Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through person-centered planning, stronger services, and community connections.
Delaware joined the Community of Practice for Supporting Families in 2016. Through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), the state is working to strengthen family supports, improve access to services, and integrate Charting the LifeCourse principles into everyday practices.
Delaware is focused on building a more coordinated, person-centered system of supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Through its internal Community of Practice and Ambassador Committee, the state is advancing efforts to simplify access to services, improve communication among providers, and incorporate Charting the LifeCourse tools into service planning and delivery.
These efforts include modernizing systems, strengthening community-based services, and improving how individuals and families navigate available supports.
Delaware is advancing several initiatives to improve services and strengthen supports for individuals and families.
Facilitator
Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
jennifer.tozer@delaware.gov
Director of Community Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
john.Eirdosh@delaware.gov
Deputy Director
Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
stacy.watkins@delaware.gov
Co-Director
Division Director
Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
jody.roberts@delaware.gov
Delaware is advancing initiatives to strengthen its Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) system, improve access to supports, and create more coordinated, person-centered services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Delaware has introduced improvements to expand access, strengthen service delivery, and better support individuals and families.
Revised and shortened the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) eligibility application.
Removed the upper age limit for the HCBS 1915(i) State Plan Amendment Pathways to Employment Program.
Amended the HCBS 1915(c) Lifespan Waiver to include Medical Residential Habilitation.
Expanded the authorized provider network.
Delaware is strengthening communication, accessibility, and culturally responsive services for Deaf individuals receiving DDDS supports.
Key initiatives include:
Building cultural competency in case management.
Enhancing communication for Deaf individuals receiving Residential Habilitation services.
Establishing enhanced recruitment rates for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) with American Sign Language (ASL) skills.
Updating quality assurance site reviews to include criteria specific to homes with Deaf residents.
Delaware has incorporated Charting the LifeCourse tools into electronic case records to strengthen person-centered planning and improve coordination among service providers.
The Client Data Management System (CDMS) project is designed to enhance the existing Therap database used by DDDS and its HCBS provider network.
Planned improvements include:
Additional system enhancements include:
Delaware is exploring new approaches to supporting individuals and families through three pilot initiatives:
Delaware is investing in workforce development initiatives to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and capacity of professionals supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Initiatives include:
Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS): dhss.delaware.gov/ddds/
