Iowa's Disability Services System

• 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. 

“Disability Access Points” or “DAPs” are local places that help 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 4 agencies designated as DAPs across 7 districts in Iowa (map). These agencies are part of Iowa's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network. 

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. 

ADRCs (Aging and Disability Resource Centers) help make it easier for older adults and people with disabilities to find the services and support they need. They work with different partners to make sure people get the right help in a simple and easy way. This is part of something called the No Wrong Door Model, which means people can get help no matter where they start. Both Disability Access Points (DAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are part of the ADRC network.

Here’s what else ADRCs do: 

• Answer questions and give support that fits each person’s needs
• People can contact the ADRC in four main ways:

1. In person
2. By phone
3. Through the website
4. By being referred by a community partner 

If you or someone you care for is currently getting services through an MHDS Region, there is nothing you need to do. Your services will stay the same. Someone from your local DAP will reach out to you and your team in May and June to transition coordination of your services. The person who helps plan and connect you to services (called a service coordinator) might be different, but the service providers will stay the same.  

Here’s what else is happening: 

• From January to June, Iowa HHS will work closely with the MHDS Regions and DAPs to make sure the switch goes smoothly.
• DAPs will work with providers (the people and places that give care and support) for short-term services and supports (STSS). 
• Iowa HHS will look at special programs in each area and work with DAPs to keep services going and make sure people continue to get the care they need. 

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.

On February 25, 2025, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the selection of seven Disability Access Points (DAPs) that will serve as key resources in the state’s newly redesigned Disability Services System. These DAPs will play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities and their caregivers have streamlined access to the support and services they need. The new system is designed to enhance coordination, simplify service navigation, and improve overall accessibility to disability-related resources. DAPs serve as ADRC member organizations as defined in rule 441—224.1.

The DAPs operational go-live date is set for July 1, 2025, Iowa HHS remains on track to implement this new approach to disability services. DAPs aim to create a more efficient and user-friendly system for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers across the state.

View the full list of DAP recipients

In January 2025, the Aging & Disability Services division hosted informational sessions on new and changed rules for the Disability Services System. Find the materials and recordings below.

• Disability Services Rules Presentation
• January 16, 2025 Recording
  • Passcode: jGR3cd+9