Developmental Disabilities

Wyoming Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

With respect to community services and supports, the Wyoming Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) also is responsible for determining that service providers (whether community organizations or individuals) are qualified and enrolling them so that they can receive payment for services. In Wyoming, organizations and provide day and residential services must be accredited by CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. CARF certification is the baseline standard that providers must meet. These organizations are surveyed extensively by DDD each year. Individuals and organizations that furnish other services must meet state requirements, which are verified by DDD.

The Wyoming State Training School (WSTS) is a state-supported facility under the DDD providing care and learning opportunities to individuals with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. WSTS provides residential services, care training, and temporary services if appropriate services cannot be obtained through a community-based program. The primary goal of the Training School is the development of each person to his or her maximum potential. The WSTS also functions as the site for two additional resources. The University of Wyoming College of Extended Studies and the Department of Administration and Information have established a compressed video classroom at WSTS. Also as a member of the Mountain Plains Health Consortium, the WSTS has full access to satellite education services.

The Wyoming Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD), housed in the Wyoming Department of Health, is the state administering agency for the provision of specialized services to adults and children with developmental disabilities. It provides funding and guidance responsive to the needs of people with disabilities to live, work, enjoy, and learn in Wyoming communities with their families, friends, and chosen service and support providers. These individuals may have mental retardation, developmental disability, acquired brain injury or a closely related condition. The DDD also is responsible for determining that service providers (whether community organizations or individuals) are qualified and enrolling them so that they can receive payment for services. For information on who is eligible for services or for more information about the services provided call or write:

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

The Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has as its goal the advancing of jobs and independence for Wyomingites with disabilities. The DVR administers the following job-related programs for people with physical and/or mental disabilities which, for that individual, results in a substantial impediment to obtaining or maintaining employment: Vocational rehabilitation, Independent Living, Disability Determination Services, employment of People with Disabilities, Supported Employment, Business Enterprise, and Wyoming Relay Service.

Sheltered Employment

In sheltered workshops in the State of Wyoming, persons served not only receive training to help meet their daily needs, but are able to work under the direction of qualified trainers to gain pre-vocational and vocational skills and practice work ethics. As a "stepping stone" to community employment, individualized training focuses on learning key work concepts. In addition to learning how to work, individuals are also trained on and paid for performing various jobs. Participants must meet the definitions established for the DD adult waiver by the State of Wyoming.

Competitive Employment

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is Wyoming's newest state agency, dedicated to developing a demand-driven workforce that is responsive to Wyoming's businesses, citizens, and economy. The Department of Workforce Services maintains a statewide network of workforce centers to deliver business services, vocational rehabilitation services, and employment and training programs for businesses, jobseekers, older workers, veterans, youth, persons with disabilities, and their partners. The quality of supported employment services has continued to improve through on-site training and technical assistance provided by the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND). Housed at the University of Wyoming, WIND was created in part with startup funds provided by the Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Health and Safety

Consultation is provided for safety and health technical assistance at no charge to private and public sector employers upon request. Consultants do health and safety surveys, which include an audit of a facility where hazards are identified, but there is no fine or penalty. Injury and illness records are reviewed to identify any problem areas and to offer corrective measures. On-the-spot informal training can be given to employees or supervisors when needed on safety and health issues.

The Mission of the Wyoming Department of Employment, Occupational Health and Safety, is "to assure that insofar as possible every working person within this sate shall have safe and healthful working conditions from recognized hazards and to preserve our state's human resources: that the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases and abiding by rules and regulations are the responsibility of both the employer and the employee; and to help and assist employers and employees in accident and occupational disease prevention through educational means, which shall be made available to all industries, businesses, employees, employee groups and associations."

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

The goal of adult protective services is to ensure that safety and basic needs are being met in the least restrictive environment. This can be in an adult's home or elsewhere. These services are provided by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) Adult Protective Services. The program serves vulnerable adults which means any person eighteen years of age or older who is unable to manage and take care of himself or his property without assistance as a result of advanced age or physical or mental disability.

Protection and Advocacy

Other sources include the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC). The mission of the SRC is to review, analyze and advise the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the delivery of effective rehabilitation services which lead to employment for individuals with disabilities and in partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, advance the use of resources necessary to promote the independence of Wyoming's citizens with disabilities.

Another advocacy source is the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD). Creating a positive environment for the independence and employment of people with disabilities is the primary focus of the GCEPD. The GCEPD focuses on employment and the removal of barriers to employment for people with disabilities.

Wyoming Protection & Advocacy System, Inc. (P & A), established in 1977, is the official non-profit corporation authorized to implement certain mandates of several federal laws. Enacted by Congress, these laws provide various protection and advocacy services. P & A Systems are in each state and territory. They provide protection of the rights of persons with disabilities through legal based advocacy. The Protection & Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities Program (PADD) may investigate problems related to the protection of certain civil rights of persons with developmental disabilities including: abuse and neglect investigations in institutions; special education rights; appropriateness of placement; denial of due process in treatment, placement or review; and the right to services delivered in a non-discriminatory fashion.