​

Overview of the Developmental Disabilities System

The Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is the state office that provides leadership for the direction, funding, and operation of services to people with developmental disabilities within Colorado. This office is responsible for development, provision and oversight of rules and regulations of which Community Centered Boards and Service Agencies must adhere. The Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities provides Quality Assurance Surveys of Community Centered Boards and Service Agencies and determines program approval based on the outcome of these surveys. The Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities contracts with Community Centered Boards throughout Colorado to deliver community based services.

​

​

 

Overview of the Community Centered Board System

There are twenty Community Centered Boards in the State of Colorado. Community Centered Boards are organizations designated in statute as the single entry point into the long-term service and support system for persons with developmental disabilities. Each Community Centered Board is responsible for intake, eligibility determination, service plan development, arrangement of services, delivery of services (through purchase or directly), case management, monitoring, and other functions.  **Click HERE for a link to a document that provides more information.

​

​

 

Overview of Service Agencies

Community Support Services, Inc. is a service agency. Many of the Community Centered Boards provide delivery of services by purchasing services from private service agencies, such as Community Support Services, Inc.  When the Community Centered Board purchases services from Community Support Services, Inc. our agency becomes the responsible entity for the entire realm of services purchased. At this point, our agency receives funding, monitoring and case management from the Community Centered Boards for the purchased services.  

 

​

 

Understanding the Placement Process 

The first step in the placement process is eligibility determination. You will contact your assigned Community Center Board (this is determined by the county in which you live) to begin the eligibility process. Specific information about this process is available through your assigned Community Center Board. Once eligibility is determined, you will be placed on a waiting list until funding is available for your needs. When funding is available for you, you will be contacted by your Community Center Board. Your Community Center Board will explain the type of services that are now available for you. Service examples include but are not limited to: Comprehensive Services; Supported Living Services; Community Integrated Employment, etc. Now that funding is available for you and you understand the type of services that you are eligible for, your next step is to choose a ‘Service Agency’ to provide your services. Your Community Center Board is responsible to make you aware of all of the Service Agencies that are available. You have the right to review and visit agencies until you find one that you believe will meet your needs.

 

 

How to Select an Agency

It is very important to choose your service agency carefully. You should come to a service agency screening (a meeting to meet the potential service agency) with the expectation of learning about the service agency and getting answers to any of your questions.

 

At a minimum, the service agency should give you a history of their agency and a description of how their agency operates. The history and description may include:

​

      ~the agency's philosophy

      ~how long the agency has been in business

      ~longevity and experience of the administrative/management personnel

      ~ longevity and experience of direct care providers

      ~ internal systems to ensure quality services and supports

      ~ the types of services offered

      ~the roles of different positions

      ~Division for Developmental Disabilities survey results

                (Note: state survey results are public record)

      ~Community Centered Board monitoring results

      ~references from people receiving supports and their family members, etc.  

 

Take your time, ask questions and research the agencies in which you are interested.