Community-based Waivers from DBHDD

Transition to Life after High School-

• The purpose of transitioning planning is to assist youth who are receiving special education services and their families in planning life goals after high school.
• The transition planning process should include the identification of agencies that may provide or pay for transition services.
• This flyer is sharing information about DBHDD's community-based waivers- NOW & COMP.
  
• With permission from parent, the school team can invite the agency to be a part of transition planning which is part of the student's Individual Education Program (IEP).
• Parents of students with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) may also learn about these agencies through workshops.
• Parents are encouraged to apply for these community-based waivers prior to their student graduating or exiting from High School.
• For more information on Transition to Life after High School, parents may contact their student's special education teacher, the school district's parent mentor or Parent to Parent of GA, www.p2pga.org

• DBHDD's Dept of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) supports people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and provides them with opportunities to live independently and in the most integrated setting possible.
• To be eligible for services, a person must have an intellectual disability—or a closely related developmental disability, such as severe autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy—that substantially impairs intellectual or adaptive functioning.
• The disability must have originated from birth or during the developmental years (by age 18 for an intellectual disability, or by age 22 for a developmental disability).
  

• New Options Waiver or NOW - offers services and supports to individuals to enable them to remain living in their own family home and participate or live independently in the community.
• Comprehensive Waiver or COMP- serves individuals with more intensive needs and primarily provides residential care for individuals with I/DD.
• Both waivers provide additional support for people who want to live at home or in other kinds of community living arrangements.
• These services are designed to encourage and build on existing social networks and resources; promote integration into the community; and ensure safety.
  

To begin the application process for developmental disability services through DBHDD, please complete the forms (provided below) and return to Region 5 Field Office either in person, by fax or mail.

Website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/regional-field-offices
Location: 1915 Eisnehower Drive, Bldg 7, Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: 912-303-1649

1. Application is turned in to the DBHDD Regional Office
2. Pre-eligibility- Info is reviewed to ensure it is complete & accurate and the individual's pre-eligibility is determined by a psychologist
3. Planning List-Individual or representative contacted by staff member of regional field office for next steps
4. Funding and types of services are recommended based on individual's assessed need.
5. Medicaid Eligibility- The GA Medical Care Foundation determines level of care and eligibility for funded services
6. Individual Service Plan- A service plan identifying goals and services based on the individual's strengths, needs and interests is developed by the team.
7. Service Begins- The individual begins receiving services per the Individual Service Plan.

If you feel overwhelmed, Parent to Parent of Georgia offers a variety of support services to Georgia families impacted by disabilities or special healthcare needs.