Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services
Offering a range of service options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to promote health, independence and specialized care.
Screening, Intake and Eligibility
A psychological evaluation, called a Determination of an Intellectual Disability (DID), is conducted in accordance with state law and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) rules to determine if a person has an intellectual disability, developmental disability, or a related condition, or is a member of the HHSC intellectual and developmental disability priority population.
Individuals who are assessed with intellectual and developmental disabilities must meet any of the following criteria to receive services:
- Intellectual Disability – IQ of 69 or below established by 18th birthday;
- Autism Spectrum Disorder – onset before 22nd birthday;
- Related Conditions – Individuals may qualify for limited services based on the disability, IQ level, and adaptive behavioral level with onset before 22nd birthday; or,
- Early Childhood Intervention – from birth to 3 years old.
To begin the process, complete the application below and return by mail or hand deliver to the Alamo Area Council of Governments office.
Apply for Intake
To begin the process, complete the English or Spanish application and return by mail or hand deliver to the Alamo Area Council of Governments office.
Explore Programs for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disability
Service Coordination
The following programs are facilitated by a staff member, called a Services Coordination Specialist, who oversees the activities and services for eligible individuals.
- General Revenue Funded Safety Net Services – These services are intended to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities remain in their own or their family’s home.
- Community First Choice – Services to help with basic attendant and habilitation tasks for persons with disabilities and are available to Medicaid recipients with an institutional level of care.
- Texas Home Living – The TxHmL program provides essential services and supports so that persons with IDD can continue to live with their families or in their own homes. TxHmL services supplement but do not replace services and supports from other programs such as the Texas Health Steps program, or from natural supports such as family, neighbors or community organizations.
- Home and Community based Services – The HCS program provides services to persons with IDD who live with their family, in their own home, in a host home/companion care setting, or in a residence with no more than four persons who also receive services. Services meet the person’s needs so the person can maintain himself or herself in the community and have opportunities to participate as a citizen to the maximum extent possible.
- Pre Admission Screening and Resident Review – PASRR is a federally mandated program that requires all states to prescreen all people, regardless of payer source or age, seeking admission to a Medicaid-certified nursing facility. PASRR has three goals:
- To identify people, including adults and children, with mental illness and/or IDD.
- To ensure appropriate placement, whether in the community or the nursing facility.
- To ensure people receive the required services for mental illness and/or IDD.
Health and Wellness
Explore opportunities for education and services related to nutrition, physical education and more that are available to individuals with IDD as they age in place.
Transportation
Affordable transportation program allows residents to schedule a ride to medical appointments, school, work or personal errands. This helps our residents maintain their independence and quality of life.
Home Support and Energy Solutions
Home and housing services are designed to help individuals with IDD live in an integrated community setting. We understand that it can be difficult to develop a comprehensive array of supports to meet your needs. We offer tailored solutions to meet safety and comfort needs, ensuring individuals with IDD can live in the least restrictive setting with peace of mind.
Caregiver Support
Caregiver support programs offer assistance to caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether a young parent caring for a young child with IDD or an older parent caring for an aging adult child, there are various resources and programs available for support.
Additional Programs for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disability
Residential Options for Individuals with IDD
AACOG serves as the local front door for access to residential living options for individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions.
Residential Options include:
- State Supported Living Centers – provide 24-hour residential services in a structured environment for people with intellectual disabilities. Residents live in a safe, campus-based setting where they receive individualized on-site behavioral treatment and health care, including primary and specialty medical care, psychiatry, nursing, and dental care.
- Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition – ICFs provide 24-hour community based residential services for people with intellectual disabilities or related conditions. Residents have access to comprehensive and individualized services and supports in their local communities. Most community-based ICF serve people in homes that accommodate up to six people.
- Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program: Group Home or Host Home and Companion Care – the HCS program provides services for people to successfully integrate into their local community and have opportunities to participate as citizens to the maximum possible extent. The program can also provide 24-hour residential assistance for people with intellectual disabilities or related conditions who live in:
- A group home where no more than four people are receiving services; or,
- A host home and companion care setting
For more information, contact:
Bexar County: (210) 832-5020
IDDservices@aacog.gov
Subsidized Housing Referrals for Individuals with IDD
AACOG collaborates with Opportunity Home San Antonio and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities access subsidized housing in Bexar County.
Referral types include:
- Mainstream Voucher – Mainstream vouchers assist non-elderly persons with disabilities afford housing. IDD residents with a Mainstream voucher must maintain enrollment with a long term IDD Services program to ensure they receive the quality care they need.
- Section 811 Rental Assistance – provides project-based rental assistance for extremely low-income persons with disabilities linked with long term IDD services.
For more information, contact:
Bexar County: (210) 832-5020
IDDservices@aacog.gov
Respite Services
Short term relief services for an individual’s caregiver who is temporarily unavailable to provide support.
These services ensure safe, appropriate care and supervision when a caregiver is unavailable. Care may be provided at home or in the community. If enrolled in other services, the individual continues to receive them during respite.
For more Information, please contact: 210-832-5020
Crisis Respite Services
Short term service that provides therapeutic support for a person with a diagnosis of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who is experiencing a crisis that cannot be stabilized with existing natural or formal supports.
Service includes:
- Out of home crisis respite: provided in a safe environment with staff who provide 24-hour supervision for up to 14 calendar days. Out of home crisis respite is provided in the following settings:
- an intermediate care facility (ICF/IID)
- a Home and Community based Services (HCS) group home
- a crisis respite facility or residential facility
- In home crisis respite: provided to a person when it is deemed clinically appropriate for the person to remain in their natural environment, and it is anticipated that the crisis can be stabilized within 72 hours.
For more information, please contact: 210-832-5020
Upcoming Community Events for IDD
Resources for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
FAQs
Who is Eligible for IDD Services?
Adults and children living in Bexar County are eligible for AACOG Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services if they have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability (ID) that originated before the age of 18. Conditions, such as autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy that begin before the age of 22, that are expected to be long term, and result in significant limitations. These limitations include: communication, self care, learning, mobility, or independent living. In some programs, financial eligibility is based on Medicaid income and resource guidelines.
When will I be able to access services?
Some IDD Services programs have an interest list. For more information, contact the Intake and Eligibility Department at (210) 832-5020.
Who is my service coordinator?
You should have received an introduction letter with the name and contact information of your assigned service coordinator. If you do not have it, call (210) 832-5020.
What is an EDA?
An EDA is an eligibility determination assessment, formerly known as a DMR. The assessment will determine what services you may be eligible for, and is now referred to as Determination of Intellectual Disability (DID). To find out more, call the Intellectual and Development Disabilities Services office at (210) 832-5020.
At what age can my child be tested for developmental delays?
There is no minimum or maximum age requirement to have a DID completed. However, to receive services, there must be evidence that an intellectual disability originated prior to age 18 or that a developmental disability or related condition originated prior to age 22.
I am in a Medicaid-waiver program and I want to transfer to another county, whom should I contact?
Contact your assigned Services Coordination Specialist, and he or she can assist you with contact information for that county and to facilitate the transfer process.
How do you request services through the IDDS?
Contact the Intake and Eligibility Department and submit an Intake and Eligibility (I&E) Application. The application is available for download from our website, or you may call an intake worker at (210) 832-5020.
I received a letter from the Social Security office. Can someone help me with making sure I respond appropriately to the request?
The IDD Services program has a Financial Eligibility Specialist to assist you with maintaining or reestablishing your benefits.
Can an individual receive emergency services from IDD?
Yes, IDD Services works with the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS), local hospitals, school districts, nursing facilities, and the public. IDD staff will assess the need for eligibility, crisis respite services, case management, or other placement needs.
What is PASRR?
PASRR is Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review. More Information
Where do I fax the PASRR Level 1 (PL1) Screening Form?
The dedicated PASRR fax number is (210) 822-0592.
Does IDD Services have an advisory committee?
View Board & Committees
IDD Services Advisory Committee (IDDSAC)
Meetings
Quarterly
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
2700 NE Loop 410
Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
About Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG)
Our mission at the Alamo Area Council of Governments is to enhance the quality of life for all residents of the Alamo Region. We are committed to providing services and support with compassion and understanding.
