Services to Persons with
Developmental Disabilities

How does someone become eligible for Developmentally Disabled Program Services?

Alaska Island Community Services staff work with family members to prepare an application that is sent to the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

To be eligible a client must show significant delays in three or more of the following areas:

• self-care
• expressive and receptive language
• learning
• mobility
• self direction
• capacity for independent living
• capacity for economic self-sufficiency

The condition leading to these delays must have developed prior to age 22. Young children are reassessed at age six for permanent eligibility.

Can I get respite care right away?

Yes, once your family member is qualified you may be eligible to receive a few hours of respite care each month, depending on your need. In emergencies, we can assist you in applying for short-term emergency service funds.

How do I qualify for shared care, assisted living, and other kinds of help?

Some developmentally disabled consumers receive individualized funding. They have their own budgets for services on their behalf. There is a long waiting list, over 500 people in Alaska, who need more services. A wait-list assessment helps the state prioritize those who are most in need of individualized services.

What are Medicaid waivers?

Some people have special needs that would qualify them for admission into institutions. Medicaid has developed a waiver process to pay specialized costs to help someone stay at home or in a community setting. Wrangell Community Services is certified to help families apply for and administer waiver services.

Do Developmentally Disabled Services end when my child is grown?

No. Eligibility is life long, not like school special education services which end at age 22.

Is there any charge for services?

No. Services under this program are free.