General Information
HCBS Waivers Available for People with Developmental Disabilities - A quick look at the Medicaid HCBS waivers that are available and may be appropriate for persons with Developmental Disabilities. En Español aquí.
Nebraska Homestead Exemption - A person who is eligible for DD services can receive property tax relief when they own a home. Information from the NE Department of Revenue. If you have questions, call 402-453-8167.
Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network - Describes Nebraska's respite provider structure, basic information about responsibilities, family caregiver support, and instructions for accessing the orientation.
Participant Guide for Nebraska Medicaid HCBS Waivers - What to expect when you choose to receive services from a Medicaid HCBS waiver. online view printable (print two-sided) en Español
Participant Guide for Self-Direction - How to work with independent providers.
What are DD Services?
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DD Services focus on helping eligible participants live the most independent lives possible. Goals are identified and habilitation is developed to teach participants skills to be employed, live where they want, and access their community.
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DD provides funding and oversight of community-based providers.
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The Division does not provide cash payments or payments for room and board.
What do I Need to Know About Medicaid? - Information about Medicaid. En Español aqui.
How do I apply for DD services?
Please see our eligibility page.
Wait List
Being eligible does not mean you will receive funding for services right away. DD services are not an entitlement. There is not currently enough funds available for all requests. Once eligible, you will be placed on the wait list by your date of application.
Services will be offered when funding becomes available. Funding is usually offered based on your date of application. You are eligible to receive Service Coordination services while you are on the wait list.
You may be on the registry for a DD waiver while receiving services from a different Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) Waiver, such as the Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver.
Level of Care
Your participation is based on your level of care. A state worker will complete an assessment.
Objective Assessment Process (OAP)
A second assessment, the ICAP, is completed to determine your Individual Budget Amount (IBA). You can use this amount to purchase services. Learn about the process used in the DD Services Assessment & Budgeting Brochure. En Español aquí.
Planning Services
Your service coordinator helps plan your services. Planning occurs at scheduled meetings.
Individual Support Plan (ISP) Team
You decide who is on your ISP team. It must include you, your coordinator, and any DD providers you get services from. If you have a guardian, he or she is also on the team. You can invite other family, friends, or organizations who support you.
Individual Support Plan (ISP) Meeting
This meeting is with your ISP team. There are at least two meetings each year. Your "annual ISP" is the main planning meeting. Other meetings discuss your progress toward your goals. If your services and supports are not meeting your needs, any team member can call your coordinator to request a meeting at any time.
Before your annual ISP meeting, your coordinator will talk with you about your needs and what types of services and supports can help you meet your goals.
DHHS Resources
Application for DD services
ACCESSNebraska - One stop for applying for DHHS services in Nebraska.
Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (Network of Care) (844-843-6364) - Helps aging Nebraskans and Nebraskans with disabilities improve and better coordinate long-term care services where they live.
Applying for DD Services - Instructions on how to complete the DD application on ACCESSNebraska.
Available Services for Teens & Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities - Booklet explaining the transition from school services to adult services. Includes information from the Department of Education, Nebraska VR, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Online view printable (print two-sided) en Español (print two-sided)
DD Agency Provider Directory - Directory of Agency Providers of DD services.
DD Provider ISP Guide - What to expect and how to prepare for a participant's meeting.
DD Service Directory (en Español) - Full service descriptions including definitions, limits, frequency, duration, provider types, and provider qualifications for DD services under the HCBS Waivers.
DD Services Assessment & Budgeting Brochure (en Español) - Learn about the process used to assess needs and decide budgets for purchasing DD services.
DD Services Eligibility Brochure (en Español) - Learn eligibility requirements and what you need to know to apply!
DD Services: Funding to Transition from Educational Services (en Español) - Explains funding priority for eligible persons and what this means for graduates.
DD Staff Directory and Office Locations with Service Coordination - Who to contact and offices near you.
Down Syndrome Information - Website, maintained by DHHS Public Health, which offers information to people with Down Syndrome, as well as those who love them.
FAQs: Developmental Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation - Answers about services offered by DD and VR.
Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network - Describes Nebraska's respite provider infrastructure, basic information about responsibilities, family caregiver support, and instructions for accessing the FREE orientation. More information about Lifespan Respite can be found on their website.
Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities (402-471-2330) - Advocates for and represents people with developmental disabilities within government.
Ombudsman's Office - Contact the Ombudsman Program to discuss or seek assistance in resolving a problem, concern, or complaint impacting one or more residents of a long-term care facility.
Participant Handbook for Nebraska Medicaid HCBS Waivers - Explains what to expect when you choose to receive services from a Medicaid HCBS waiver. Online view printable (print two-sided) en Español
Participant Guide for Self-Direction (en Español) - How to work with independent providers.
Providers of Waiver Services (en Español) - The different types of providers for DD-funded waiver services.
Ready, Set, Go! (en Español) - Materials and resources to assist young adults with DD to make decisions about supports as they move from high school to adult life. Funding for this project came from the Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Services Quick Guide for Nebraska Medicaid HCBS DD Waivers - Overview of DD services under HCBS Waivers. online view printable (print two-sided) en Español
Tangible Services (en Español) - How to use Assistive Technology, PERS, and Home and Vehicle Modifications.
Transitioning from High School - Explains the process of leaving the educational system entering adult services.
What do I Need to Know About Medicaid? (en Español) - What applicants and participants need to know about Medicaid.
Nebraska Resources:
Aging and Disabilities Resource Center - Resource for aging Nebraskans and Nebraskans with disabilities to improve and better coordinate long-term care services locally.
Answers4Families - Provides information, dialogue, education, and support to Nebraskans with special needs by providing Internet resources.
The Arc of Nebraska (402-475-4407) - Provides advocacy to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
ATP (Assistive Technology Partnership) (888-806-6287) - The Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP) is dedicated to helping Nebraskans with disabilities, their families, and professionals obtain assistive technology devices and services.
Autism Society of Nebraska - Support Network of people who are working to advocate, educate, and support.
Department of Education - Nebraska Department of Education information specific to Special Education.
Disability Rights Nebraska (800-422-6691) - Working for dignity, equality, and empowerment of all people with disabilities.
Down Syndrome Alliance of the Heartlands (402-991-1800) - Committed to connecting those touched by Down syndrome through education, advocacy, and support. Non-profit agency based in Omaha. Consists of parents, advocates, educators, and medical professionals.
Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (402-421-1399) - Support group, which provides family networking and new parent support for families with children who are diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Easter Seals Nebraska - Provides services to help ensure all people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to live, learn, work, and play.
First National Bank (402-602-7204) - Provides tax-free accounts (Enable) for people with disabilities.
Hotline for Disability Services (800-742-7594) - Toll-free hotline operated by the Nebraska Department of Education. Provides information about rehabilitation services, transportation, special parking permits, and legal rights. Helps find resources for children and parents.
Independent Living Council (402-438-7979) - Promotes independent living and advocates change to promote independence, inclusion, non-discrimination, and dignity for all people with disabilities in Nebraska. Work for self-determination, equal opportunities, and self-respect.
League of Human Dignity - A consumer-based nonprofit organization, whose mission is to promote the full integration of people with disabilities. Advocates for needs and rights while providing quality services to help people be independent citizens.
Munroe-Meyer Institute (800-656-3937) - Federally designated University Center of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service. Specializes in providing services and support for persons with intellectual, developmental and/or genetic disorders.
Nebraska 211 (211) - Information and referral website hosted by United Way of the Midlands.
Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network - Committed to providing up-to-date information and training based on current research about autism spectrum disorders. Associated with UNL.
Nebraska Family Support Network (402-345-0791) - Empowers children and families affected by mental, emotional, or behavioral health issues through peer mentoring, education, and advocacy.
Nebraska Legislature - Official site of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature. Includes information about the current session.
Nebraska Resource and Referral System - Statewide database created with input from Nebraska families, service providers and organizations.
Nebraska VR - Helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. Helps businesses recruit, train, and retain employees with disabilities.
OMNI Behavioral Health Training - Joint training initiative with DDD to offer training related to topics of interest and importance to the field of developmental disabilities.
People First of Nebraska (308-530-9209 or 402-559-4892) - State-wide self-advocacy organization run for and by people with disabilities.
PTI Nebraska (800-284-8520) - Statewide resource for families of children with disabilities or special health care needs. Empowers parents and provides the knowledge to improve education and healthcare outcomes for children. A funding coordinator and housing resource specialist are available.
Special Olympics Nebraska - Non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.
Ticket to Work - Source of information for people with disabilities who want to explore competitive employment.
United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska - Educates, advocates, and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people of all ages with a broad range of disabilities and their families.
National Resources
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) - Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) - Promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) - Works to improve the lives of people with disabilities by acting as a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) - Index of US Government Agencies.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - Federal agency responsible for the national administration of Medicare and Medicaid.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) - Central resource of information and poducts to the community of Parent Training Information (PTI) Centers and the Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs).
Disability.gov - US federal government website for information on disability programs and services nationwide.
Disability Nondiscrimination Law Advisor - US Department of Labor website to help employers determine which Federal disability nondiscrimination laws apply to their business or organization. Also helps recipients of Federal financial assistance understand their responsibilities under these laws.
Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Tips - Study tips for college students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Includes additional resources as well.
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities - Provides assistance to local DD Counsels. Support programs that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities.
National Association of Medical Directors - Bipartisan, nonprofit, professional organization representing leaders of state Medicaid agencies across the country.
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services - Promotes and assists state agencies in developing effective, efficient service delivery systems that furnish high-quality supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
National Council on Disability - Independent federal agency which advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities.
Quality Mall - Free information about person-centered supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Includes positive practices that help people live, work and participate in communities and improve the quality of supports.
Social Security Online - Official Social Security Website.
Social Security Online: The Red Book - Summary guide to employment supports for persons with disabilities.
United Cerebral Palsy - Educates, advocates, and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Works to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.