Services to Explore in Virginia for Students with Disabilities

This page provides information on Medicaid Waivers in Virginia. Waivers can offer support to students with disabilities. Learn about:

• What waivers are and how they can help.
• Who qualifies for these programs.
• The application process.

We've also included information on other resources available in Virginia, such as financial assistance and transportation options, to further support students with disabilities.

Medicaid Waiver Services for Students with Disabilities

A waiver is like a helping hand for people with disabilities who need ongoing care. When you get approved for a waiver, you can choose from different services. In Virginia, there are four waivers for people who need a certain level of care and meet specific criteria. Some common services may include:

• Help with personal care.
• Taking breaks for caregivers (called respite care).
• Daytime activities.
• Assistance during a difficult time.
• Job support and tools to help with tasks (like technology).
• Residential options.
• And more.

Eligibility Requirements

There are three Developmental Disability (DD) waivers. To be eligible for one of the three DD Waivers, an individual must

• Meet diagnostic, functional, and Medicaid financial eligibility.
• Be willing to accept waiver services within 30 days of offer.

Application Process

The Fairfax County Government Community Services Board (CSB) is the "point of entry" to apply for services.

DD Waivers

Other Waivers

Commonwealth Coordinated Care (CCC) Plus Waiver

Covered services include respite services, assistive technology, personal care, private duty nursing, or in-home care. Individuals must meet specific medical or nursing needs.

Contact

For more information or to complete the pre-screening process:

Additional Information

• There are wait lists for the three DD Waivers, and it can take years to get one. Waivers are given to people who need help the most. If you qualify, you go on a list based on how much you need support, not on how long you've been waiting.
• The individual may move between waivers if their needs change over time.
• Services are not guaranteed after your child leaves school. Your child must qualify and there must be money available to get services.
• While on the wait list for a DD Waiver, consider the CCC Plus Waiver if your child is eligible.

Additional Resource

The Arc of Northern Virginia offers services, educational support, and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities, both children and adults, as well as their families.

FCPS Contacts

Other Services to Consider

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that pays benefits to adults and children with disabilities that have limited income and resources. Prior to age 18, family income is considered. After 18, individual income is considered. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) 30 days prior to a student turning 18. Call 800-772-1213 for application information or for more information.

Medicaid provides medical benefits to low-income people and people with disabilities who have no medical insurance or have inadequate medical insurance. Visit the Department of Family Services (DFS) page or call 703-324-7500 for more information.

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) is available to children under the age of 21 who are eligible for Medicaid.  Personal care, dental care, nursing, therapies and other Medicaid services not typically provided to adults in Virginia are available to children who are eligible for Medicaid.  More information is available by calling 804-786-6134.

Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) is a low cost medical insurance program for the children of working families in Virginia.  Based on income, families with uninsured children may enroll in FAMIS.  This program covers families that do not qualify for Medicaid.  For more information call 866-873-2647.

Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPPP) is a program for people receiving Medicaid where the Department of Medical Assistance Services may reimburse for all or part of monthly private health insurance premiums. For more information call 800-432-5924.

Comprehensive Services Act pools funds from various agencies to meet the needs of children, up to age 18, who are “high risk.” Decisions about funds and services are determined at the local level by Community Policy and Management Teams (CPMT) and Family Assessment and Planning Teams (FAPT).  More information is available by calling 804-662-9815

MetroAccess is a shared-ride, door-to-door, paratransit service for people who cannot use public transportation due to a disability. The service is available to individuals who are age 5 and older. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. More information is available by calling 301-562-4640.

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Transition POINTS (Providing Opportunities, Information, Networking, and Transition Support) program.

Adapted from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Arc of Northern Virginia.

This web page contains links to one or more web pages that are outside the FCPS network. FCPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages.