Eligibility

Determining Eligibility

Who can make a referral?

Referrals can be made by individuals, parents, physicians, teachers or anyone who believes that a person residing in Summit County may benefit from and qualify for services from Summit DD. The Agency then gets consent from the individual, parent or guardian to begin the eligibility process.

What is the criteria for eligibility?

Eligibility for services is based on a number of factors and evaluations that are specific to a person’s age.

Birth through Age 2

Summit DD's Early Interventions Services support children from birth through 36 months. Our Early Intervention services support families of infants and toddlers with disabilities. Starting intervention early is the key to improving your child's ability to develop and learn.

If you have concerns about your child's development, you can schedule a developmental evaluation and assessment at no cost to you.

To get started, contact Help Me Grow Referral for Services process. (Referrals to Early Intervention are made through our partners at the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s Help Me Grow Early Intervention Program.)

Learn more about Summit DD's Early Intervention Services.

Children will have their eligibility re-determined at age 3 for continued services.

Ages 3 to 5

Children, ages three to five, are eligible for support if they have an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Children will have their eligibility re-determined at age 6 for continued services.

Get Started: Contact us to begin the Eligibility Process.
Or download the 3-5 Summit DD Application & Consent Form to get started. (Please note, you need to download and save the form to your computer before filling out the form. Once completed, please attach and email the form to intake@summitdd.org.)

Ages 6 to 15

Children, ages six to 15, are eligible for Summit DD services if they have a documented
history of a life-long developmental disability and significant functional limitations in at least three areas of the Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI).

Eligibility is re-determined at age 16 for continued services.

Get Started Today: Contact us to begin the Eligibility Process. 
Or download the Intake form to get started. (Please note, you need to download and save the form to your computer before filling out the form. Once completed, please attach and email the form to intake@summitdd.org.)

Ages 16+

Individuals, age 16 and older, are eligible for Summit DD services if they have a documented developmental disability prior to age 22, significant functional limitations in at least three of seven life areas on the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI), or other approved evaluation assessments.

Eligibility status may be reviewed at any time if a significant change in diagnoses, impairment or skill has occurred.

Get Started Today: Contact us to begin the Eligibility Process.
Or download the Intake form to get started. (Please note, you need to download and save the form to your computer before filling out the form. Once completed, please attach and email the form to intake@summitdd.org.)

What happens next?

If you or your child is found eligible you be assigned an (SSA) Service and Support administrator or an (RSS) Referral and Support Specialist. One of these staff will assist you or your child with your current needs and future planning. If you or your child are not found eligible for services, our team will continue to work with you and help identify other community resources that may be available to you. You also have the right to due process to appeal the decision if services are reduced, denied or terminated.

Additional information about eligibility for Summit DD services can be found in our FAQs or on the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities website.

We are here to help guide you through the eligibility process. Contact us to get started.

Download our Guide to the Eligibility Process.

Download our Agency Overview flier

Need Additional Help?

Contact our Intake and Eligibility Department by phone at 330-634-8676.

© Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board