In the State of Ohio, the guidelines for eligibility depend on the age of the individual. After the initial evaluation, eligibility has to be reevaluated at ages 3, 6 and 16 years. Contact your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities to see if your son or daughter qualifies for the following services:
- Ages 0 to 3 Years (Early Intervention)
- Ages 3 to 5 Years (Early Childhood)
- Ages 6 to 15 Years (Children)
- Ages 16 Years and older (Adult)
Ages 0 to 3 Years (Early Intervention)
Early intervention services are provided to children up to age 3 who have delays in development or who may be at risk for delays in development due to medical complications or environmental factors. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities works with the Ohio Help Me Grow program to provide home-based therapy, programming and supports through the development of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Families learn ways to improve and enhance their child's development and are connected to resources in the community. Contact your Ohio Help Me Grow county office or your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities to see if your child is eligible.
Ages 3 to 5 Years (Early Childhood)
Early childhood services are provided to children ages 3 to 5 if they have two developmental delays or a risk of developmental delay due to medical or environmental risk. Some areas offer preschool programs that are individualized to meet each child's needs and offer assistance and support to families. Families should also contact their local school district to see if their child is eligible for admission into the district's preschool program.
Ages 6 to 15 Years (Children)
Many children who received support before the age of 6 may not continue to qualify for services. Additional criteria for eligibility must be met. A child must have a diagnosis of a life long developmental disability. The diagnosis must be made by a qualified professional and a report submitted verifying the diagnosis. A representative from the Board of Developmental Disabilities will evaluate the child asking a series of questions from the Children's Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI). In order to be eligible for services, the child must show deficits in at least three of the six life skill areas considered:
- Self-Care
- Communication
- Mobility
- Learning
- Self-Direction
- Capacity for Independent Living
Ages 16 Years and Older (Adult)
The individual must have a diagnosis of a life long developmental disability that began before the age of 22. The diagnosis must be made by a qualified professional and a report submitted verifying the diagnosis. A representative from will evaluate the individual asking a series of questions from the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI). In order to be eligible for services, the individual must show deficits in at least three of the seven life skill areas considered:
- Self-Care
- Communication
- Mobility
- Learning
- Self-Direction
- Capacity for Independent Living
- Economic Self-Sufficiency
Eligible individuals may qualify for a variety of specialized services including behavior supports, crisis intervention, educational programs through age 22, transition services, vocational training, employment, adult day programs, residential facilities, supported living in the community and therapy services. You can read more about adult day services from Developmental Disabilities Services.