About DDS: The Role of DDS Across the Lifespan

DDS provides supports throughout a person’s life from early childhood through advanced years.

There are many agencies that families interact with over the course of their loved one’s life, so it can be confusing to know who to contact first. While DDS supports people throughout their lives, we play a secondary role to early intervention and schools when your family member is young. But even when another agency is taking the lead in supporting your family, DDS and its family-support programs want to get to know your family and support you any way we can. When your family needs support, we recommend that you first contact the primary agency listed below, and then contact your DDS service coordinator or family- support staff if you need more help.

The graphic below shows which agency usually takes the lead in supporting your family member according to their age. 

Age	Need language	DDS Eligibility
0-3	Early intervention is your primary support agency. They will provides services and supports to your family and help your child transition to school. DDS funds family-support centers and programs that add to the supports from early intervention. Early intervention or your local family-support center can help you apply for DDS services. Once eligible for DDS services, you will be assigned a DDS children’s service coordinator.	Child DDS Children’s Service Coordinator
3–18	Your child’s school is the primary source of services and supports. DDS funds family- support programs that add to the help from your child’s school. These programs can include social and recreational opportunities, information and training, flexible funding, and more. We recommend applying for DDS Adult services between the ages of 17-18. If your child will graduate with a diploma before age 22, contact your DDS service coordinator so we can begin planning early for adult services. If your child is eligible for DDS, they will be assigned a DDS children’s service coordinator.	Child DDS Children’s Service Coordinator
18–22	Your child’s school remains the primary source of services and supports until they graduate with a diploma, leave school, or turn 22. Family-support programs continue to add to what is provided by the school. If your child is eligible for DDS, their service coordinator may change from a children’s coordinator to a transition coordinator. The service coordinator will begin attending IEP meetings and helping your child to plan for life after high school.	Child DDS Transition Service Coordinator
22+	Once your child turns 22 DDS becomes the primary source for services and supports for them if found eligible as adults Family-support services can continue for as long as an individual lives with family. (Can be a sibling, parent, etc.) If eligible as an adult, your child will be assigned a DDS adult service coordinator.	Adult DDS Adult Service Coordinator