How to Access DDS Services for Your Child in Connecticut 

My child has an intellectual disability. What should I do to make sure they are connected to state services? 

For families of children with intellectual disabilities, understanding how to access state services can be complicated—and planning early can make an important difference. Eligibility for services through Connecticut’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is separate from special education eligibility, and families may need to take specific steps to ensure their children are connected to supports now and as they transition into adulthood. 

CCA is currently challenging Connecticut’s strict IQ-based eligibility standard through litigation and legislative advocacy. While that work seeks to create a fairer system, families navigating the current process need clear, practical information about what to do today. 

The following Q&A explains when to apply, what documentation to gather, how to plan for the transition to adult services, and what to do if your child is found ineligible. 

Q: What is the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)? 

The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides services and supports to eligible people with intellectual disabilities. DDS can be an important source of help as your child grows up and throughout adulthood, including supports at home, employment and day supports, respite, and other services. 

Q: When should I apply? 

You can apply at any age. You do not have to wait until your child is about to graduate from school.  There may be services they can get before they turn 18. 

Getting your child found eligible for DDS does not mean that every service will be available immediately. But establishing eligibility early can make it much easier to plan for the future.  

Q: Is there something I MUST make sure I have in order to get DDS? 

Yes.  You MUST have full scale-IQ testing and adaptive evaluations BEFORE your child turns 18.  The current law says that the FSIQ must be 69 or below, and it must be done BEFORE age 18.  If you get your evaluations AFTER age 18, it is too late.

NOTE:  It isn’t too late to apply to DDS after your child turns 18, but it IS too late to get the evaluations you need. Be sure the school or someone else has done it before 18. 

TIP: If your child is approaching age 18 and has not had recent cognitive AND adaptive testing, or if the school or other evaluators have not been able to get a FSIQ on your child, tell the school team that updated testing is needed, complete with a full-scale IQ. Obtaining a full-scale IQ before your child turns 18 is paramount. 

Q: Does having an IEP automatically make my child eligible for DDS? 

No. Special education eligibility and DDS eligibility are different.  A child can have an IEP, even under the designation of intellectual disability, and not qualify for DDS. DDS makes its own eligibility determination under Connecticut law, though you may use school documents, including evaluations with IQs of 69 and under and school evaluations of adaptive scores, to prove to DDS that your child qualifies.  

Q: Who should put in the application for DDS? 

Parents should apply to DDS rather than assuming that the school has already taken care of it. But be sure to ask at your Planning and Placement Team (PPT) Meeting whether there is a social worker or other designated individual who can help prepare documentation for your DDS application. Many schools will help you apply or complete the application for you. 

Q: What documents should I have? 

Keep a file with important records, including: 

• Psychological evaluations completed before age 18;
• IQ testing completed before age 18;
• Adaptive behavior testing completed before age 18;
• School evaluations;
• Recent and older IEPs;
• Medical and developmental records; and
• Any other documentation of a clinical diagnosis of intellectual disability

Q: My child has been found eligible for DDS. Now what? 

Eligibility is an important first step, but stay connected to DDS and ask about what happens next. You can contact the DDS Help Line to ask questions.

Questions to ask:

• “Who is our DDS contact/case manager?” 
• “Does my child have a case manager or Help Line contact?” 
• “What services or family supports are available now?” 
• “Is my child on any waiting lists?” 
• “What do we need to do now to prepare for services after school ends?” 

Keep a record of who you speak with and what you are told. 

Q: What if my child is still in school? 

Start talking about adult services when your child is ready for transition planning, beginning no later than age 14.  Ask the school to include DDS and other adult-service agencies in transition planning when appropriate.

Remember: the school and DDS are different systems. School services do not automatically turn into DDS services when your child leaves school. 

Q: My child is eligible for DDS, but we don’t have a case manager. What should I do? 

Call the DDS Help Line. DDS has a Help Line in each region specifically to assist families who do not have a case manager. Help Line staff can help families identify available services, apply for family supports, and connect with other resources. 

North Region: 1-877-437-4577 

South Region: 1-877-437-4567 

West Region: 1-877-491-2720 

You can also ask DDS which region serves your town. 

Q: What if DDS says my child isn’t eligible? 

Don’t assume that is the end of the process. Read the eligibility decision carefully. Find out why DDS found your child ineligible and what information DDS relied upon. 

Parents and applicants have rights to challenge DDS eligibility decisions. If you believe the decision is wrong, pay attention to the deadlines and instructions in the notice and consider getting legal or advocacy assistance.  

Five things families can do now 

1. Apply to DDS early — preferably before age 18.
2. Save your child’s evaluations and IEPs, especially cognitive and adaptive testing completed before age 18.
3. Don’t assume an IEP, diagnosis, or school referral means your child is already eligible for DDS. Confirm eligibility directly with DDS.
4. Once your child is eligible, stay in contact with DDS and ask about services, waiting lists and planning for adulthood.
5. Start transition planning early. Don’t wait until the last year of school to figure out what will happen when school services end.

Need Help Navigating DDS?

If you have questions about your child’s eligibility for DDS services, are having difficulty accessing supports, or believe your child was wrongly found ineligible, the Center for Children’s Advocacy may be able to help.

CCA advocates for children and young people with disabilities and works with families to address barriers to the services and supports they need. Contact CCA to learn more.