(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – If you wish to receive services, officials will first determine if you are eligible.

Including You is brought to you by the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

According to TuscBDD officials, the guidelines for eligibility depend on the age of the individual in Ohio.

Ages 0 to 3

Early Intervention Services are provided to families of children up to the age of three who exhibit delays in development or who may be at risk for delays in development due to medical implications or environmental factors. To determine if you are eligible, contact 330-339-3493.

Ages 3 to 5

Each school district determines whether a student is eligible for admission into the district’s pre-school program. IF at least two delays are noted in the Evaluation Team Report (ETR) completed by the child’s school district, or through a medical evaluation, the child is also eligible for TuscBDD services. Please contact TuscBDD.

Ages 6 to 9

A child who is between 6 and 9 years old is eligible for services if he or she meets the following criteria:

• Has a diagnosis of a developmental disability. A qualified professional must make the diagnosis. A report(s) must be submitted verifying the diagnosis.
• Has a diagnosis that is expected to be a life long disability.
• Has a parent or legal guardian who must give permission for the eligibility determination instrument to be completed with the child.
• Three areas in which support is needed is noted on the functional assessment. Areas of support include:
  • Self Care – Skills in the areas of bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, etc. are considered.
  • Communication – Skills in the area of receptive and expressive communication are reviewed.
  • Mobility – The child’s walking and moving about in the environment are reviewed.
  • Learning/Cognition – The child’s skills in reading, time telling, money skills, etc. are explored.
  • Self Direction – The child’s ability to make age-appropriate decisions and understand cause and effect are considered.
  • Capacity for Independent Living – The child’s ability to do daily living tasks at an age-appropriate level such as making a sandwich, operating at the TV, taking dirty dishes to the sink, etc. are reviewed.
  • To be eligible for services, the child must show deficits in three of the six areas noted above. If the child is eligible, DD staff will make referrals for requested services. If the child is not eligible, the staff will assist the parent/legal guardian in identifying other services that can assist them.

Ages 10 and over

To be determined eligible for services in this group, the person must meet the following criteria:

• Have a diagnosis of a developmental disability. The diagnosis must be made by a qualified professional. A report(s) must be submitted verifying the diagnosis.
• Have a diagnosis that is expected to be a life long disability.
• The onset of the disability must have occurred prior to the age of 22.
• he individual or legal guardian (parent if under age 18) must give permission to complete the level of care assessment.
• Support needed in three of the following seven areas of the level of care assessment:
  • Self Care – Skills in the areas of bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, etc. are considered.
  • Communication – Skills in the area of receptive and expressive communication are reviewed.
  • Mobility – The child’s walking and moving about in the environment are reviewed.
  • Learning/Cognition – The child’s skills in reading, time telling, money skills, etc. are explored.
  • Self Direction – The child’s ability to make age-appropriate decisions and understand cause and effect are considered.
  • Capacity for Independent Living – The child’s ability to do daily living tasks at an age-appropriate level such as making a sandwich, operating at the TV, taking dirty dishes to the sink, etc. are reviewed.
  • Economic Proficiency – The individuals earning ability, benefit status, and vocational skills are considered.
  • To be eligible for services, the child must show deficits in three of the six areas noted above. If the child is eligible, DD staff will make referrals for requested services. If the child is not eligible, the staff will assist the parent/legal guardian in identifying other services that can assist them.