About one in six children in the United States has an intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD). At Vaya Health, we believe in helping children and adults with disabilities be a part of the community where they want to live. People with disabilities belong in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and social activities.
What is an I/DD?
Intellectual and developmental disabilities include a wide range of diagnoses that usually last a lifetime. They include diagnoses such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, and fetal alcohol syndrome.
These disorders appear during a person’s developmental period (prior to age 22). They affect the person’s ability to do things that other people their age can usually do. The effects vary widely from person to person and are based on a number of factors and influences.
What I/DD services are available through Vaya?
Vaya offers services to help people with a I/DD remain in their communities and live as independently as possible. Services include help with learning skills toward independence, finding and maintaining employment, and living in a home of your choice.
The specific services available depend on your health plan and your personal needs. Your Member Handbook or Recipient Handbook lists I/DD services that may be available to you. You can also call our Member and Recipient Service Line at 1-800-962-9003.
NC Innovations Waiver
The NC Innovations Waiver allows individuals with I/DD to receive services and supports in their own community. This helps people live as independently as possible, rather than in an institution like a developmental center. Learn more.
1915(i) services
Vaya offers the following Medicaid 1915(i) services for qualifying children and adults with I/DD:
- Community Living and Support
- Supported Employment
- Respite
- Community Transition
Long-Term Community Supports
Vaya offers Long-Term Community Supports (LTCS) as a Medicaid “in lieu of” service. LTCS allows people with I/DD to live in their community and participate in activities associated with a meaningful day.
NC START Child Services
Vaya may refer children between ages 5 and 20 who have documented diagnoses of I/DD and a mental health and/or substance use disorder to the North Carolina Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment (NC START) program. NC START provides community-based crisis intervention and prevention services to children and their families.
Children who are eligible for NC START Child services must be referred through their care manager or care coordinator.
State-funded services
If you have an I/DD, you may be eligible for State-funded services through the Vaya Tailored Plan. They include services such as Supported Employment and Respite. These non-Medicaid services are not an entitlement and are dependent on available funding.
Additional services
If you have an I/DD and other health needs, such as a mental health or substance use disorder, you may be eligible for services for those conditions. Also, Vaya Tailored Plan (Vaya Total Care) Medicaid members may be eligible for services for related physical health needs.
What are some other resources available outside of Vaya?
- American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Inclusion Connects (North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services)
