Colorado Bluesky Intake and Developmental Disability (DD) Determination Process
Step 1, Referral
Referrals for developmental disability programs with Colorado Bluesky come from a variety of sources including schools, doctors, agencies, friends, neighbors, family, self-referral or walk-ins. Contact a Colorado Bluesky Intake Coordinator at, 719.546.0572 or email.
Step 2, Contact with Intake Coordinator
After receiving a referral, an Intake Coordinator will contact you and talk with you about your needs, your desired services, and eligibility for Colorado Bluesky programs. If you feel you will not meet the eligibility requirements the Intake Coordinator can refer you to appropriate resources or options to meet your needs. If you decide that you would like to apply, you will need to complete a packet to determine eligibility.
Step 3, Application to DD Determination
The Intake Coordinator will set up a face-to-face meeting with you to complete an application packet. The packet includes information such as medical history, family information, and current supports. There are also Release of Information forms that will allow the Intake Coordinator to gather information to determine eligibility. The Intake Coordinator will also develop an Individual Service Plan, which will give a picture of the applicant including long term goals, needs, and desired services and supports during this meeting.
Step 4, DD Determination
The Intake Coordinator will gather and review information with your application to determine DD Determination. In most cases, the Intake Coordinator is able to gather pertinent information to make a clear decision on DD Determination In other cases, the DD Determination Committee reviews the information. If you are found not eligible you will be notified of this decision, given further recommendations, and an explanation of your right to appeal the decision. If you are found eligible, you will be notified and placed on a waiting list.
DD Determination
In order to access Colorado Bluesky programs, an individual must first be determined to be developmentally disabled. This determination is made during the intake and DD Determination process. Please note there is a separate process for the Early Intervention Program. Developmental disability is defined in the Colorado Department of Human Services Rule, 2 CCR 503-1, section 16.120 as follows:
"Developmental disability" means a disability that is manifested before the person reaches twenty-two years of age, which constitutes a substantial disability to the affected individual, and is attributable to mental retardation or related conditions which include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or other neurological conditions when such conditions result in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of a person with mental retardation. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the federal definition of "developmental disability" found in 42 U.S.C. sec. 15001 et seq. shall not apply.
"Developmental Delay" means that a child meets one or more of the following:
A. A child who is less than five (5) years of age at risk of having a developmental disability because of the presence of one or more of the following:
B. A child less than five (5) years of age who is significantly delayed in development in one or more of the following areas:
C. A child less than three (3) years of age who lives with one or both parents who have a developmental disability.
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