What’s in Bill 18-

18-501,
501,
the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act (DDRA)?

Who will Get Supports and Services?

Currently, the D.C. Developmental Disabilities

Administration (DDA) serves D.C. residents with
intellectual disabilities who are age 18 or older. The DDRA
will expand eligibility for DDA supports and services over a
2 year period.

Time after Eligibility criteria

DDRA takes
effect

0 to 12 D.C. resident, of any age, with an

months intellectual disability.

12 to 24 D.C. resident, of any age, with an

months intellectual disability or a developmental
disability as identified in regulation.

24 months D.C. resident, of any age, with a

developmental disability.

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A Comprehensive Developmental Disabilities Task Force,
appointed by the Director of the D.C. Department on
Disability Services, will guide this 2-year roll out. The Task
Force will develop a Plan to help DDA address priority
needs over the 2 years. The Plan will be complete 9 months
after the DDRA becomes law.

Intake Process

A person asks DDA to determine his or her eligibility,

and may ask anyone to help with making the request. A
parent or guardian makes the request on behalf of a
minor.

DDA must determine eligibility within 40 days.

If DDA finds a person ineligible, DDA must refer and

connect the person to other DC government services and
community services. Ineligibility can be appealed to the
DDA Deputy Director and the DDS Director. A person
can ask for a new eligibility determination if new
information arise about the person’s residency or
disability.

The District pays for assessments for eligibility

determination, if the person does not have public or

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 private health insurance. Seeking health insurance
reimbursement is not grounds for delaying the eligibility
determination.

DDA may provide services before determining

eligibility, if the person is homeless or at risk of
homelessness, if there is imminent risk of abuse or
neglect, or if the Superior Court orders services for a
person who has been found incompetent in a criminal
case.

October, 2009. For more information, visit http://dc-

ddleg.blogspot.com or contact the DDS MAC Legislative
Committee through tjsutcliffe@arcdc.net or (202) 636-2963.

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