BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS FOR THE LIFE YOU CHOOSE

Eligibility Services Overview

The goal of Eligibility Services is to help people who are applying for services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), as well as those who are on DDA’s waiting list for services. Eligibility Services staff help eligible students who are graduating out of the school system to learn about and select adult services, and they also help people with the Medicaid Waiver process.

Eligibility and Access
E&A Coordinators process DDA services applications for persons referred by the Southern Maryland Regional Office. The process generally requires an interview and copies of certain documents. Written recommendations are submitted to DDA, which makes the decision regarding eligibility for services.

Transitioning Youth
The Transitioning Youth Coordinator works with DDA and the County School System to help students who are deemed eligible for DDA Day or Supported Employment services to enter the adult service system and to connect with local community resources (e.g. Department of Rehabilitation Services, Social Security Administration, Medical Assistance).

In collaboration with several State and County entities, Resource Connections helps to organize and present two Transitioning Youth Informational Fairs each year, in order of offer as much education and support as families need in understanding the changes they will face as their students leave the school system. A critical “Timeline” for completing various steps in the process is presented along with a fully loaded packet of information.

Waiver Enrollment
Maryland’s Medicaid Waiver programs allow people to maximize funding levels for services that are provided in the community. The Community Pathways and New Directions Waivers are available for people who are determined DD eligible and are authorized for specific services funded by DDA.

Resource Connections’ Waiver Enrollment Specialists provide information regarding the benefits of enrolling in one of the waiver programs and assist with the initial enrollment, as well as maintaining enrollment status. They help people to understand and complete the waiver paperwork, and obtain the necessary supporting documentation for enrollment.

Case Management
The Case Management Program serves people who are determined DD eligible by the DDA, but are on the DDA waiting list as funding for services is not yet authorized. Referrals for case management must be approved by the DDA Southern Maryland Regional Office.

Case Managers provide information regarding available community resources and assist with a variety of tasks such as completing applications, exploring options for transportation, locating jobs, etc. The goal of the Case Management program is to help people and their families/caregivers learn to independently navigate systems and become their own advocates whenever possible.