Support is on the way for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Virginia who are seeking assistance to enhance their lives and well-being.
Recently, state legislation was signed to increase funding for services aimed at individuals on the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Developmental Disability Waiver Priority One waitlist, according to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.
Those on the Priority One waitlist have been designated as needing a high level of support. The budget for the 2024-26 biennium allocates $247 million to serve 3,440 individuals across Virginia on this waitlist. Fairfax County alone has 1,200 people on the Priority One waitlist, which accounts for over one-third of the total statewide. With the addition of more waiver slots, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board plans to work with stakeholders to assist those who are awaiting critical support.
Access to services for individuals with developmental disabilities translates into greater independence, improved quality of life, and enhanced opportunities for community involvement, officials stated in a news release. For families, it offers much-needed relief and support, enabling them to better care for their loved ones.
The CDC defines developmental disability as a range of disabilities that affect learning, language, behavior, and other aspects of well-being. Some of the most recognized include autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. The state’s definition also encompasses individuals who have been admitted to or discharged from state training centers and hospitals.
The legislation also revised the rules for using the waivers, providing additional flexibility for those seeking services and enhancing support for managing the waiver process, as noted in the news release.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board is a public organization dedicated to serving individuals with mental health issues, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities in Fairfax County, as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.
This creates an opportunity for individuals throughout the Commonwealth who have been on waitlists to finally receive services and care, said Daryl Washington, executive director of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. This will significantly increase the level of service and support available to them in their communities.
Sierra Simmons, division director for developmental disability support coordination, highlighted the lengthy wait many individuals face: We’ve had people waiting for almost 20 years. The waitlist isn’t chronological; it’s based on need. Those with more urgent needs may enter service before others who are also on the waitlist.
Services provided under developmental disability waivers include day support, employment services, in-home support, personal assistance, and supervised group home living.
According to the CDC, one in four adults in Virginia has some form of disability. Adults with disabilities in the state often face health disparities and are more likely to report conditions such as depression, obesity, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, and long COVID compared to adults without disabilities.
Our agency is committed to providing services to individuals in need, Washington said. When we see significant community needs that remain unmet, it’s frustrating. We aim to fill those gaps and provide essential services. The funding for these additional waivers is an exciting opportunity for us.