NNHC Resource Center
Developmental & Intellectual Disability Resources
A practical resource for individuals and families navigating intellectual and developmental disabilities, with guidance on person-centered supports, Medicaid services, respite, education, employment, community participation, and long-term planning.
Start With the Person, Not the Diagnosis
People with intellectual or developmental disabilities have different strengths, communication styles, support needs, goals, and preferences. Good planning focuses on what the person wants their life to look like and what supports are needed to make that possible as safely and independently as appropriate.
Core Areas to Plan Around
Support needs often cross several systems. A written person-centered plan can help families, providers, schools, and community partners stay aligned.
Daily Living & Personal Care
Bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, mobility, household routines, and other daily activities may require teaching, prompting, adaptive equipment, or hands-on support.
Communication & Choice
Use the person’s preferred communication method and include them in decisions to the greatest extent possible.
Community Participation
Transportation, employment, recreation, volunteering, faith communities, education, and relationships are important parts of a full community life.
Education, Employment & Adult Transition
Transitions are easier when planning starts before services end or eligibility changes.
School-Age Supports
Eligible students may receive special education and related services through IDEA, including transition planning as they approach adulthood.
Employment Supports
Supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, and workplace accommodations may help people pursue competitive integrated employment when appropriate.
Adult-Service Transition
Plan early for Medicaid, waiver services, healthcare providers, transportation, housing, benefits, employment, and who will coordinate support after school services change.
North Carolina Medicaid & I/DD Supports
North Carolina’s current system includes Tailored Plans, the Innovations Waiver, and certain 1915(i) services for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries.
NC Innovations Waiver
The Innovations Waiver provides home- and community-based services for eligible children and adults with I/DD. Anyone can apply regardless of age, income, or insurance, although Medicaid financial eligibility applies when services are received.
1915(i) I/DD Services
Certain NC Medicaid beneficiaries can access services such as Community Living and Supports, supported employment, respite, and other supports. These services may be available to some people while they wait for Innovations.
Tailored Plans
Behavioral Health and I/DD Tailored Plans coordinate physical health, pharmacy, care management, behavioral health, and I/DD-related services for qualifying beneficiaries.
South Carolina Medicaid & I/DD Supports
South Carolina uses several HCBS waiver programs. Which pathway applies depends on the person’s disability, age, functional needs, level of care, and other eligibility factors.
SC ID/RD Waiver
The Intellectual Disability and Related Disabilities waiver serves eligible people with intellectual disabilities or related disabilities who meet the applicable level-of-care criteria.
SC HCBS Waiver Directory
SCDHHS maintains the current list of approved waivers, comparison information, enrollment information, and referral pathways.
2027 Waiver Renewal Changes
SCDHHS has proposed renewals for the ID/RD and Medically Complex Children waivers with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2027. Families should rely on current SCDHHS guidance as those changes are finalized.
Family Caregiver & Respite Planning
Long-term support works better when caregiving is shared and backup plans are established before a crisis.
Document the Routine
Keep a secure handoff sheet with communication methods, medications, allergies, mobility needs, food or swallowing needs, behavior-support strategies, emergency contacts, and daily routines.
Build Backup Coverage
Identify who can step in if the primary caregiver becomes ill, needs respite, or cannot provide care temporarily.
Review the Plan After Changes
Hospitalization, new medical needs, behavioral changes, school transitions, caregiver aging, or a move can all trigger the need to reassess the support plan.
How NNHC Can Help
NNHC can discuss respite, personal care, companion support, skilled nursing, and other in-home services that may fit the individual’s assessed needs and payer authorization. We can also help families identify which questions to bring to their Medicaid plan or care manager.
Resource notice: This page is educational and does not determine Medicaid or waiver eligibility. Eligibility, waiting lists, covered services, authorization rules, and waiver terms can change. Use the official state program links for current requirements. Resource links reviewed September 18, 2026.