Nebraska Announces Elimination of DD Registry

Nebraska’s Governor, Jim Pillen, recently joined leaders from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and advocates in announcing the elimination of the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Registry or wait list for services supporting Nebraskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

“This is a breakthrough way to reimagine how services are offered to individuals with I/DD in Nebraska and save taxpayer dollars,” said Gov. Pillen. “This is the first time in Nebraska history the DD Registry will be eliminated, which is a huge step forward to ensure all Nebraskans have the opportunity and support to live the Good Life.”

Historically, the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has maintained a registry for developmental disability service waivers. The registry serves as a waitlist for individuals who want to be enrolled in the Comprehensive DD waiver program, but cannot be enrolled due to limited funding. The elimination of the DD Registry will include new models of staffing including telehealth, virtual support, and the expansion of independent providers. The new policies are expected to be rolled out over the next 12 to 18 months.

The State’s new approach will provide a full continuum of care that adapts to individuals’ changing needs as they age. It will include:

• Medicaid for DD-eligible children that meet the required level of care;
• Additional access to family support and day services waivers that allow families to live together;
• Case management services for individuals that do not require waiver services;
• Employment services; and,
• Comprehensive DD waivers based on a needs assessment developed by DHHS with the support of stakeholders.

“On March 1 the Division of Developmental Disabilities launched the Family Support Waiver which laid the framework to eliminate the DD Registry by providing services to over 800 children ages birth to 21 years old with intellectual or developmental disabilities with the goal of allowing families to live and grow together,” said Tony Green, Director of DDD. “I cannot think of a more exciting way to close out Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month than to announce the elimination of the DD Registry, as this month is about celebrating the accomplishments of folks with IDD, and the folks that offer services and leadership to the DD community.”

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