The Children's Developmental Disabilities program in Idaho helps families of children with developmental disabilities get the services and support they need.
But applying for it can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why I created this step-by-step guide for parents to apply for children's developmental disabilities services in Idaho.
I'll show you what information to include in the application, help you organize yourself through the process, and help you prepare for the assessment interview. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite tools for navigating the application process without losing your mind…let’s dive in!
What is the Children's Developmental Disabilities program?
It’s a program designed to offer additional help to families raising children with developmental disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and/or intellectual impairment. There are two ways you can access the program:
- Traditional Services allow you to receive care through an agency that provides you respite care as well as a community support worker who can assist your child with various tasks (like staying on routine and practicing skills they’ve learned at therapy).
- Family Directed Services allow you to hire your own respite providers and community support workers (and decide how much they are paid). It also allows you to purchase approved therapeutic items, like sensory equipment, that the Medicaid card will not pay for. It also covers certain therapies such as water therapy, music therapy, and hippotherapy from approved providers.
Step 1: Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
To qualify for the program, a child must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or younger.
- Have Medicaid coverage.
- Be an Idaho resident.
- Have US citizenship, or be an eligible non-citizen.
- Have a qualifying disability diagnosis.
- Meet the assessment requirements for the program.
Step 2: Apply for Medicaid (and get approved).
You cannot apply for the program unless your child has already been approved for Medicaid, either based on financial need, or through the Katie Beckett Waiver program for disabled children.
For a complete walkthrough of how you can apply for Idaho’s Katie Beckett Waiver, please click here.
Please note, it may be possible to apply for both the Katie Beckett Waiver and the Developmental Disabilities program at the same time. If you do this, I would be sure to include a note on each application that you are applying for both programs simultaneously. As you’ll see, the application for both programs is very similar…
Step 3: Organize your paperwork.
If you already applied for Medicaid and kept copies of your notes and paperwork, this step should be a breeze! If not, no worries. You’ll need to gather the appropriate paperwork that proves your child’s diagnosis or get a Related Conditions form signed by your physician.
I walk you through all the steps on how to organize your paperwork in this article.
The front page of the Developmental Disabilities Program application lists the information you need to submit based on the diagnosis you are applying under.
Step 4: Complete and submit your application.
You can find the application here. It isn’t long and should take just about an hour to complete if you have all your paperwork handy. They currently accept applications via email and fax, or you can hand deliver it if you are close to the Nampa, Idaho area.
If you have any questions on how to fill out the application, call Central Intake at (208) 334-6500, or toll-free at 1-877-333-9681.
Step 5: Wait to be called for an assessment appointment.
Once your application is received, it will be passed on to a third-party assessment service called Liberty Healthcare. They will then schedule an assessment with you to determine if your child meets the eligibility requirements.
It will be very similar to the assessment you did if you applied for the Katie Beckett waiver, in fact, the assessor from Liberty may rely on that assessment alone to help determine your eligibility…
Remember, during the assessment to answer all the questions as if your child is alone, without any support, and having a very bad day. This isn’t the time to downplay your child’s needs… to get them the support they need, you should be honest and realistic about all the ways they struggle.
Liberty is also the one who determines the amount of your child’s yearly Developmental Disabilities Budget (as of 2023, the current maximum of $14,900 per year). You will be notified in the mail of your child’s acceptance into the program, usually with a letter from Liberty telling you what their annual budget is…make sure you keep it safe as you will need it to access services!
If for some reason your application is denied and you want to appeal the decision, you can get the information you need to do so here.
Conclusion
I hope this step-by-step guide has helped you better understand the process of applying for Developmental Disabilities Services in Idaho. Your child deserves the help and support they need to thrive, and so do you.
The application process is challenging, can be overwhelming, and sometimes, it feels so very, very depressing…who likes to talk for three hours about how much their child struggles?!
That’s why I’ve created a series of helpful resources to guide you through this process so you can come out the other side as an Empowered and Engaged Autism Parent - you can check them out here:
- Check out this series of guided, autism-specific meditations that will help you manage your feelings of overwhelm, and help you reconnect with yourself (and your child).
- Snag your FREE self-care guide and create a personalized self-care routine that works for autism parents like you…all in 10 minutes a day or less!
- Follow these simple steps to help you feel better after the assessment phone call…that one can be a doozy for sure!
I hope they help you navigate the diagnosis process with ease, clarity, and a sense of peace. You’re doing the right thing for your child, and I am so proud of the hard work and effort you're putting in on their behalf. You got this!
Meet your self-care coach!
