Determining Eligibility through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

The Division of Developmental Disabilities empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. DDD provides supports and services for eligible Arizonans. DDD provides supports and services to individuals diagnosed with one of the following developmental disabilities:

• Autism;

• Cerebral palsy;

• Epilepsy;

• Cognitive / Intellectual Disability;

• Down Syndrome; or

• Are under the age of six and at risk of having a Developmental Disability

DDD serves more than 50,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Arizona each year.

The services are based on age and specific eligibility based on federal requirements and referral/application processes.

Download the DDD Eligibility Packet

The Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is dedicated to providing services to individuals with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. In compliance with Arizona Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding social distancing and avoiding groups of people of ten or more, the Department encourages all individuals in need of DDD services to apply online by downloading the application, Application for Eligibility Determination Packet and emailing it to DDDApply@azdes.gov . If you have any questions please contact the DDD Customer Service Center at DDDCustomerServiceCenter@azdes.gov or 1 (844) 770-9500.

Ages Birth to Three

For early intervention services, children age birth to three must have a significant delay in one or more developmental areas or an established condition that could lead to a developmental disability. To make a referral for a child, please contact the AzEIP Central Referral Line (Raising Special Kids) toll-free at (888) 592-0140 or by e-mail at AzEIP.Info@raisingspecialkids.org. Once a child has been made eligible for AzEIP, with the family’s consent, DDD eligibility will be determined.

Ages Three to Six

A person age 3 years to 6 years must 1) voluntarily apply, 2) be an Arizona resident, and 3) either have one of the following developmental disabilities: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual (Cognitive) Disability, Epilepsy, Down Syndrome OR be at-risk for developing one of these disabilities to qualify for Division of Developmental Disabilities services.

How do I know? A developmental assessment, provided by a medical professional or school evaluator trained in childhood development, can be used to identify a developmental delay that could lead to a developmental disability.

Who can provide the information to me? Professionals trained in early childhood development include:

• Licensed Physician, such as a Family Physician or Neonatologist

• School Psychologist

• Early Childhood Education Specialist

• Nurse Practitioner

• Physician’s Assistant

• Licensed Psychologist

• Pediatrician including Developmental Pediatrician

• Neurologist

• Clinical Geneticist

Other Accepted Disabilities

• Spina Bifida with Arnold Chiari Malformation

• Periventricular Leukomalacia

• Chromosomal Abnormalities with high risk for Intellectual Disability

• Post-Natal Traumatic Brain Injury (such as Shaken Baby Syndrome or near drowning)

• Hydrocephaly

• Microcephaly

• Disorders due to drugs or alcohol (Such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)

• Birth weight under 1000 grams with neurological impairment.

Ages Six to Adult

A person aged 6 years to adulthood must 1) voluntarily apply, 2) be an Arizona resident, and 3) be diagnosed with a developmental disability (listed below) which developed before the age of 18 and is likely to continue indefinitely, and 4) there must also be significant limitations in daily life skills related to the disability (see second chart below).

Qualifying Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual (Cognitive) Disabilities, Down Syndrome

In addition to being diagnosed with at least one developmental disability, the person must show significant limitations in daily life skills due to their qualifying diagnosis in three (3) of the following. (Note: The age of the person is taken in to consideration when identifying significant limitations in daily life skills.)