Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Step 1: Call for an initial phone screening

To apply for IDD services, call 651-430-6422 for an initial phone screening.

Step 2: Fill out and submit the required forms

1. IDD Informational Guide-English (PDF)
   1. IDD Informational  Guide-Hmong (PDF)
   2. IDD Informational Guide-Somali (PDF)
   3. IDD Informational Guide-Spanish (PDF)
2. IDD Application Checklist for Applying for Rule 185 Case Management-English (PDF)
   1. IDD Application Checklist for Applying for Rule 185 Case Management-Hmong (PDF)
   2. IDD Application Checklist for Applying for Rule 185 Case Management-Somali (PDF)
   3. IDD Application Checklist for Applying for Rule 185 Case Management-Spanish (PDF)
3. IDD Application for Rule 185 Case Management-English (PDF)
   1. IDD Application for Rule 185 Case Management-Hmong (PDF)
   2. IDD Application for Rule 185 Case Management-Somali (PDF)
   3. IDD Application for Rule 185 Case Management-Spanish (PDF)
4. IDD Physical Exam Form-English (PDF)
   1. IDD Physical Exam Form-Hmong (PDF)
   2. IDD Physical Exam Form-Somali (PDF)
   3. IDD Physical Exam Form-Spanish (PDF)
5. Application for Social Services-English (PDF)

If you prefer to receive these forms by mail, let us know and we will send them to you.

Step 3: Complete a MnCHOICES Assessment

To schedule your assessment, submit the online referral form or call 651-430-6422 (select option 1).

Step 4: Determine eligibility

Once you return your completed IDD forms, an intake social worker may reach out to gather any additional information needed.

If you qualify for services, you will receive a letter confirming your eligibility, and a case manager will be assigned to work with you. Your case manager will help you identify your goals and ensure that you have the ongoing support and services you need to achieve them.

Where to submit your forms

• By fax at 651-430-6527
  Make sure to include "ATTN: IDD Intake" on the cover sheet.
• By email at CSD-IDD-Eligibility@washingtoncountymn.gov.
  Make sure to include "IDD Application Information" on the subject line.
• By postal mail
  Washington County Community Services
  ATTN: IDD Intake
  P.O. Box 30
  14949 62nd Street N.
  Stillwater, MN 55082
  

An intellectual or developmental disability includes significant challenges in thinking skills and adaptive behavior. Key criteria include:

• Substantial functional limitations: Difficulty in performing daily activities.
• Intellectual functioning: IQ score of 70 or below, determined through standardized tests.
• Deficits in adaptive behavior: Struggles in personal independence, social responsibility, and maturity.
• Onset before age 22: Conditions must be evident before the person turns 22 years old.

Related Conditions

If you have an IQ above 70, you may still qualify for IDD services if there is a related condition such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. These conditions must meet specific criteria like causing substantial functional limitations in key life areas, such as learning, understanding and use of language, mobility, self-care, or capacity for independent living.

People that meet these criteria have a diagnosis of mild, moderate, severe, or profound intellectual or developmental disability. For more information, please reach out to your case manager.

To qualify for IDD services, a formal assessment is required. These assessments are often referred to as diagnostic assessments, psychological evaluations, or neuropsychological evaluations. The assessments must be done by a licensed professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. A family doctors’ diagnoses will not be accepted. If you already have an assessment, we can review it. Note, additional testing may be needed to meet Minnesota’s requirements.

Eligibility for children under 5 years old

To be eligible for IDD services, a child under 5 must meet one of these criteria, with a formal assessment completed in the past 12 months:

1. The child has scores at least two standard deviations below the average in two areas of functioning, including cognitive or mental abilities.
2. The child is diagnosed with global developmental delay.
3. The child has a related condition requiring treatment similar to that for IDD.

Eligibility for children over 5 years old

To be eligible for IDD services, a child over 5 must meet one of these criteria, with a formal assessment completed in the past 12 months:

1. An IQ of 70 or lower, or a diagnosis of a related condition.
2. Significant deficits in adaptive skills requiring treatment similar to IDD services.
3. If the child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the diagnosis must be from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, not just an educational assessment. Additional testing may be required.

Eligibility for adults ages 18 and older

To qualify for IDD services, adults must meet one of these criteria:

1.  Have a diagnosis of IDD (IQ of 70 or less) or a related condition.
2. The condition must have appeared before age 22.
3. Formal assessments must be recent, but we can review any existing evaluations. If no formal assessment has been done, testing will be required to confirm either an IDD diagnosis or a related condition.

Note: Washington County does not endorse these providers, and this list is not exhaustive.

Below are some providers that can help with diagnostic testing for IDD case management applications. Please request both IQ and adaptive testing. If applicable, inform the provider that the individual does not communicate with words. Be sure to check with the provider about insurance billing.

Providers that can complete testing for those who communicate with words or who communicate in alternative ways

Providers for already established patients

If you qualify for IDD services, you may also be eligible for additional support through various programs, including:

• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver: Offers services like respite care, adaptive equipment, and caregiver training. Eligibility for IDD services does not guarantee approval for the DD Waiver.
• Employment Assistance: Funding for job exploration, development, and support.
• Family Support Grant (FSG): Provides financial assistance to families of eligible children to prevent out-of-home placement.
• Respite Care: Short-term care for caregivers, available in-home or in licensed settings.
• Rule 185 Case Management: A case manager helps create a personalized support plan.

Your case manager will assist in identifying and accessing these services.

In addition to IDD services, there are other programs that may support you, which will be discussed during your MnCHOICES Assessment:

• Children’s Mental Health Case Management (Canvas Health).
• Consumer Support Grant (CSG) for flexible staffing and services.
• Medical Assistance (MA) for medical and support services.
• Personal Care Assistance services for personal care and complex needs.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and TEFRA for children with disabilities.
• Washington County Economic Support for low-income assistance.
• Washington County Public Health for community health services.

For more details, ask during your assessment or visit the respective resources.