Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Kansas

The Intellectual / Developmental Disability (I/DD) Waiver Program, administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), supports individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Kansas through home and community-based services (HCBS). This program is part of the broader Medicaid waiver system that enables eligible individuals to receive care in a community setting rather than in an institutional environment. The I/DD waiver serves Kansans aged five and older who meet the criteria for intellectual disability or have a qualifying developmental disability, as determined by local Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDOs). KDADS manages the waiver as a mechanism to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to person-centered services that promote independence, choice, and integration in community life. Services under the waiver include personal care, adult day supports, residential supports (for both adults and children), supported employment, wellness monitoring, and medical-related supports such as specialized medical care, equipment, and vehicle/home modifications. These services are tailored to meet a range of functional needs while preventing unnecessary institutionalization. Eligibility is contingent on several factors, including age (five or older), diagnosis (intellectual disability before age 18 or developmental disability before age 22), substantial limitations in at least three areas of life functioning, and the individual meeting the Medicaid long-term care institutional threshold score. Financial eligibility for Medicaid is also a prerequisite. All applicants must first undergo assessment and eligibility determination by their local CDDO, which serves as the initial point of contact and assists with connecting individuals and families to service providers in their communities. While no explicit cost-sharing or match requirement is mentioned, the program is a part of the Medicaid system, which may require Medicaid financial eligibility criteria to be met. The waiver operates under the state’s Medicaid structure, and all services must comply with federal and state HCBS guidelines. Services such as overnight respite, enhanced care, and financial management are among those designed to support caregivers and provide relief while ensuring the safety and health of participants. The application process begins with contacting the local CDDO. The CDDO will assess eligibility and facilitate service access. There is an ongoing waiting list for services, and details about waitlist policies and individual prioritization are available directly through the CDDOs or via KDADS documentation. Additional informational resources, presentations, and training materials are also provided by KDADS to support applicants, families, and service providers. The waiver is reviewed and amended periodically as part of the state’s Medicaid renewal process. For more information or assistance, applicants and providers may contact Program Manager Corby Lockwood via email at [email protected] or by phone at 785-296-8457 (office) or 785-250-1587 (cell). Mailing inquiries can be directed to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Attention: Home and Community Based Services, 503 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66603-3404. Program documents, waiver policies, and presentations are available on the KDADS website for further reference.