More Oklahoma families will be contacted to prepare to transition on to Oklahoma Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) beginning in October 2025.

DDS is set to begin working with Cohort 11, which includes 756 people who applied between June 2024 and December 2024.

With the processing of Cohort 11, DDS's historic progress to become a no-wait state is still on schedule. The waitlist that once stood at 13 years in 2022 is now reduced to just one year. So far, almost 2,700 waitlist families are now approved or receiving services.

“I am thrilled we are continuing the important work of connecting families to receive the vital support they need for their loved ones to thrive,” said Developmental Disabilities Services Director Beth Scrutchins. “We remain on-track toward becoming a no-wait state.”

To support families positioned to transition onto services, DDS is hosting two more Regional Family Meetings in Oklahoma City on Oct. 13 and Tulsa on Oct. 15.

The PossABLE Regional Family meetings provide resources and information to families as they prepare. DDS has held more than 30 of these meetings across the state so far.

“These meetings have become a staple of our efforts to get families started off on the right foot and our goal is for families to leave with all their questions answered,” said Scrutchins. “I highly encourage eligible families to attend these uplifting and informative sessions.”

Eligible families will receive invitations to regional meetings based on their application date. The upcoming October meetings are for families who applied for DDS services between November 2023 and December 2024.

Sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While registration is required, the meeting is free. Additionally, the cost of attendance can be offset with a $100 stipend provided to families who need to cover related travel or caregiver expenses. Families who have attended previous meetings can register to attend but will not receive the stipend.

To sign up, find location details or learn about the stipend, families can call 844-944-9301 or visit https://bit.ly/DDSRFM.