1. Contact TECH’s Service Coordination Department to get started. We will take you to the Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO) to complete an application process starting with eligibility. Referrals can come from anywhere (school, doctor, parent, guardian, etc.), and services can be provided from birth to death.
2. Once eligible, the individual will choose a Service Coordinator who will help them navigate the complex system. Service Coordinators will assist with Medicaid qualifications, navigate other resources such as Social Security and HUD, broker community service offerings to best suit the needs of the individual and help with HCBS waiver access.
3. The Service Coordinators will also help connect the individual with access to the HCBS Waiver. There is typically a waiting list for this waiver, and the application will undergo a rigorous review before being accepted. The Service Coordinator will be able to help the individuals answer any questions about the process.
   Special notes for children: A child’s eligibility to receive services is not dependent on income or Social Security eligibility; Social Security is not required until the individual’s 19th birthday; For children who receive Medicaid Waiver services, only the income and assets of the child are considered in determining Medicaid eligibility; Currently, there is a multi-year waiting list for adult services. The earlier they get on, the better.

“Mental retardation” means substantial limitation in functioning manifested during the time from birth to age 18. This is characterized by significantly below average intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive behavior. Mental retardation includes limitations in two or more of the following adaptive skill areas:

• Communication
• Self-care
• Home living
• Social skills
• Community use
• Self-direction
• Health and safety
• Functional academics
• Leisure
• Work

“Developmental disability” is a condition that includes autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other physical and mental impairments. These conditions can result in severe chronic limitations such as:

• Self-care
• Learning and adapting
• Living independently
• Understanding and using language
• Mobility
• Economic self-sufficiency
• Self-direction in setting and accomplishing goals

This does not include individuals who are solely emotionally disturbed or have mental illness. This also does not include those who have disabilities exclusively as a result of aging.

Developmental disabilities in children under the age of six are defined as a severe chronic disability which:

• Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments.
• Results in at least three developmental delays as measured by qualified professionals.
• Reflects a need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary or generic care throughout their lifetime.

TECH will provide all the necessary information and steps to move a family member into residential services through the support and guidance of the person’s Service Coordinator. The Service Coordinator walks alongside a person served and their family, so the transitions into services can be seamle

There are many services covered by Medicaid. The Medicaid services that fund services provided by organizations like TECH are called Home and Community Based Services – Intellectual/Developmental Disability Waiver.

A student with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) stating so can remain in school until the age of 22.

There are many choices available after graduation: employment, community activities, recreation activities, technology activities, living outside the family home, as well as living inside of the family home.

TECH has been serving people with disabilities since 1973. If a parent or family member is no longer a part of the person’s life, TECH will step in, and with other community resources that might be needed, ensure all needs continue to be met.