A Guide to Getting Employment Supports from RI Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Everyone deserves a job that matches their skills, talents and interests. All people, no matter their abilities, should have the chance to follow their dreams, earn fair pay and be treated with respect at work.
Rhode Island follows an Employment First policy. This means working in the community is the first and best choice for people with disabilities.
Planning for work should start early. Employment should be talked about during high school and transition years (ages 14-22). By age 16, the school transition team should work with other agencies, like the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) and Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), to help students plan for jobs and life after school. These partners work with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to help students plan for jobs and success after school.
Why Employment First Matters
- Employment First believes that people with disabilities can work in real jobs at competitive wages.
- Everyone should be able to explore what they are good at and what kind of job they like.
- Working helps people earn money and feel more independent.
- Having a job can build confidence and help people feel proud of who they are.
- When people with different abilities work together, the community is stronger.
- Having a job can give people confidence and help them build their own identity.
Look at Your Options
There are many ways to get help paying for job supports. You can use some of your DDD funding to help you find or keep a job. You can also look into the Employment Add-On Budget. You may also get short-term job help from ORS.
Ways to make your money go further:
- Braiding: Use money from different programs at the same time for different services.
- Blending: Put money from different programs together to pay for services.
- Sequencing: Use one program first, then another later.
These options can help you find, get or keep a job in your community.
You can work and still keep your benefits. The SSA and the state of Rhode Island encourage people to work. There are work incentives that help you learn how working might change your benefits. These benefits may include SSI, SSDI, or health insurance.
You can also get free help to understand your benefits. A work incentive counselor can explain how working may change your benefits.
Five Steps to Get Employment Supports through BHDDH-DDD
1. Qualify for Adult Services
- DDD decides eligibility for adult services.
- DDD is part of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH).
It is best to apply by age 17 or two years before you need adult services. Learn more.
2. Complete the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS)
- You will complete a tool called the SIS-A (adult version).
- This helps decide what level of support and funding you need.
3. Get a Conflict-Free Case Manager (CFCM)
- Your CFCM helps you plan for your future.
- They listen to what you want and need.
- They help you set goals and learn about services.
- You and your CFCM will make a plan together.
- DDD/BHDDH must approve your plan before services can start.
In your plan, think about:
- What kind of job do you want?
- You can work and keep your benefits. Learn the facts and get help if you need it.
- Do you want to work for a company or work for yourself (self-employment)?
- How many hours can you work each week?
- How will you get to work?
- Do you need help choosing or reaching your job goals?
- Make a referral: ORS can help with early job goals and support needs for long-term goals.
4. Choose How to Manage Your Services
You can choose one of these options:
- Self-Directed Supports (SDS): You have more control and can hire your own staff.
- Provider services: A company helps manage and provide your services.
- Hybrid: You can use both SDS and provider services.
Some job help comes from a separate employment add-on budget. Read this guide to learn more.
You may also qualify for short-term job help from ORS.
5. Start Services
- Services can begin after you get written approval from BHDDH-DDD.