OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 18, 2024) — Oklahoma Human Services continues to stay on track to end the 13-year Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) waitlist as evidenced by the most recent data release about Cohort 4.
After an historic investment from the Legislature, nearly 5,000 applications were divided into seven cohorts to receive services based on when they joined the waitlist. Once contact is made with families, there is a six- to nine-month process to transition someone off the waitlist and onto services.
As of Dec. 31, 36% of Cohort 4 are already approved or receiving services. Cohort 4 includes 914 applicants who joined the waitlist between Jan. 2014 and Jan. 2016.
“We are fulfilling our promise to process the 13-year waitlist within 24 months,” said DDS Division Director Beth Scrutchins. “It has been the greatest source of joy for all our staff to see how much this effort benefits Oklahoma families.”
To date, nearly 1,500 families from all Cohorts are approved or receiving services. For Cohorts 1-4, 39% are approved or receiving services.
“It’s been a tremendous team effort to make this happen,” said Dr. Deb Shropshire, director of Oklahoma Human Services. “Our focus now to is to make sure the momentum continues.”
Families on the waitlist are encouraged to update their information by emailing DDS.Waitlist@okdhs.org or calling 405-500-1866.
For more information, visit the DDS waitlist dashboard at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/dd/ddswaitlist.html
Media Contacts:
Ryan Stewart, Oklahoma Human Services, DDS Communications Coordinator
405-549-9188
Ryan.Stewart@okdhs.org
Natalie Wright, Candor
405-313-1153
natalie@candorpr.com
