Developmental Disability Services
Our services help people live in their communities as independently as possible. We work to make sure people and their families know what resources are available.
There are two programs for people with developmental disabilities — Rule 185 and the Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver.
Rule 185 provides case management to navigate community resources. The DD waiver provides funding for services. You could be eligible for one or both programs.
An assessment is required to determine which services you qualify for.
Rule 185 Case Management
Case management that assists people with developmental disabilities to navigate community services. People can have Rule 185 Case Management without waiver eligibility. For more information, go to the Department of Human Services's CBSM - Rule 185 case management.
It is necessary to have:
- A medical diagnosis of a related condition
- A psychological assessment that diagnosed an intellectual disability
- A full scale IQ test and Adaptive Functioning Behavior Assessment completed by licensed psychologist
- A comprehensive three-year assessment from school or an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- For children age birth to 5 years, the child must be determined to have a substantial developmental delay by your school, medical professional or both.
- For individuals age 5 and older, the person must have qualifying full scale IQ and adaptive functioning scores (ability to adapt to their environment and manage daily living skills). A person may also be eligible if they have a related condition such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Seizure disorder and have limitations in self-care, communication, social skills, learning, mobility, self-direction and independent living.
Related condition is a diagnosis of severe, chronic disability that meets all of the following conditions:
- The developmental disability is part of a diagnosis of:
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Autism
- Other condition that causes developmental disabilities (not including mental illness)
- The condition causes impairment of intellectual functioning or behaviors similar to people with developmental disabilities. Condition requires treatment or services for the disability.
- Condition starts before the age of 22
- Condition is not temporary.
- Condition results in functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities:
- Self-care
- Understanding and use of language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver
Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver provides funding for services for children and adults with developmental disabilities or related conditions. The person will also receive Rule 185 DD Case Management if they qualify for the DD waiver.
It is one of several waiver programs in the state. To learn more, visit the Department of Human Services website.
To qualify the person must meet four eligibility requirements:
- Open or eligible for Medical Assistance.
- Have a Certification of Disability (federal or state)
- Meet program criteria determined by a MnCHOICES Assessment. The MnCHOICES Assessment is completed by the county the person resides in.
- Meet the Rule 185 criteria
A person can receive CFSS without being on a waiver. The MnCHOICES assessment will determine if a person qualifies for CFSS.
The MnCHOICES Assessment will assess the individual's needs and program eligibility. If you are eligible to go on a waiver, your case manager will work with you to access services to meet needs.
Additional resources
- Help Me Grow Program (under 5 years of age)
- Special Education Directory
- Disability Linkage Line at 1-866-333-2466
- First Call for Help – Dial 211 on your phone
- Early Childhood Development
- Minnesota Autism Portal
- Children's Mental Health (Behavioral Supports)
- PACER's Simon Technology Center Assistive Technology Lending Library
- Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Response, 952-891-7171