The Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Unit

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Unit is responsible for monitoring service providers and supports systems serving individuals who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities. The IDD Unit oversees the following:

• Developmental Disabilities (DD) eligibility program;
• DD Registry (also known as the “Waitlist”);
• Individualized Supports Waiver (ISW);
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver.

How does an individual meet Level of Care criteria?

To be eligible for the ISW or IDD waiver, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be determined through the Developmental Disability Determination Application to experience a developmental disability (DD) as defined by Alaska state law (AS 47.80.900(6):

• (6)“person with a developmental disability" means a person who is experiencing a severe, chronic disability that:
• A) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
• B) is manifested before the person attains age 22;
• C) is likely to continue indefinitely;
• D) results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
• self-care
• learning
• mobility
• expressive and receptive language
• self-direction
• capacity for independent living
• economic self-sufficency; and
• E) reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated;
• Submit a current Developmental Disabilities Registration and Review (DDRR) form that has been scored and placed on the DD Registry (also known as the “Waitlist”);
• Meet Alaska’s level of care (LOC) criteria for Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID LOC); and
• Be enrolled in Medicaid.

How is an individual determined to have a developmental disability (DD)?

In order for an individual with an intellectual and/or developmental disability to receive assistance through the State of Alaska, he/she must be determined developmentally disabled (DD) as defined by Alaska state law AS 47.80.900 (6).

The Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS) recognizes that completing and submitting the Developmental Disability Determination Application may be a challenging process. For assistance, we recommend contacting a Developmental Disabilities Resource Connection (DDRC) program representative who can assist with developmental disability (DD) application process, gathering documents and forms for Medicaid eligibility, and explaining what other services may be available. Review the DDRC Roster to find a DDRC representative in your area.

How does an individual currently get on the Developmental Disability Registry?

After the individual has been determined to experience a developmental disability, the next step is to complete and submit a Developmental Disabilities Registration and Review (DDRR) form While this form can be completed by the individual or their representative on their own, they are encouraged to seek assistance from a DDRC representative.

Once the DDRR form has been submitted, it will be scored and placed on the Developmental Disabilities Registry (also known as the “Waitlist”). The DDRR score is calculated according to the responses provided. Highest scores are drawn from the Registry as funds become available.

If the individual would like to remain on the DD Registry, the individual must submit an updated DDRR form every year.

Once drawn, how can an individual get assistance with the ISW or IDD waiver application process?

Once an individual is drawn for either the ISW or the IDD waiver, SDS sends a “Notice to Proceed” letter with a list of Care Coordinators in the individual’s local area. The individual or their legal representative choses a Care Coordinator and after the Care Coordinator has accepted the applicant as a client, the Care Coordinator will help the individual complete the ISW or IDD waiver process

How does an individual meet Level of Care criteria?

The individual’s Care Coordinator will submit the appropriate ICF/IID Level of Care application. Senior and Disability Services (SDS) will then assess the individual for level of care as defined in 7 AAC.130.215(3)

How does an individual enroll in Medicaid?

All waiver participants must be enrolled in Medicaid to access waiver services. To enroll in Medicaid, contact the Alaska Department of Health, the Division of Public Assistance. Short Term Assistance and Referral (DDRC) representatives are able to assist with this process as well.

Useful Forms and Information:

• ISW Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Developmental Disability (DD) Determination Application
• ISW/IDD Initial Application Checklist
• Process for Accessing IDD Services
  
• Developmental Disabilities Links
• SDS DD Registry Annual Reports
• DDRC Roster
• Search for a Provider
  

Staff Listings

• IDD Waiver Unit Organizational Chart
• IDD Waiver Unit Contact List (text-only version)
  

Contacts