Disability Services

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Overview

The Disability Services System (DSS) is designed to support, provide care, and connection for all Iowans and families with disability-related needs. The DSS also assists Iowans to needed system connections to Medicaid, Public Health, and Behavioral Health by using a shared responsibility model between HHS and system stakeholders.  The Disability Services System: 

  • Is well-coordinated with clear access points throughout Disability Services System districts.
  • Ensures that individuals and families have access to person-centered services and supports no matter where they live.
  • Reduces duplication by linking Federal, State and local governance and authority.
  • Eliminates administrative red-tape, and the same efforts happening in multiple places.
  • Links funding to measurable outcomes. 

Disability services provided through Iowa’s Medicaid programs can be found at the following link: Medicaid Programs | Health & Human Services 

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Non-Medicaid Disability Services & Disability Access Points

On May 15, 2024, a new law called House File 2673 was signed in Iowa. This law will make some changes to how non-Medicaid disability services are managed in the state. Coordination of disability services will move from Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS) Regions to Disability Access Points (DAPs) who will be part of the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network.

  • The ADRC creates easier navigation and access to services, there is no wrong door for getting access to the services you need, no matter where in the state you live.
  • Focuses on each person and their unique needs, making sure people with disabilities and their families get the right kind of support.
  • Connects Iowans with other important programs like Medicaid, Public Health, and Behavioral Health.

A Disability Access Point (DAP) is a local place that helps people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers find the services and support they need—both short-term and long-term. DAPs help by giving information, making plans, making referrals and checking in to make sure people are getting the right support to live healthy, independent lives. 

There are four agencies designated as DAPs across seven districts in Iowa. These agencies are part of Iowa’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network. 

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network | Health & Human Services

In each area, DAPs will: 

  • Give people and caregivers helpful information and guide them to local service providers in their community.
  • Be part of the ADRC Network, working as a trusted resource center for aging and disability help.
  • Team up with local leaders, individuals with disabilities and disability programs to make sure disability services are meeting community needs.

Information and Assistance services designed to provide individuals with disabilities and their caregivers with current information on opportunities and services available within their communities and link them to those opportunities and services as desired.

Options Counseling that utilizes interactive and Person-Centered processes whereby individuals receive guidance in their deliberations to make informed choices about services and supports.

Short-Term Services and Supports (STSS) focused on supporting people with disabilities to live in the home and community of their choice in an integrated manner and offering support to their caregivers as needed toward this purpose. Services include but are not limited to: 

  • Individual Assessment and Evaluation
  • Transportation, Respite
  • Peer and Parent Support
  • Time-limited Rental Assistance
  • Home and Vehicle Modifications
  • Adaptive Equipment
  • Other Basic Needs 

Access to Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) focused on supporting people with disabilities at the lowest level of care possible, including facility diversion or transition to community, when no other funding sources are available. Examples of LTSS services include:

  • Supported Community Living (SCL)
  • Day Services
  • Employment Services
  • Facility-Based Residential Programs including Residential Care Facilities (RCF), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID), Nursing Facilities (NF) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)
  • Medical Services and Supplies (including consumable supplies)
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Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) & Centers for Independent Living (CIL)

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services partners with the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) network. This is to promote the expansion of Independent Living Services throughout Iowa. For additional information please visit:     

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Employment Supports

The State of Iowa's vision of employment for all is “Employment in the general workforce is the first priority and the expected and preferred outcome in the provision of publicly funded services for all working age Iowans with disabilities.” (Governor's Office, 2012). By “employment” we mean regular or customized employment in the general workforce, where employees with disabilities are earning at least minimum or prevailing wages and benefits, and work alongside people with and without disabilities. 

Iowa HHS is involved in initiatives to increase the number of people with disabilities competitively employed in their communities. These efforts are called Employment First (E1st). E1st recognizes that employment is…

  • A typical role for adults in our society
  • An essential part of wellbeing
  • A cost-effective alternative to day treatment
  • And that Most people want to work.

Iowa E1st advisors and partners include people with disabilities, parents and family members, service providers, state agencies such as HHS, IVRS, IWD, Dept. for the Blind, Education, the DD Council, business leaders, the Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force (OCTF), the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP), Iowa’s University Center on Excellence in DD Services (CDD) and the UCEDD’s Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health (CEBH), Disability Rights Iowa (DRI), and the managed care organizations (MCOs) in contract with Iowa Medicaid. 

HHS has participated in E1st initiatives from federal partners such as the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), the Administration on Community Living (ACL), the National Association of State DD Directors (NASDDDs), the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (US DOL-ODEP). Since 2009 these have included the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG), the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN), SAMHSA’s Employment Development Initiative (EDI), the Partnership in Integrated Employment (PIE) project by which Iowa created the Iowa Coalition for Integration and Employment (ICIE), the Employment First State Leadership Mentor Project (EFSLMP), the Visionary Opportunities to Increase Competitive Employment (VOICE), the Advancing State Policy Integration for Recovery and Employment (ASPIRE) project, and the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON). 

In 2019 Iowa began a relationship with The IPS Employment Center (Lebanon, New Hampshire and Columbia University) to bring the evidence based practice (EBP) of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment to Iowa. As of 2025 Iowa has two full-time trained IPS State Trainers/Fidelity Reviewers embedded in the UIA CEBH, and three trained adjunct Fidelity Reviewers, serving eight IPS teams across Iowa. These eight teams provide IPS services to people in 38 counties. We strive to grow this service by one to three teams per year, until all Iowa counties have access.

Iowa HHS will continue to apply for federal opportunities as they arise, to help us grow our understanding and implementation of E1st especially as it relates to students and adults with disabilities living fully integrated lives in their communities. 

When people with disabilities are employed and living independently, they’re less reliant on government payments and they contribute to the economy.  Research shows they also use fewer healthcare resources, are better integrated into their communities, and experience far greater wellbeing. 

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Targeted Case Management

Targeted Case Management is a service available through the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) program to help facilitate the community-based service planning process. Case Managers work with individuals and their families, service providers, and other agencies to integrate services from multiple providers and funding streams into an integrated plan of care.

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Autism Support Program (ASP)

The Autism Support Program (ASP) provides state funding for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to children who are not eligible to receive ABA service funding through Medicaid or private health insurers and who meet diagnostic and financial eligibility criteria. A child is eligible to receive assistance through ASP if:          

  • the child is under the age of fourteen (14) at the time of application.
  • the child has a diagnosis on the Autism spectrum made by a child psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or a clinical psychologist within 24 months of the date of application.
  • the child does not qualify for Medicaid.
  • the child does not have coverage available for ABA services through any private insurance carrier.
  • the child’s family meets the income guidelines for the program (household income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

For more information and how to apply for ASP:

  • Contact the ASP administrator by email at:
  • The administrator will provide the following documents:
    • Parent Information Packet
    • Application
  • Review the Parent Information Packet. If you believe your child will meet the eligibility requirements, fill out the application along with gathering the required documentation and email the documents to AutismSupport@hhs.iowa.gov.
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Olmstead Plan

An Olmstead plan is a public entity’s plan for implementing its obligation to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to live, work, and be served in integrated settings.  

The State of Iowa is firmly committed to ensuring that people with disabilities experience lives of inclusion and integration in the community. We envision an Iowa where people with disabilities have the opportunity, both now and in the future, to live close to their families and friends and as independently as possible, to work in competitive integrated employment, to be educated in integrated settings, and to participate in community life. This Olmstead Plan is a groundbreaking, comprehensive plan to provide people with disabilities opportunities to live, learn, work, and enjoy life in integrated settings. This Plan is both a resounding proclamation of our commitment to inclusion and a vital, dynamic roadmap to making our vision a reality for present and future generations of Iowans.

Iowa is currently in the process of updating and drafting its Olmstead Plan with a publication date of January 1, 2026.

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Additional Resources

  • Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council): Iowa’s DD Council was made by a federal law called the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. This law ensures that people with developmental disabilities get the help they need. It says they should choose their services and be in control.
    • The DD Council is a group in Iowa that gets money from the federal government. It advocates for Iowans with disabilities so they can live and be part of their community. The Council is made up of volunteers appointed by the Governor. This includes people with disabilities, family members, state government leaders, and other groups that advocate for people with disabilities.www.iowaddcouncil.org
  • Conner Training Connection: The Conner Training Connection’s mission is to support Iowans with disabilities to live as fully participating members of their communities through the provision of training resources and technical assistance to individuals, their family members and service providers, and other disability advocates.
  • The Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital delivers evidence-based clinical services, statewide community programs, interdisciplinary education and training, and state-of-the-art research for Iowans with disabilities, and their families and providers.
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Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization 

Iowa’s redefined Behavioral Health Service System which combines mental health and substance use services into one system takes effect on July 1, 2025. The new system will make it easier for mental health and substance use providers to help Iowans get the care they need, no matter where they go for help. Information regarding BH-ASO. 

For telephone accessibility assistance, use the resources below.

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