No worries, someone will help determine if you are eligible and what category you are eligible under, just call the number listed below.

As of July 1, 2010 the eligibility determination process has been contracted through the University of South Carolina. If you believe you or someone you love is eligible for services please call 1-800-289-7012.

If you are determined appropriate for formal consideration of eligibility, you will be offered a choice of service coordination providers. The R/LDSN Board is a Service Coordination provider and we provide services statewide.

Eligibility

To be eligible for these services under the Intellectual Disability category, all three of the following requirements must be met at the time of applying for eligibility.

1. significantly below-=average intellectual functioning (a valid IQ of approximately 70 or below as determined by IQ tests for children and adults and a clinical judgment for infants) 

2. Concurrent deficits in adaptive functioning (how effectively an individual copes with common life demands for his or her age and cultural group) in at least two areas: communication, self care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction (e.g., ability to make decisions, seek assistance), functional academic skills, work, leisure, health and safety. Adaptive functioning refers to how well an individual copes with common life demands 

3. onset of these conditions before 18 years of age. 

To be eligible for these services under the Related Disabilities Category, all four of the following conditions must be met:

1. The disability is attributable to cerebral palsy, epilepsy or any condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely related to intellectual disability because this condition results in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of persons with mental retardation and requires similar treatment or services

2. The disability is likely to continue indefinitely.

3. The disability results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self care, understanding and use of language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and capacity for independent living.

4. The onset of the disability is before 22 years of age.

Diagnosed learning disabilities such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in the absence of other qualifying criteria, do not constitute eligibility as "related disabilities" for DDSN eligibility. Your Service Coordinator can provide information on agencies that may offer services for these disabilities.*

Information on eligibility taken directly from the website of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs on 4/27/2009. For more information see their website. (http://www.ddsn.sc.gov/consumersandfamilies/divisions/mrrd/default.htm)

After You Become Eligible

After you become eligible your Level of Service Coordination will be determined.  There are 2 levels of Service Coordination.  You will be assigned a Service Coordinator based on the Level of Service Coordination you need:
(link to DDSN’s policy on Level I/II service coordination)

Level I:  High Level of Need

Level II:  Lower level of Need

Your Service coordinator will be a guide to services and supports in the service delivery system.

Your service coordinator will work with you to determine the type of assistance or support you need or want through Assessment and developing a Support Plan.