Architectural Modifications: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering requesting vehicle modifications and need guidance about what specific vehicles can be modified, contact DDS for a full list of the currently approved vehicles at TellDDS@okdhs.org. 

DDS policy limits vehicle modifications to one every 10 years. The vehicle should be less than 5 years old, have fewer than 55,000 miles and must pass an inspection by a certified mechanic. DDS will only pay for modifications on a family-owned vehicle that is medically necessary to meet critical health and safety support needs. DDS will not purchase or lease a vehicle and will not cover insurance or maintenance expenses.  DDS also does not cover repairs to the modifications that have been damaged in an accident. The vehicle owner is to provide insurance that covers the modifications that result from an accident.  

• The first step is to obtain a professional recommendation from your Physical, Occupational, Speech or Nutrition therapist. Your DDS Case Manager will assist you in arranging for an assessment in your home. The therapist will assess your abilities and how well you are able to access your home and your community. They will address your mobility, transfers, bathing, toileting, hygiene, eating, egress and transportation needs as applicable. The therapist will review your current equipment and ensure that it is in good working order and appropriate to meet your needs. If new equipment is needed, the therapist will submit a recommendation for the specific items to your DDS Case Manager for review by your team.
• If you have private insurance, or if the items are available through another funding source such as SoonerCare (Medicaid), Medicare, EPSDT, a DME retrieval program, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitative Services (VocRehab) or any third-party or known community resource, those funding channels must be exhausted prior to your DDS Case Manager submitting the request for approval through the DDS waiver.  
  

No. DDS only purchases new, unused equipment directly from a contracted DME vendor. DDS does not fund repairs for equipment it did not purchase.

By policy, DDS will not purchase trampolines, hot tubs, bean bag chairs, lift recliners, computers, massage tables, educational games or toys, or generators. DDS will not purchase any item with a cost of $75 or less.

This service, also referred to as ‘arch mods,’ is performed on homes of eligible individuals who have disabilities that limit accessibility or require modifications to help ensure the health, safety and the welfare of the individual.

Architectural modifications must be recommended by the individual's team and included in the member's IP (individual plan). Additionally, an assessment must be completed by a licensed occupational therapist, physical therapist or physician. Arrangements for this service must be made through the individual's case manager. The service is provided to eligible individuals with a homeowner's signed permission and a copy of a signed lease, if living in a rental property.

Grab bars, handrails, anti-scald devices, door widening, bathroom modification (roll-in shower and adaptive toilet), kitchen modification (stove guards), wall protection, corner guards and off-set hinges.

Roofs, driveways, carpet, foundation work, room addition, concrete except 5x5 landing for ramps, fences, room additions, a second ramp or roll-in shower.

Restorations are not covered. All arch mods are permanent. 

Your Case Manager can assist you in locating a therapist in your area. A doctor’s order is required to add therapy to the waiver. 

A therapist is a licensed professional in a specific area of study. Therapists and their specialties include

• Audiology: hearing assessments, hearing aids
• Speech Therapy: swallowing protocols, receptive and expressive language skills communication devices
• Nutrition: menu planning, weight management
• Occupational Therapy: fine motor skills, swallowing protocols, standers, wheelchair fittings
• Physical Therapy: motor skills, wheelchair fittings and recommendations, assess homes for architectural modifications.