What are the Steps in Determining Eligibility?

For ages 3-5 years old

Documentation of at least two developmental delays or established risk. This can usually be documented through the child’s individualized Education Plan (IEP), Evaluation Team Report,
or medical records.

For ages 6 and over

The eligibility process in Ohio is a two-step process:

1) Diagnosis verification

• • An item list will be sent indicating the required paperwork needed to begin the
    process.
  • A qualifying diagnosis of a developmental disability must meet the following
    criteria:
    • Onset of disability must be documented prior to age 22.
    • Diagnosis must be made by a licensed, qualified professional and be supported by the appropriate diagnostic assessments.
    • The disability must be likely to continue indefinitely.
  • The diagnosis must be a physical or mental impairment other than mental illness.
  • Examples of acceptable diagnoses and documentation:
    • Intellectual Disability: Psychological evaluation by Ph.D. which includes both IQ scores and adaptive functioning scores.
    • Down Syndrome: Medical documentation signed by MD.
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comprehensive evaluation incorporating clinically appropriate assessment tools used to diagnose ASD signed by MD or Ph.D.
    • Seizure Disorder: Current medical documentation signed by MD
    • Cerebral Palsy: Medical documentation signed by MD
  • Examples of educational terms/informal labels that are not acceptable as qualifying diagnoses for ages 6 and over include: global developmental delay, Borderline Intellectual Functioning, Cognitive delay/disability, non-specific learning disabilities, and any diagnosis using the terms ‘featuring of’ or ‘history of’ a certain disorder.

2) Administration of the COEDI or OEDI

Once the diagnosis is verified, either the COEDI (Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument) or OEDI (Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument) is completed by a trained Assessor. The COEDI and OEDI are screening instruments developed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and are used to determine if an individual has substantial functional limitations in major life areas. If the person has a qualifying diagnosis and at least three (3) areas of substantial functional limitations according to the COEDI or OEDI, then the person is eligible for services through Developmental Disabilities of Preble County. The limitations are listed below:

• COEDI – Ages 6-15
  Mobility / Self Care / Self Direction / Capacity for Independent Living / Learning / Receptive and Expressive Language
• OEDI – Ages 16 and over
  Mobility / Self Care / Self Direction / Capacity for Independent Living / Learning / Receptive and Expressive Language / Economic Self Sufficiency (16 and over)

When is Eligibility Re-determined?

If a developmental disability is confirmed by fulfilling the diagnosis verification reviewed above, an Intake Evaluator meets with the individual and others to administer the State mandated evaluation tool (C/OEDI) to assess the impact of the individual’s disability on his/her functional
abilities.

The State of Ohio requires that eligibility be re-determined when an individual turns 3, 6, and 16 years old. 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 IP 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.

What Happens After I am Found Eligible?

After the individual or legal guardian is notified of the eligibility status, they will be referred for the identified services available through the County Board.

Get Started

Required Documents Needed to Start the Process