What is the Virginia Developmental Disability Waiver Program?
The Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver Program aims to empower successful living, learning, health, employment, recreation, and community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). There is a waiting list for program services, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need. Once an individual is allocated a slot, they will be offered one of three waivers based on their need and the resources of the local Community Services Board (CSB):
Building Independence (BI) Waiver
Family and Individual Support (FIS) Waiver
Community Living (CL) Waiver
Who is eligible?
Eligibility for the program is based on:
Diagnostic criteria consistent with the state’s definition of developmental disability
Functional criteria under the Virginia Individual Developmental Disability Eligibility Survey (VIDES). (VIDES Adult, VIDES Child, VIDES Infant)
Financial eligibility requirements for the Virginia Medicaid program. Family income is not considered for Medicaid Waiver eligibility, and an individual does not need to be enrolled in Medicaid to apply for a waiver slot. However, they must apply and qualify for Medicaid prior to using the waiver.
What services are covered?
Services covered under the program regardless of waiver include:
Employment & Day Supports
Community Engagement
Community Coaching
Group Day Services
Supported Employment
Crisis Supports
Community-Based Crisis Supports
Center-Based Crisis Support Services
Residential Options
Shared Living
Additional Services
Assistive Technology
Benefits Planning Services
Employment and Community Transportation
Environmental Modifications
Electronic Home-Based Services
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
Community Guide
Transition Services
Peer Mentor Supports
How do you apply?
To apply for the Developmental Disability Waiver services, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB). The CSB staff will determine if the individual:
meets the definition of a developmental disability and
meets the functional criteria as assessed on the VIDES screening tool