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Division of DD
Overview
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD), established in 1974, serves a population that has developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, head injuries, autism, epilepsy, and certain learning disabilities. Such conditions must have occurred before age 22, with the expectation that they will continue. To be eligible for services from the Division, persons with these disabilities must be substantially limited in their ability to function independently.
On October 16, 2008 Governor Matt Blunt signed an executive order officially changing the name of the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to the Division of Developmental Disabilities. The executive order does not change the division’s mission, or impact those eligible for services or those receiving services from the division or contract providers. Many self advocates and family members have been advocating for this change for years and the change is consistent with the division's statutory obligation to decrease stigma.
The Division improves the lives of persons with developmental disabilities through programs and services to enable those persons to live independently and productively. In 1988, the Division began participation in the Medicaid home and community-based waiver program, designed to help expand needed services throughout the state.
The Division operates 17 entities that provide or purchase specialized services. Eleven (11) are regional offices that provide service coordination and work with individuals, families and providers in the following areas: Albany, Central Missouri, Hannibal, Joplin, Kansas City, Kirksville, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, Sikeston, Springfield, St. Louis. There are also six state operated habilitation centers - Bellefontaine Habilitation Center, Higginsville Habilitation Center, Marshall Habilitation Center, Nevada Habilitation Center, Southeast Missouri Residential Services in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff and St Louis DDTC ; which provide residential care and habilitation services.
The regional offices, the primary points of entry into the system, provide assessment and case management services, which include coordination of each individuals person centered plan. A regional office may refer an individual to a habilitation center. Habilitation centers primarily serve individuals who are medically and behaviorally challenged or court committed. All habilitation centers are Medicaid certified.
If you would like more information, please phone us at (573) 751-4054 or e-mail us.
