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Developmental Disabilities Services

9,894 individuals with developmental disabilities received either state funded or Medicaid financed services to live and work in their communities.

61% percent of adults in developmental disabilities services were employed in jobs in their communities – one of the highest percentages in the nation.

6,810 people are on a waiting list for community–based services from Developmental Disabilities Services.

Home and community-based services helped 5,051 Oklahomans with intellectual disabilities receive services in community settings. The Developmental Disabilities Services Division operates four home and community-based Medicaid waiver programs. Services provided through the waiver programs help eligible individuals live and fully participate in their home communities rather than in institutional settings. Services are arranged and coordinated through DDSD area staff and case managers.

The demand for community services continues to increase. The number of people requesting waiver services now exceeds the number of those receiving services. Fortunately, many of these individuals receive other supportive services from DDSD such as state funded sheltered workshop services, community integrated employment and, for certain eligible families, a monthly cash subsidy to help them care for a child living in the home.

Oklahoma continues to be recognized as a national leader in employment services for Oklahomans with intellectual disabilities. Sixty-one percent of service recipients are in supported employment, compared to the national average of 20 percent. In SFY 2012, DDSD partnered with the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council and joined the State Employment Leadership Network. The SELN is a member-based network of state intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities agencies committed to making changes in service systems to improve outcomes in integrated employment.

The Office of Client Advocacy provides advocacy services to residents of the resource centers and the Robert M. Greer Center, former residents of Hissom Memorial Center and other DDSD service recipients who have special advocacy needs. OCA advocates help individuals resolve issues involving access to needed services or the quality of services and provide an independent voice for all DDSD service recipients to ensure they are receiving necessary and appropriate services tailored to their specific needs.

75th Anniversary Factoid:

Oklahoma’s first Home and Community Based Waiver was approved by the federal government in 1985.