DDA Provides Details on Short Term Funding

Happy New Year, Motivations! 

In the last post, I reported that the Development Disabilities Administration (DDA) pledged to provide short term funding in 2012 for all waiting list families in the 'crisis prevention' category.   Since that time, if you are on the DDA waiting list and in this category you should have received a letter dated December 15, 2011 providing more information.   The program is being called the 'DDA Waiting List Initiative' and the funds entitled 'Services of Short Duration.'   The letter was accompanied by a User Guide (also available here) with descriptions of the eligible services and how to apply.

In our case, our son's waiting list Service Coordinator was right on top of this.  She immediately scheduled time with us to discuss the funding, identify a need and plan for the application.  If your family is listed as 'crisis prevention' and you either haven't seen the letter or need similar assistance with your app, call your Service Coordinator right away.  

Consistent with the improved communication with families promised last year, the DDA also held 2 question & answer session conference calls.  The second call was at noon today and provided some useful information:

• The Waiting List Initiative has been funded from alcohol tax receipts
• Up to $10,000 is availabe per applicant, to help pay for a short term need
• The funds are not considered taxable income and shouldn't affect needs-based eligibility for other programs
• DDA staff highlighted that your application should emphasis how the funding will work to prevent an immediate or future crisis.  They repeatedly referred to framing your request in terms of the 'triggers' for a crisis.
• They also called attention to how the User Guide states 'Services of Short Duration' should be "individualized, simple, meaningful and address the immediate crisis need."
• Applications will be processed and paid by DDA Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) providers, but both DDA licensed and non-DDA licensed providers can be used to provide the actual services.

Based on the Q&A discussion and my reading of the User Guide, I think it is likely that ABA consultation and treatment services could be paid for under this program.  Since non-DDA licensed providers can provide the services, families wouldn't be limited to CSAAC, Kennedy Krieger or other large providers either.   The funding could expand the work you are already able to do with your current consultant and staff.

The last important news from the call was that the DDA mailed 1100 of these eligibility letters last month.   So far, few applications have come in and they are being turned around in a few days.   That is unlikely to last.   Delays will accompany an increase in the volume of applications.  Bottom line - if this opportunity is available to you, get on it right now.

A whole page of info on the program is available here: http://www.ddamaryland.org/bill994.htm

Wil Gehne