Developmental Disabilities Program
Eligibility

According to state law (AS. 47.80.900 (7), the term developmental disability(DD) means a severe, chronic disability that:

Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; is manifested before the individual attains age 22; is likely to continue indefinitely;

• results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
  • self care
  • receptive and expressive language;
  • learning;
  • mobility;
  • self direction; capacity for independent living;
  • economic self-sufficiency;
• and reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic assistance, supports or other services that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.

Examples of types of developmental disabilities are mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and seizure disorder. Mental illness and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may also be developmental disabilities. However, the disability must result in substantial functional limitations and meet the other criteria in the definition in order to qualify as a DD.

How do I apply for DD Services?

Contact the regional office closest to your community and request an Eligibility Determination and Request for Services Application Packet.

How are Services delivered?

Services are delivered through local nonprofit and other agencies in different communities across the state. A list of these agencies is available on this website.

Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC Waiver)

Eligibility Criteria

Not restricted to a specific disability type or diagnosis. The child must have a severe and chronic physical condition that results in a prolonged dependency on medical care or technology to maintain well being.

The severe and chronic physical condition must be expected to continue for more than 30 days.

The child must experience periods of illness to the point that it may be life threatening if not treated promptly.

The child must have the need for very close, extraordinary supervision to monitor his or her health condition.

The child must frequently need specialized treatments to maintain the stability of his or her health, or must be dependent on mechanical support devices to maintain his or her health status.

Without the services provided by this waiver, the child would require a level of care that is found in a nursing facility or hospital.

Must meet the disability severity qualifications for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The Mental Retardation/Developmental Disability Waiver is restricted to children and adults with mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or a related condition like that of mental retardation.

The disability must cause substantial functional limitations in three or more major life areas:

• self-care
• understanding and use of language
• learning
• mobility
• self-direction
• capacity for independent living
• economic self-sufficiency

Must need care that would allow admission to an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retard (ICF/MR). Alaska has closed all of its ICF/MR facilities, but this level of care criteria still must be met.

Must qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).