Are Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder included in developmental disabilities?
They can be. It depends on how the condition impacts the individuals ability to function in life. A comprehensive assessment of the individuals needs would be needed to know for sure; therefore, a person with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder should be assessed by a pre-admission screening provider. You
can schedule an assessment with a pre-admission screener by contacting
your local coordination agency. Click here to find a local coordination agency in your area.
How can I know if I or my loved-one really has a developmental disability?
Contact and talk with one of the 18 pre-admission screening providers
in the State. Click here to find a local coordination agency in your area. Determining
whether an individual has a developmental disability can
be a complicated process. These providers have qualified professionals
who are trained in this process and will help you through it.
Why should I contact a pre-admission screening provider?
These organizations are under contract with the State to enroll individuals
in the PUNS database, complete assessments to determine
eligibility for services, and assist individuals in linking
to needed services and providers.
What is PUNS and how is it used?
PUNS stands for Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services. It is
a statewide database that records information about individuals
with developmental disabilities who are potentially in
need of services now or within the next five-years. The State
uses the data for three main purposes: (1) to select
individuals for services as funding becomes available,
(2) to develop proposals and materials for the States annual budgeting process, and (3) to plan for future needs. Click here to read more about signing up for the PUNS program.
What types of services could I possibly get?
Possible services include:
- In-home supports to help you live more independently.
- Respite care to provide temporary relief to your caregiver.
- Training programs to teach you life and work skills.
- Job coaches to help you succeed in the workplace.
- Residential living arrangements to provide you with the security and care you need.
- Adaptive equipment to make you more independent.
- Other supports to improve your quality of life.
If I fill out a PUNS form, will I be sure to get services?
No. Completion of a PUNS form assumes neither your eligibility for services
nor guarantees your receipt of services; however, it will
ensure that the State knows about your need for services. Funding for
developmental disabilities services is limited in Illinois, as it is across
the nationwe
do not want to create false expectations. Unless we know about your needs, however,
we cannot plan for them.
If I am authorized to receive funding for services, how will I find the
right provider to meet my needs?
The Pre-Admission Screening organizations will provide
you with factual and objective information about the
service providers in your area. They will also help you contact the providers
to learn more about them. You, along with your family or guardian, if
you have one, are the one who decides which providers you wish to serve
you.
What if I chose a provider and then realize later that
I am not satisfied with its services?
Providers should develop services to meet your specific
needs, and they try hard to do so within the resources
they have available to them. If you are not satisfied
or think another provider could do a better job, however,
you can always change providers.
For additional information:
Call the Developmental Disabilities help line at 1-888-DD-PLANS
or 1-866-376-8446 (TTY).
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dd.illinois.gov
