designed to encourage and build on existing social networks and resources; promote integration into the community; and ensure safety.
Goals:
- Avoid need for institutional placement.
- Increase independence & quality of life in home/community.
- Ensure health, safety & welfare of participants.
Diagnosis includes intellectual disability or other closely related conditions, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or neurological problems. Requires level of care provided in an intermediate-care facility.
Services Offered:
- Community Living Support (CLS) – Services provided by a Direct Care Aide are individually tailored to assist with the acquisition, retention or improvement of skills related to participant’s continued residence in their family home.
- CLS RN, LPN – These skilled nursing services promote health and prevent further deterioration of health of an individual.
- Specialized Medical Supplies – Consist of food supplements, specialized clothing, incontinent supplies, and other supplies related to the individual’s disability.