Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disability Services

How to apply

Call 513-559-6990 and ask for Introduction and Eligibility Department
- This call must be initiated by the parent/guardian. The school team cannot place a referral for DDS.
An eligibility specialist will walk you through the application process and what documentation you need to apply for services

Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) works with people who have disabilities and their families to build a future in which people with disabilities:
- Are able to say what services they want and how to get them.
- Learn skills that lead to good jobs and better lives.
- Have networks of friends and family who care about them.
- Have well-trained staff who listen and offer help in planning for the future.
- Are safe, healthy, and involved members of their communities.
Once eligibility is determined, services from Hamilton County DDS are provided lifelong for the individual with disabilities. Some services may include waiver funding.

A Service and Support Administrator, also known as an SSA, is a DDS employee that is assigned to an individual and their family as a support person. SSAs will come to school meetings, provide resources and information, and assist families with individual questions/concerns that arise throughout the school-to-life transition and throughout an individual's lifetime.
Waivers
- A waiver is an amount of money that individuals with disabilities can utilize for services that include housing, transportation, medical needs, employment, and more.
- There are many different levels of waivers (I/O, Level 1, Self). Each level of waiver has different amounts of money associated with it and specifications for where those funds can be used.
- If your student is already eligible for Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services, ask your Service Facilitator about waivers and the process for determining a need for a waiver

Provide Proof of Disability. The most recent school, medical, and psychological reports will have proof that a person has a disability. Families are asked to gather these records. Guardians will need to provide Probate Court records showing their proof of appointment.

Visit and Overview. Once records show that a person has a disability, the I&E Department will send an Eligibility Specialist to meet with you or your family member. They will listen and ask questions using state tools to evaluate eligibility. They will review a person's abilities in mobility, learning, self-care, self-direction, communication, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency (ages 16 and up only.) Infants up to age two can receive services through Help Me Grow at (513) 281-GROW) if they have one delay. Kids three to five must-have two delays. Those six and up must have a confirmed disability starting before age 22 and functional delays in three or more areas.

Eligibility redetermination takes place at ages three, six, and 16. This means you or your family member might not always be eligible for services.

Eligible or not eligible. The goal is to complete the process in 30 days, but this depends on how quickly the family provides records confirming a developmental disability. You will receive a letter telling you if you are eligible or not. If you are eligible, we will help you access the services you need.

If you are not found eligible, you have the right to appeal and the agency will try to help you find other services.

This catalog lists available providers so you can learn more about your options.

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