What’s in Bill 18-

18-501,
the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act (DDRA)?

Supports and Services

Under the DDRA, the D.C. Developmental Disabilities

Administration (DDA) must provide a comprehensive
system of supports and services for D.C. residents with
developmental disabilities.

Currently, the DDA only serves residents with intellectual

disabilities who are age 18 or older. When the DDRA
becomes law, persons of all ages with intellectual disabilities
will become eligible for DDA supports and services right
away.

Eligibility will then expand over a two-year period to include

D.C. residents with developmental disabilities (not only
those with intellectual disabilities).

DDA will develop, administer, coordinate, monitor and

evaluate the system.

The system must make maximum use of federal funds in

accordance with federal law.
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The system will include:

o Support coordination;
o Information and referral;
o Transition planning;
o Community living (residential supports);
o Employment services;
o Supports to facilitate access to community recreation
and social opportunities;
o Professional services (e.g., medical, psychological,
vocation, social, educational, and rehabilitative
services);
o Temporary (90-day) supports and services to persons
who have been abused, neglected or exploited;
o Community outreach and education; and
o Any other assistance that DDA believes is needed to
provided a comprehensive, coordinated system.

DDA must provide regular orientation sessions and

trainings for people receiving services on supports and
services, service planning, rights, and grievances.

Subject to the availability of funds, DDA will develop

and administer pilot programs.

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Supports and services will not replace or reduce other
public benefits to people and their families, or be
considered as resources or income in any eligibility
determination or sliding fee scale.

October, 2009. For more information, visit http://dc-

ddleg.blogspot.com or contact the DDS MAC Legislative
Committee through tjsutcliffe@arcdc.net or (202) 636-2963.

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