What is the HCBS waiver for people with developmental disabilities?

The HCBS/MRDD Waiver serves individuals age 5 and over who meet the definition of mental retardation or having a developmental disability or are eligible for care in an Intermediate Care Facility for people with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR).

How does an individual qualify for the HCBS/MRDD waiver?

According to the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act, "Developmental Disability" is defined:

1. Mental Retardation - substantial limitations in present functioning that is manifested during the period from birth to age 18 years and is characterized by significantly sub-average intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior including related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure, and work; or
2. A severe, chronic disability, which:
   • is attributable to a mental or physical impairment, or multiple sensory impairments, a combination of mental and physical impairments, physical and sensory impairments, mental and sensory impairment, or a condition which has received a dual diagnosis of mental retardation and mental illness;
   • is manifested before 22 years of age;
   • is likely to continue indefinitely;
   • results, in the case of a person five years of age or older, in a substantial limitation in three or more of the following areas of major life functions: self-care, receptive and expressive language development and use, learning and adapting, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living and economic self-sufficiency;
   • reflects a need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment, specialized communications techniques, or other services which are lifelong or extended in duration and are individually planned and coordinated; and
   • does not include individuals who are solely and severely emotionally disturbed or seriously or persistently mentally ill or have disabilities solely as a result of the infirmities of aging.

How does an individual apply for the HCBS/MRDD Waiver?

The "single point of entry" into the HCBS Developmental Disabilities Waiver in Kansas is your local Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO). They will determine eligibility and will work with the person and / or their family to access services from a variety of Community Service Providers in your area.

Parental Fee Information

The parent fee program includes parents of children participating in the DD Waiver for Children with Mental Retardation or a Developmental Disability, the TA Waiver Technical Assistance for Children who depend on technology for life, and the SED Waiver for Children with a Severe Emotional Disturbance. Go to Parental Fee Information for more details.