Intake and Eligibility
A developmental disability is defined in federal and state law as a severe and chronic disability attributable to a mental or physical impairment other than mental illness, manifested before age 22, likely to continue indefinitely, and resulting in substantial functional limitations in major life activities according to Ohio Revised Code 5123.01 and Federal Public Law 106-402.
To make a referral for Early Intervention services for a child from birth through age 2 , call 740-374-4954 or visit Help Me Grow Online Application.
To initiate the eligibility process for children 3 years and older, contact the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities at 740-373-5147. Individuals and guardians will be directed to obtain documentation to confirm a developmental disability. The individual or guardian must sign consent forms if records are needed from the community.
What are the steps in determining eligibility?
For ages 3-5 years old
Documentation of at least two developmental delays or an established risk. This can usually be documented through the child’s individualized Education Plan (IEP), Evaluation Team Report, or medical records.
For ages 6- 15
The eligibility process in Ohio is a two-step process:
- Obtain verification of a qualifying diagnosis. The documentation must be from a medical doctor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio-certified nurse practitioner, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- The Children’s Ohio Eligibility Instrument (COEDI) will be completed next during an interview.
The COEDI examines 6 life activity areas- self-care, receptive/expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and the ability to live independently. Eligibility is established when substantial functional limitations have been determined in at least three life activity areas.
For ages 16 and above
The eligibility process in Ohio is a two-step process:
- Obtain verification of a qualifying diagnosis. The documentation must be from a medical doctor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio-certified nurse practitioner, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- The Ohio Eligibility Instrument (OEDI) will be completed next during an interview.
The OEDI examines 7 life activity areas- capacity for economic self-sufficiency, self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and capacity for independent living. Eligibility is established when substantial functional limitations have been determined in at least three life activity areas.
What happens when an individual is determined to be eligible or ineligible?
- You will receive a notification stating the outcome of the eligibility determination.
- Eligible individuals will be linked with a Service and Support Administrator (SSA), who will contact you in the next few weeks to coordinate the services.
- Ineligible individuals will be referred to other resources that may be available to meet their needs.
When is eligibility re-determined?
The State of Ohio requires that eligibility be re-determined when an individual turns 3, 6, and 16. It may also be done when a qualifying diagnosis changes, functional skills change, following an extended “break” in services, or on an annual basis as requested by any member of the ISP team. Also, if you move to another county, your eligibility status may be re-determined. You will maintain your current eligibility status until the re-determination occurs in the new county of residence. A new OEDI may be completed anytime the individual experiences a significant change of condition.