Understanding Ohio IDD Services: Who Qualifies and How to Get Started

If you or someone you love has a developmental disability, navigating Ohio's developmental disabilities system can feel overwhelming. Understanding who qualifies for services and what to expect during the eligibility process can make the journey much easier. The good news is that your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities is there to guide you every step of the way.

Who Qualifies for Ohio IDD Services?

To be eligible for services through Ohio's developmental disabilities system, an individual must generally:

• Have a developmental disability that began before age 22.

• Have a condition that is expected to continue indefinitely.

• Experience substantial functional limitations in one or more major life areas, including:

  • Self-care

  • Communication

  • Learning

  • Mobility

  • Self-direction

  • Independent living

  • Economic self-sufficiency

Eligibility is determined by your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities through a comprehensive review of assessments, evaluations, and supporting documentation.

Understanding the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI)

One of the most important parts of the eligibility process for many applicants is the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI).

The OEDI is a standardized assessment used by County Boards of Developmental Disabilities to evaluate how a person's developmental disability affects their ability to function in everyday life. The assessment helps determine whether an individual meets Ohio's eligibility requirements for developmental disabilities services.

Age Requirements

The assessment used depends on the applicant's age:

• Birth through age 2: Eligibility is determined through the Ohio Early Intervention eligibility process.

• Ages 3–5: Eligibility is based on developmental evaluations, medical records, and educational documentation.

• Ages 6–15: The Children's Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI) is used.

• Age 16 and older: The Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) is used to evaluate substantial functional limitations.

There is no upper age limit for completing the OEDI. Adults of any age may complete the assessment when applying for services, provided they can demonstrate that their developmental disability manifested before their 22nd birthday and is expected to continue indefinitely.

What Does the OEDI Measure?

The OEDI evaluates how an individual's disability affects daily functioning in several areas, including:

• Communication

• Self-care and personal hygiene

• Learning and problem-solving

• Mobility

• Self-direction

• Independent living skills

• Capacity for economic self-sufficiency

County Board staff complete the assessment through interviews, observations, and a review of information from the individual, family members, caregivers, schools, healthcare providers, and other relevant records.

The OEDI is only one part of the eligibility process. The County Board also considers medical records, psychological evaluations, educational records, developmental history, and other documentation before making an eligibility determination. Completing the OEDI does not automatically qualify—or disqualify—someone for services.

How to Apply for Services

Applying for Ohio IDD services typically involves these steps:

1. Contact Your Local County Board

Reach out to the County Board of Developmental Disabilities in the county where you live. An intake specialist will explain the process and answer your questions.

2. Complete an Eligibility Application

You'll be asked to provide documentation that may include:

• Medical records

• Psychological evaluations

• School records

• Developmental evaluations

• Other supporting documentation

3. Complete the Eligibility Assessment

Depending on the applicant's age, the County Board will complete the appropriate eligibility assessment, such as the COEDI or OEDI, while reviewing all available records.

4. Receive an Eligibility Decision

Once all required information has been reviewed, the County Board will notify you of its eligibility determination.

5. Begin Service Planning

If eligibility is approved, you'll be assigned a Service and Support Administrator (SSA) who will work with you to develop a person-centered plan based on your goals, strengths, and support needs. If waiver funding or other services are available, your SSA will also help connect you with qualified providers.

What Services May Be Available?

Depending on an individual's assessed needs and available funding, services may include:

• Adult day support

• Supported employment

• Homemaker/personal care

• Transportation

• Community integration

• Residential services

• Assistive technology

• Behavioral support services

• Respite care

Many of these services are funded through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers, allowing individuals to receive support while living and participating in their communities.

We're Here to Help

Beginning the eligibility process can seem intimidating, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Understanding how eligibility is determined—and the role the OEDI plays—can help you feel more prepared and confident as you take the next step.

Whether you're just starting to explore services or are ready to select a provider, our team is committed to helping individuals and families understand their options and access the supports they need to live meaningful, independent lives.

If you have questions about Ohio developmental disabilities services or would like to learn more about the supports we provide, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can support you and your family on your journey.