On May 15, 2024, House File 2673 was signed into law. Under this legislation, Iowa will:
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.
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 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.
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
Each district will have an advisory council made up of local providers, elected officials, and other partners to identify opportunities, tackle challenges, and advise the district Disability Access Point (DAP).
System partners and individuals with lived experience will also be asked to help write the state Disability Services System Plan.
People that contact a DAP will receive person-centered support in navigating disability services including, at a minimum, Information and Assistance and Options Counseling. They will be able to call, text, or chat with a DAP staff person about the services and supports available in their community.
Information and Assistance provides individuals with current information about opportunities and services available within their community. This includes:
Identifying the individual’s needs.
Ensuring that the individual is aware of the opportunities and services available.
Linking the individual to appropriate opportunities and services.
Ensuring that the individual receives services.
Providing information about assistive technology (as needed).
Options Counseling is an interactive process where individuals receive guidance to make informed choices about long-term supports. The process is directed by the individual and may include others whom the individual chooses or those who are legally authorized to represent the individual.
An ADRC is a person-centered, community navigation and coordination organization. ADRCs blend service delivery activities and funding to ensure supports and services that contribute to a consumer’s ability to remain at home in their community, are available.
Yes, a Disability Access Point serves as an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and will help Iowans connect with local providers in their community, provide Information and Assistance, and provide Options Counseling.
Service navigation is provided by ADRCs. Service navigation means providing individuals, their families, and caregivers access to information to help them make informed decisions about long-term services and supports (LTSS). Service navigation includes:
Information and Assistance.
Options Counseling.
Connection to local providers for needed supports and services (e.g., case management, home modification, etc.).
Iowa’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network ensures equitable access to aging and disability services statewide. The ADRC Network consists of ADRC member organizations and the ADRC Technical Assistance and Call Center. Member organizations provide ADRC Information and Assistance and person-centered services at the local level. ADRC member organizations are selected by HHS and include, at a minimum, Disability Access Points and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). The ADRC Technical Assistance and Call Center operates the statewide aging and disability services call center and provides training and technical assistance to ADRC member organizations.
