A developmental disability is defined as a disability that occurs before the person’s 22nd birthday, is a substantial disability to the person and which is caused by mental retardation or other similar conditions that may include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or other neurological conditions when those conditions result in limited intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to a person with mental retardation.

Most people found to have a developmental disability have an IQ of 70 or less and they have significantly limited skills in two or more areas of these areas, as measured by a standardized assessment: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work. The limitations of skills must be because of, or significantly influenced by, the person’s limited intellectual skills, not only because of physical or sensory limits or mental illness.

A child who is less than 5 years of age will be eligible if he/she is determined to have a developmental delay under these conditions:

• At risk of having a developmental disability because of issues often associated with delays, including chromosomal conditions, congenital syndromes and conditions, sensory impairment, metabolic disorders, prenatal and perinatal infections, significant medical problems, postnatal acquired problems and infants born weighing less than 1200 grams (approximately 2 lbs. 10 oz.)
• Significant delays in development in communication, adaptive behavior, social-emotional skills, motor, sensory or cognitive skills
• Under age 3 living with one or both parents who have a developmental disability

Anyone needing services through a Medicaid Waiver, which pays for Comprehensive Services, Supported Living Services and Children’s Extensive Support, must also meet eligibility requirements for Medicaid, including Level of Care certification for long-term care.

>> Click here to download an Eligibility Checklist (.pdf)

Eligibility information is gathered by Envision case managers and presented to the Envision eligibility referral committee. This interdisciplinary committee consists of at least a case manager, a psychologist, one or more approved service agency directors or designees, and a designee of the Envision executive director. Other entities such as school districts or vocational rehabilitation may also be represented. This committee meets monthly to determine whether applicants are developmental disabled/delayed and therefore eligible to receive services and supports through Envision. The committee may also make recommendations for enrollment into Title XIX Medicaid programs and to a regional center for long-term or short-term placement. Applicants, parents or legal guardians and/or authorized representatives may attend committee meetings pertaining to their specific cases.

>> Click here to download a Services Application (.pdf)

To get started, view our eligibility criteria, call 970.313.2659 or email us today.