Plan of action is to provide services within 18-24 months
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OKLAHOMA CITY (July 21, 2022) — Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) today announced a timeline of 18-24 months to end the 13-year wait list for Developmental Disability Services (DDS) and provide much-needed assistance to over 5,100 Oklahomans.
The announcement comes on the heels of a May 2022 legislative budget agreement providing funds to end the wait and increase provider rates.
“Thanks to our legislative partners and Governor, we now have the funds we need to end the wait,” said Secretary of Human Services Justin Brown. “We created a bold vision, and we’re overjoyed to execute on it. We are ready to work diligently and efficiently to connect families with long-awaited services they’ve so desperately needed.”
Liberty of Oklahoma is contacting the more than 5,100 families who applied for the wait list through May 1, 2022 and assisting them with obtaining documents for eligibility confirmation.
Beth Scrutchins, OKDHS division director, said she looks forward to the day every Oklahoman with developmental disabilities can lead a safer, healthier, more independent and fulfilling life.
“We’ve walked alongside these families as they’ve waited years for services to improve their loved ones’ quality of life, and we’re celebrating with them as they can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Scrutchins said. “We will work incredibly hard over the next 18-24 months to ensure every Oklahoman with developmental disabilities receives the support they need.”
For more information about the wait list and the timeline to end services, visit www.ourokdhs.org/s/dds-waivers.
