According to the federal Developmental Disabilities Act (Pub.L.106-402), the term developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability that: 

• is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments; 
• occurs before the individual reaches age 22; 
• is likely to continue indefinitely; 
• results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: (i) self-care, (ii) receptive and expressive language, (iii) learning, (iv) mobility, (v) self-direction, (vi) capacity for independent living, and (vii) economic self-sufficiency; and 
• reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. 

The term “developmental disability” can include several types of conditions including, but not limited to autism, Down syndrome, Asperger’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Many states use different definitions for developmental disabilities based on the federal law. Oklahoma uses the federal definition and also adds that a person must have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disabilities to be qualified for developmental disabilities services. 

Intellectual disabilities are generally thought to be present if an individual has an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test score of approximately 70 or below (AAMR, 2002). Intelligence refers to a general mental capability involving the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from experience. IQ scores are determined from standardized tests given by trained professionals. 

HCBS waivers expand the types of settings in which people can receive comprehensive long-term care under Medicaid. DDS operates under the HCBS program. We serve individuals aged 3 or older who have intellectual disabilities and certain persons with related conditions who would otherwise require placement in an intermediate care facility. 

DDS services are determined through a person-centered assessment process. Through a support team, a case manager works with the individual and family to meet their unique needs. Examples of services include: 

• In-home support waiver services 
• Self-directed services 
• Remote supports 
• Employment and adult day services 
• Transportation 
• Physical, speech and/or occupational therapy 

Click here for additional information about DDS services. We also plan to host statewide information sessions and we will share a timeline of events soon. 

To apply for DDS services, please click here (for best results, use Internet Explorer) or email DDS.Waitlist@okdhs.org. An intake worker will follow up shortly. 

The wait list will be eliminated in chronological order. People who have been on the list longest will receive services first. 

Email DDS.Waitlist@okdhs.org for a status update. 

To change your mailing address, email or phone number, please  click here. 

Liberty of Oklahoma is contacting individuals and families to help them confirm eligibility for services. They will contact families in chronological order according to when they applied. Click here to review the Wait List Processing Timeline. 

We are processing applications chronologically and anticipate the earliest we’ll get to applications received after May 1, 2022, is spring 2024. In the meantime, an analysis will occur to understand the future need for services and additional funding is needed to maintain a no-wait status. 

DDS serves people ages 3 and up who have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disabilities. The people we serve may also have other developmental disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, etc. 

For a person to qualify for services, they must: 

• Be an Oklahoma resident 
• Be at least 3 years old 
• Be diagnosed with intellectual disabilities by a licensed psychologist 
• Meet SoonerCare financial eligibility requirements 
• Have unmet needs that DDS services can address 
• Live in their own home, the home of a family member or friend, an OKDHS group home or OKDHS foster home 

A Liberty of Oklahoma wait list specialist will work with each person to obtain the necessary eligibility documents.

If the applicant can’t be located by the information on file, we diligently search for their contact information through alternative records, including: 

• The DHS case system for Medicaid case information 
• Social Security case information 
• Family Support Assistance Program screens 
• Respite program information 
• Child Support screens 
• Google search 
• An individualized LexisNexis search 

Once all the records above have been searched and we still do not receive a response from the applicant from any of our outreach, we send a letter to the most recent address on file notifying them their case will be closed within 10 calendar days. 

No, OKDHS only serves Oklahomans. If you no longer live in Oklahoma, you are no longer eligible. 

Home and community-based services are not transferable from state to state. 

DDS was appropriated a historic 25% increase for provider rates for DDS services effective fall 2022.