ABOUT HAMILTON COUNTY DD SERVICES
We support thousands of people with DD in our community each year.
PERSON CENTERED
All of our services are person-centered, meaning we treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services tailored to reflect the life they want.
CERTIFIED PROVIDERS
By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified service providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that’s important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.
SIMPLE PROCESS TO GET STARTED
Learn About Eligibility
Developmental disabilities begin before the age of 22 and include lifelong intellectual or physical disabilities. The steps below outline the process of qualifying for services.
ELIGIBILITY
Call (513) 559-6990 and ask for the Introduction and Eligibility (I&E) Department, unless the person is younger than 3.
PROVIDE PROOF OF DISABILITY
The most recent school, medical, and psychological reports may include proof a person has a disability.
VISIT AND INTERVIEW
If the records confirm a disability, the I&E Department will send an Eligibility Specialist to meet you or your family member age 6 and older.
ELIGIBLE OR NOT ELIGIBLE
Our goal is to complete the process in 30 days, but this depends on how quickly the family provides records confirming a disability.
If you or a loved one is over age 60 and need help living safely and independently at home, you may be eligible for Council on Aging Services.
If you would like to connect to COA, click here or call (513) 721-1025.
Services At Any Age
- Service and support administrators (SSAs) are the primary point of coordination for people served by HCDDS and are available for both children and adults. Learn more about SSAs here.
- Our Behavior Support team focuses on both real and perceived safety. Using person-centered practices, behavior support seeks to understand the path a person has traveled in life, their resiliency skills, and their personal history. Contact your SSA to learn more.
- The Major Unusual Incident (MUI) department works to keep people safe by investigating incidents against people with DD and working to prevent future incidents. Learn more about MUI here.
- Hamilton County DD Services works with each person we serve to understand their situation and goals. We then help them navigate the available funding options and public benefits. Learn more about funding and benefits here.
- The Family Support Services Program is designed to keep families together. Eligibility is determined through your County Board of DD, though the program is administered by the Southwestern Ohio Council of Governments. Learn more about the Family Support Services Program here. Contact Michelle Hoying via email or (513) 559-6953 with questions about Family Support Services.
Services For Children
- For children ages 0-2 with developmental delays, Early Intervention provides free, in-home support to equip families. Learn more about early intervention here.
- For children ages 3-5 who have completed Early Intervention, early childhood services may be available. Learn more by contacting your EI team or Introduction and Eligibility.
- For students in their local school districts, we provide itinerant support to equip students and educators for success. Learn more about itinerant support here.
- For students ages 14-22, our transition consultants work with students, families, and teachers to develop personalized transition plans that will equip students as they prepare to graduate from high school. Learn more about transition services here.
- For students with significant disabilities who are referred by their local school districts, we operate two schools. Learn more about Bobbie B. Fairfax and Margaret B. Rost schools here.
Services For Adults
- Your SSA can help you explore person-centered supports based on your unique needs and funding source, including service coordination, day programs, transportation, housing, and more. Learn more about SSAs here.
- We help people with developmental disabilities discover opportunities and navigate the path to employment by working with businesses and other agencies. Learn more about employment supports here.
- We work to empower people with disabilities to fully engage with their neighborhoods and communities as engaged citizens. Learn more about community inclusion support here.
- Hamilton County has an active advocacy community focused on inclusion, accessibility, voting rights, housing, transportation, and more. Advocates with developmental disabilities lead many of these efforts. Learn more about advocacy here.
- We work to empower and equip families by bridging the gap between disability-based services and natural supports in a person’s community. Find resources and support for developing community here.
- If you’re looking for support as you plan for housing, you can find our housing resources guide and information on Home Think Tank here.
- To support families and caregivers as they age, HCDDS hosts Future is Now Family Sessions to help older caregivers and their family members make plans for the future. Learn more about aging resources here.
- See other local resources and organizations here.
- The outstanding network of providers in Hamilton County ensures people have a wide range of choices for quality services that offer the support they need. No matter what provider people choose, HCDDS coordinates all services ensuring quality standards while keeping people safe. You can explore our provider search tool here.
- The Growing Resilience eBook is a resource for parents, teachers, therapists, and any staff interested in new and different ways to support people with trauma histories. You can read the eBook in your browser here. You can click here to download a copy of the eBook.
- For information on guardianship in Ohio, click here for a brochure from the Ohio DD Council.
- DODD Online ICF Search Tool
- DODD Electronic Housing Options Informational Booklet
For Providers
Hamilton County DD Services works with more than 1,000 local service providers, and supporting those providers is an essential part of our role. If you’re a provider or interested in becoming one, you can click here to learn more by visiting our provider resources page.
CHECK OUT THESE USEFUL E-BOOKS