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Funding Assistive Technology through the Arizona DES, Division of Developmental Disabilities
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is part of the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). DDD provides services and programs to individuals with developmental disabilities, such as: autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and mental retardation. The philosophy of DDD is that individuals may best be served in integrated community settings. Reflecting this, the majority of their programs are designed to meet individual needs at home and in community-based settings.
DDD provides services to persons with severe, chronic conditions that are manifested before age 18, including those mentioned above. Children under six with any of these conditions, who suffer from “functional limitations,” also receive services. A functional limitation is a restricted ability to accomplish daily activities of self care.
DDD services include case management, respite service, children’s programs, living skills training, adult services and residential support. These services are subject to the availability of state funding. The DDD also coordinates the delivery of Arizona Long Term Care Services (ALTCS) to their eligible clients.
Eligibility
Arizona residents age 6 and over who have one or more of the following developmental disabilities:
- Autism
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Mental Retardation
These conditions must be diagnosed and documented by a physician. If the disability has not been documented, the DDD intake worker with help arrange referrals for the necessary evaluations.
The individual must also have substantial functional limitations in three or more “major life activities”. These activities include:
- Self-care
- Receiving and expressing language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living, and
- Economic self-sufficiency. A child under age six may be eligible for DDD services if there is a demonstrated potential that the child is, or will become, developmentally disabled. This potential must be determined by appropriate tests given by a physician.
To be eligible, a child under age six must have a diagnosis of one of the four conditions mentioned, or be at risk for becoming developmentally disabled based on a identified delay of one or more areas of development. Additionally, services may be provided if it is likely that without services the child will become developmentally delayed or disabled.
Coverage
To apply for DDD services you must have a face-to-face interview with a DDD staff member and complete a written application form. Intake interviews may take place at the local DDD office or at your home. It is very important to have your birth certificate, social security number, proof of residency in Arizona (this could be a rental agreement, a utility bill, or an Arizona driver's license), guardianship papers (if applicable), proof of income, and medical records that document the disability.
Some of the services DDD provides include assistive technology devices and services. Examples of AT equipment that DDD has provided in the past includes: wheelchairs, walkers, augmentative communication devices, talking computers, and TTYs. All of this must be included in the individual’s IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) which is jointly developed by the DDD case manager and the family. This plan will outline the services to be provided, who is responsible for what and AT equipment that will be purchased by DDD.
If the individual is determined to be eligible, s/he will then be screened for possible referral to long-term care services provided by ALTCS. In addition, children under the age of three may be referred to the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) for services.
Contacts
- Any Arizona Department of Economic Security office, or the
Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities
- 1789 West Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 6123, Site Code 791A
Phoenix, Arizona 85005-6123
Voice: (602) 542-0419
Toll-Free: (800) 347-1695 TTY (Arizona Relay Service)
Fax: (602) 542-6870
- 1789 West Jefferson Street
DDD Regional Offices
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