Iowa's Disability Services System

On May 15, 2024, House File 2673 was signed into law. Under this legislation, Iowa will: 

  1. Transfer the management of disability services from the local Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS) Regions to the Division of Aging & Disability Services. To focus on systems of support, care, and connection for all Iowans and families with disability-related needs, management activities will include identifying additional organizations to participate in the statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network and the creation of a Disability Services System.  
  2. Strengthen important system connections to Medicaid, Public Health, and Behavioral Health by gathering meaningful feedback from Iowans to inform system planning.  

Using a shared responsibility model between HHS and system stakeholders, Iowans will build a Disability Services System that: 

  • 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. 

The new Disability Services System will start July 1, 2025.  

 

Disability Services Districts  

Disability services districts outline geographic boundaries for local coordination. 

A map to illustrate district boundaries was created using a data-driven approach to ensure effective service delivery and equitable access to care. Key criteria included areas of high need, access to care, and city and county boundaries. Publicly available data, such as the Primary Care Physician ratio (HRSA), dentist ratio (HRSA), mental health provider rate (HRSA), social vulnerability index (CDC), and Medicaid rate from the American Community Survey 2018-2022, were used in the analysis. 

The Disability Service System District Map, in combination with the development and utilization of a data-informed funding formula, will ensure that resources are allocated effectively to support the full array of disability services needs of Iowans.

 

Local Coordination 

HHS will work with local Disability Access Points (DAPs) to collaboratively coordinate and oversee access to long-term services and supports in each disability services district. Disability Access Points will be selected by Spring 2025.  

In each district, DAPs will: 

  • Ensure equitable access to long-term services and supports, within a district, by serving as an access point for information and services for people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers.  
  • Provide Information and Assistance and Options Counseling services, and help Iowans connect with local providers in their communities. 
  • Serve as an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and participate as a member organization in Iowa’s ADRC Network. 
  • Work closely with the statewide ADRC Technical Assistance and Call Center.  

  • Connect and collaborate with local leaders and systems to meet disability services needs. 

     

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Resources