Developmental Disabilities
Vermont Family Network (VFN) provides individuals with developmental
disabilities— children, youth, and adults, and the people who
support them— up-to-date, accessible information and assistance, and
referral to other agencies if needed. Our Developmental Disabilities
Specialist assists families and individuals with navigating complex systems
of care, answering questions, and connecting them with resources. Our
goals are
- to provide families and individuals the support they need to advocate
for systems change
- to bring parents of youth and adults with developmental disabilities
together for mutual support and to gain information on issues important
to them, such as housing, employment, and healthcare.
Contact: Claudia Inés Pringles,
Developmental Disabilities Consultant,
cell: (802)917-2475, email
view Families Together Support Groups
How do I apply for Developmental Services?
If you think you may have a developmental disability or you are the parent or guardian of a person who may have a developmental disability, you may apply for Developmental Services. Call Claudia for help in finding one of the ten Designated Agencies closest to where you live.
What happens when I apply for Developmental Services?
You will have an intake appointment at your Designated Agency. The Designated Agency will then determine if you or your child are eligible for Developmental Services. To determine this, the agency uses the Vermont definition of a developmental disability. Simplified, it is:
- an IQ less than 70 OR diagnosis of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (autistic disorder, Rett's disorder, childhood disintegration disorder, Asperger's disorder, and PDD-NOS are included) which occurred before age 18
AND
- substantial deficits in adaptive behavior which occurred before age 18
For Home and Community Based Waiver Services, in addition to fitting the Vermont definition of a developmental disability, you must meet a funding priority. The agency does a Needs Assessment to see if your needs meet a funding priority. Call Claudia for a copy of Vermont's current funding priorities.
For children/youth under age 21, you must be at risk of admission to a nursing home or of a psychiatric hospitalization to meet a funding priority. If you are an adult, 18 and over, there are more ways to meet a funding priority and you should look at the chart of funding priorities to see if you meet one.
What services may be available to me?
- Home and Community Based Waiver Services, including case management, employment support, transportation, help finding housing, and support for independent living
What are my rights?
According to Vermont regulations, you have the right to the following when you apply for Developmental Services at your Designated Agency:
- An application for Developmental Services. You have the right to apply for services even if you don't think you meet a funding priority or don't have a diagnosis. Right now, a very simple written application is all that is available and the rest is done during the intake interview.
- An intake where you meet with someone from the human services agency and they review your records, history and current needs. If you have not been diagnosed with a Pervasive Developmental Disorder but think you might have one, you have the right to an assessment/evaluation.
- Follow-up from your human services agency. You have the right to be told the agency's decision, in writing, and to know why you are being denied services. If you are eligible, but don't meet a funding priority, your agency must place you on an Applicant List. You have the right to a review at least yearly to see if your needs now meet a funding priority.
- An appeal. If you are denied services, you can appeal the decision. Tell the person who did your intake that you would like to start the appeal process.
Still confused about Developmental Disabilities Services in Vermont?
Get Connected ~ Get Information
Contact: Claudia Inés Pringles,
Developmental Disabilities Consultant,
cell: (802)917-2475, email
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