Your child and family may be able to access services through community programs in addition to school. These services are based on eligibility criteria. The following pages will describe what criteria needs to be met by a child/adult to qualify for services through Kansas’ Community Developmental Disability Organization.
The following is the contact information by state:
Kansas—These services could include Home & Community Based Services, known as HCBS or direct financial support options through your local CDDO or Community Developmental Disabilities Organization.
Missouri—These services are provided through organizations known as Regional Centers.
For more information see: http://www.dmh.mo.gov/mrdd/mrddindex.htm
• Kansas CDDO
• Missouri Regional Centers
The CDDO in each designated geographic region of Kansas uses the following eligibility criteria determined by Kansas SRS Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Services. This criterion is not intended to define mental retardation or developmental disabilities, but to define the population who is eligible to receive services.
Mental retardation means substantial limitation in functioning that is manifested during the time from birth to age 18 years and is characterized by significantly below average intellectual functioning co-existing with deficits in adaptive behavior, including related limitations in two or more of the following adaptive skill areas:
| 1. Communication | 6. Self-direction |
| 2. Self-care | 7. Health and Safety |
| 3. Home living | 8. Functional Academics |
| 4. Social Skills | 9. Leisure |
| 5. Community Use | 10. Work |
Developmental disability means a condition such as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or similar physical or mental impairment. In addition, developmental disability is evidenced by severe, chronic limitations which:
Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments AND is manifested before age 22 AND is likely to continue indefinitely AND results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas:
| 1. Self-care | 2. Understanding and using language |
| 3. Learning and adapting | 4. Mobility |
| 5. Living independently | 6. Economic self-sufficiency |
| 7. Self-direction in setting goals and accomplishing these goals | |
AND reflects a need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment, or other services which are lifelong, or extended in duration and are individually planned and coordinated. This does not include individuals who are solely severely emotionally disturbed or seriously and persistently mentally ill or have disabilities solely as a result of infirmities of aging.
For children under age six, developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability which:
Source: Adapted from Johnson County CDDO 11/00 version
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program in which a monthly payment is made to people with low income, limited resources, and who have a developmental disability. A child under age 18 can qualify if he/she meets Social Security’s definition of disability for children, and the parent's income and resources fall within eligibility limits. When a child turns 18 years of age, the parent's income is no longer considered when determining eligibility. One can apply for SSI 30 days prior to their 18th birthday.
The payment amount differs from state to state because some states add to the SSI payment. Although SSI is managed by the Social Security Administration, it is not paid out of Social Security trust funds. SSI is paid for by the U.S. Treasury general funds.
For more information or to apply for SSI call 1-800-772-1213 or visit the website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
The Kansas Cash Assistance program is a cash disbursement to the parent(s) of a child with a developmental disability. It is paid quarterly in payments of approximately $623. This money is allocated annually out of state funds, distributed to the local CDDOs, and then sent to the individual families. This assistance depends on the availability of these funds. There is no age limitation and no income guidelines.
Cash Assistance can be provided during the lifetime of the person as long as the above conditions are met or until the child/person begins receiving HCBS waiver services. Cash Assistance payments are allowed while the child/person is on the waiting list for HCBS waiver services. Once the person is offered HCBS waiver they must take it and then cash assistance is discontinued when the HCBS waiver becomes effective. Children under the age of 5 may apply for cash assistance. To apply for Kansas Cash Assistance contact your local CDDO.
Medicaid, a federally funded medical assistance program, is available for children and adults who meet certain qualifications. Those with developmental disabilities who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are one group that is eligible for Medicaid.
Medicaid has many special programs. One program covers healthcare for children under age 18 with developmental disabilities who live in low-income households. Other programs cover HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) waivers for children and adults with developmental disabilities, regardless of income. However, income is considered to determine if and how much a family shares in the cost of provided services.
In Kansas, applications for Medicaid are available from Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) area offices. For more information on Medicaid in Kansas see www.srskansas.org
In Missouri, applications for Medicaid are available from Department of Social Services (DSS) area offices. For more information on Medicaid in Missouri see www.dss.mo.gov
In May 2002, the Kansas Legislature passed a proviso, as part of the Omnibus Appropriation Bill that authorizes the Secretary of SRS to collect fees from parents for services provided to their children by an institution or program of the department. Children receiving services through the following:
This proviso takes into consideration parent’s income; ability to pay based on a sliding scale; parent fee waived if hardship can be demonstrated; and the child cannot lose the Home and Community Based waiver or Family Preservation services if parent fails to pay.
