Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Lea Hill Regional Autism Program Coordinator DDS Northeast Region DDS Initiatives for Adults With Autism but Without Intellectual Disability Lea Hill Regional Autism Program Coordinator DDS Northeast Region

Autism Omnibus Law of 2014 Expansion of eligibility to include Adults with Autism and Prader-Willi without Intellectual Disability and for Smith Magenis Syndrome.

2014 Autism Omnibus Bill Highlights Established the Autism Commission as a permanent body within EOHHS Carolyn Kain, Executive Director Sub-Committees on Employment, Housing, Adult Services, and more Changed Eligibility Criteria for DDS Created Tax-Free Savings Account (ABLE) Created Autism Endorsement for Special Education Teachers

2014 Autism Omnibus Bill Highlights Required DDS and DMH to Develop and Implement Plan for Mental Illness and Developmental Disabilities, including: Respite Family Support Care Coordination Required MassHealth to Cover Medically Necessary Treatments for Children under 21 – Including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

DDS Adult Autism Eligibility Download the Application: https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-eligibility-forms Available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese Eligibility Fact Sheet for Adult Autism Spectrum Disorders: https://www.mass.gov/lists/your-guide-to-the- dds-eligibility-process

DDS Adult Autism Eligibility Eligible Individuals must have Substantial Functional Impairments in Three or More of the Seven Major Life Areas: Self-Care (ADL) Expressive Communication Receptive Communication Learning Mobility Capacity for Self-Direction Economic Self-Sufficiency

DDS Adult Autism Eligibility Adult Autism Eligibility Applications may be submitted at Age 17, even if the individual is still enrolled in school. DDS Adult funded services begin once the individual is Out of School (18-21) or reaches Age 22. All DDS Services and Supports are subject to Appropriation.

DDS Adult Autism Eligibility Adult Eligibility remains throughout the Life Time unless the Individual relocates Out of State DDS Services are Voluntary

DDS Adult Services Service Coordinator Attends IEP’s and Transition Meetings Leads ISP Meetings Support Broker for Self-Directed Services

Frequent Service Requests for Adults with Autism Individual Supports Examples: Adult Companion Independent Living Skills Development Skill Training & Job Development Referral to Clinical Supports Behavioral, Psychiatric, Assistive Technology Day/Employment Supports Individual and Group Supported Employment

New Initiatives for Adults with Autism Autism Coaching Program Autism Specialists at Family Support Centers Social/Recreational Events Support Groups for Individuals and Parents

Collaboration with DMH Area Office Case Review During Eligibility Process & Ongoing Psychiatric Consultation Psychiatric Fellowships Clubhouses (DMH Eligibility Not Required) Collaborative Training and Staff Development Opportunities New Service Model Development

DDS Autism Program Coordinators: Northeast Region – Lea Hill Lea.Hill@MassMail.State.MA.US Metro Region – Maria Stefano Maria.Stefano@MassMail.State.MA.US Southeast Region – Shannon Hubley Shannon.Hubley@MassMail.State.MA.US Central/West Region – Pamela Ferguson Pamela.P.Ferguson@MassMail.State.MA.US