Receptive and expressive language
How a person understands communication and communicates with other people. DDD may look at whether the person needs another person, AAC, or another device to communicate effectively.
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Arizona Developmental Disability Resources
Understand the system without having to become the system.
Start with what you need: eligibility, services, caregiving, rights, a next step, or information connected to cerebral palsy. These resources are available whether or not someone becomes a Weyr & Roots client.
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DDD in plain language
DDD supports eligible Arizonans with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, and some children under age six who are at risk of a developmental disability. Eligibility doesn't automatically guarantee every service. Services are based on assessed need, program requirements, the individual plan, and available funding.
Understanding DDD Eligibility
A diagnosis is one part of the picture.
For applicants age 6 and older, Arizona DDD begins with one of five qualifying developmental disabilities. Open any diagnosis below for a plain-language introduction and places to find diagnosis-specific information and support.
Autism spectrum disorderExplore information and resources
Autism can shape communication, sensory experience, routines, learning, interests, and social connection. Every autistic person has a different combination of strengths, preferences, and support needs.
Places to start
Autism Society of Greater PhoenixInformation, navigation, support groups, social programs, and community resources for autistic people and families across Arizona.Visit official resource Autism Society of Southern ArizonaTucson and Southern Arizona navigation, programs, support groups, events, and community connections for children and adults.Visit official resource Southwest Autism Research & Resource CenterDiagnostic, child, teen, adult, family, and community services, with programs available in Phoenix and Tucson.Visit official resource
Cerebral palsyExplore information and resources
Cerebral palsy is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and posture. A person may also need support with communication, mobility, health, daily activities, or assistive technology, but the diagnosis never describes the whole person.
Places to start
United Cerebral Palsy of Southern ArizonaHome and community based services, employment support, caregiver resources, and paid-provider information in Southern Arizona.Visit official resource Cerebral Palsy Research NetworkLifespan information and a practical adult cerebral palsy toolkit covering health, function, self-advocacy, and adult life.Visit official resource More cerebral palsy resources on this pageGo directly to the full Weyr & Roots cerebral palsy section for access, support, and participation resources.Go to section
Down syndromeExplore information and resources
Down syndrome is a genetic condition. Each person has individual strengths and support needs related to communication, learning, health, independence, relationships, work, and community life.
Places to start
Down Syndrome Network ArizonaArizona programs from birth through adulthood, family resources, education, connection, and community events.Visit official resource National Down Syndrome SocietyPlain-language information about health, education, employment, community inclusion, advocacy, and life across the lifespan.Visit official resource
EpilepsyExplore information and resources
Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving recurrent seizures. Support may include medical care, seizure safety planning, school or workplace accommodations, education, and help navigating daily life.
Places to start
Epilepsy Foundation ArizonaArizona education, support, advocacy, community programs, and connections to the national Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline.Visit official resource Epilepsy Foundation Family ServicesPractical help for individuals and families, including information, support, and connections to services.Visit official resource
Intellectual disabilityExplore information and resources
Intellectual disability affects intellectual functioning and adaptive skills. Support needs may involve learning, communication, decision-making, daily living, work, relationships, or community participation.
Places to start
The Arc of ArizonaStatewide disability rights advocacy, education, resources, and local chapter connections for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Visit official resource Special Olympics ArizonaSports, health, leadership, and community opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities across Arizona.Visit official resource
Having one of the five qualifying diagnoses doesn't automatically make someone eligible. DDD also considers whether the disability significantly affects everyday functioning. The developmental disability must have developed or become evident before age 18 and be likely to continue. The formal diagnosis itself doesn't have to have been made before age 18.
What does DDD mean by everyday functioning?
For applicants age 6 and older, significant limitations generally must be present in at least three of these seven areas. Age is considered when DDD evaluates the amount of support a person needs.
Learning
How a person participates in learning that is appropriate for their age. DDD may look at how much assistance the person needs to understand, practice, remember, or use new information.
Self-direction
How a person makes decisions that affect well-being, recognizes safety concerns, and manages personal finances. DDD may look at the supervision, prompting, or decision-making support the person needs.
Self-care
How a person manages bathing, toileting, tooth brushing, dressing, grooming, and other personal care. DDD may also consider whether these tasks take so long that they interfere with school, work, or daily life.
Mobility
How a person moves through everyday environments and uses fine and gross motor skills. DDD may consider hands-on help, a wheelchair, walker, or other device, and whether the time or effort required limits daily activities.
Capacity for independent living
How safely and independently a person manages daily life. This may include supervision for health and safety, household tasks, simple meals, appliances, transportation, and shopping.
Economic self-sufficiency
How the disability affects the person's ability to perform work tasks, obtain or keep employment, and earn enough to meet basic needs.
When DDD Says No
You can ask DDD to review an eligibility denial.
An initial DDD eligibility denial is challenged through an Administrative Review. This is different from the 60-day appeal process used when an existing member receives a Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination about services.
Watch the deadline.A request for Administrative Review generally must be received within 30 days after the date of the eligibility denial notice. Follow the exact deadline and instructions in the letter.
- Read the denial letter carefully. Identify the diagnosis or functional areas DDD said weren't adequately supported.
- Request Administrative Review promptly. The request may be made orally or in writing. Keep proof of when and how it was submitted.
- Organize evidence around the disputed areas. Explain the prompting, supervision, physical assistance, communication support, safety monitoring, or other extraordinary help the person needs.
- Send supporting records. Useful records may include diagnostic evaluations, IEP and MET records, adaptive behavior testing, medical records, therapy evaluations, and specific statements from people familiar with daily functioning.
- Ask for the outcome you want. State that you want DDD to reconsider the eligibility determination using the enclosed information.
DDD must consider the person's actual functioning, not only a diagnosis or what the person can do on a good day. Describe what happens without support and how functioning compares with what is expected for the person's age.
Open the Printable Administrative Review Request TemplateRead the Official DDD Eligibility and Review Guidance
The printable template is an optional organizational tool, not an official government form or legal advice. DDD does not require a special form to request Administrative Review. Always use the instructions in the denial notice.
Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities
- What is it?
- Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities, called DDD, coordinates services and supports for eligible children and adults.
- Who might it help?
- Arizona residents exploring eligibility or trying to understand an existing DDD plan.
- What do I do next?
- Review the official DDD hub or call Customer Service at 1-844-770-9500, option 1.
DDD Eligibility and Application
- What is it?
- The official eligibility criteria and current application pathway. Qualifying diagnoses and functional requirements depend on age and current rules.
- Who might it help?
- Children and adults who may qualify for Arizona developmental disability services.
- What do I do next?
- Read the criteria, download the current packet, and gather available diagnostic, medical, developmental, school, IEP, and evaluation records.
Available DDD Services and Supports
- What is it?
- Official explanations of Support Coordination, home and community based services, employment, day programs, therapies, and other supports.
- Who might it help?
- DDD members and families trying to understand what may be available through an individual service plan.
- What do I do next?
- Review the service descriptions, then discuss assessed needs and authorized supports with the Support Coordinator.
DDD Member and Family Resources
- What is it?
- The official home for member manuals, grievances, appeals, rights materials, health-plan information, and other current guidance.
- Who might it help?
- DDD members, families, representatives, and advocates looking for a current official process.
- What do I do next?
- Choose the topic that matches the question. For a service concern, keep relevant notices and contact the Support Coordinator or DDD Customer Service.
DDD Paid Caregiving & Respite
Can I get paid to provide care for a family member?
Sometimes. A family member may be able to become a paid provider for certain authorized services. It depends on DDD eligibility, the Individual Support Plan, authorized hours, the caregiver's relationship to the person, the Qualified Vendor agency, and current Arizona requirements.
Services may include respite, habilitation, or attendant care. Provider onboarding may involve background or fingerprint requirements, Electronic Visit Verification, CPR and First Aid, Article 9, Prevention & Support, and other service-specific qualifications.
Start Here
If the person already receives DDD services
- Ask the Support Coordinator which services and hours are authorized in the Individual Support Plan.
- Ask whether a family-member provider arrangement is permitted for those services.
- Use the official DDD directory to identify Qualified Vendor agencies.
- Ask agencies directly about hiring, pay, onboarding, training, Electronic Visit Verification, and family-provider policies.
DDD Members and Families
- What is it?
- The official DDD hub for services, Support Coordination, member manuals, and family information.
- Who might it help?
- Current DDD members and families trying to understand authorized supports.
- What do I do next?
- Contact the Support Coordinator and review the current Individual Support Plan before applying to become a provider.
Arizona HCBS Provider Directory
- What is it?
- The official directory of providers participating in the DDD Qualified Vendor network for home and community based services.
- Who might it help?
- Families looking for agencies that provide respite, habilitation, attendant care, and other authorized services.
- What do I do next?
- Search by service and location. Verify openings, employment, pay, and family-provider policies directly with each agency.
Arizona Autism United Provider Resources
- What is it?
- Current training, certification, Electronic Visit Verification, scheduling, and pay resources for direct support and parent providers working through this agency.
- Who might it help?
- DDD families considering a parent-provider arrangement and people exploring direct support work.
- What do I do next?
- Review current provider requirements, then verify authorized services with the Support Coordinator and agency.
United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona
- What is it?
- UCPSA provides attendant care, respite, habilitation, housekeeping, and other home and community based services in Southern Arizona.
- Who might it help?
- Southern Arizona families asking about DDD services or provider employment.
- What do I do next?
- Contact UCPSA to verify current DDD participation, hiring, family-provider policies, and availability.
Arizona Long Term Care System
- What is it?
- The Arizona Long Term Care System, called ALTCS, is Arizona's Medicaid long term care program for people who meet medical, functional, and financial requirements.
- Who might it help?
- Children and adults who may need ongoing long term services and supports.
- What do I do next?
- Review the official eligibility information or call 1-888-621-6880 for application guidance.
Eligibility, payment rules, authorized services, hiring, and family-provider policies can change. Weyr & Roots doesn't endorse a particular provider. Confirm current requirements with DDD, the Support Coordinator, and the agency involved.
Back to DDD MenuArticle 9 and Member Rights
A right isn't a reward for being easy to support.
People receiving DDD services keep their human and civil rights. Article 9 addresses dignity, privacy, communication, choice, freedom from mistreatment, and the limited circumstances in which a right may be restricted. A concern doesn't need a perfect label before someone asks for help.
Immediate danger
Call 911 when someone is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical help.
Abuse, neglect, or exploitation
Contact Adult Protective Services for a vulnerable adult or the Arizona Child Abuse Hotline for a child.
DDD service concern
Document what happened. Contact the provider and the DDD Support Coordinator. Ask about the formal grievance or incident-report process.
Restriction or discrimination
Ask for the written policy, plan, or decision. Disability Rights Arizona may provide information, advocacy, or legal assistance.
DDD Member Rights and Responsibilities
- What is it?
- Arizona's official plain-language guide to rights, responsibilities, grievances, appeals, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and privacy.
- Who might it help?
- DDD members, families, representatives, providers, and advocates.
- What do I do next?
- Read the current guide and follow its instructions for the kind of concern involved.
Arizona Article 9 Rules
- What is it?
- The official Arizona rules governing behavior supports and protections for people receiving DDD services.
- Who might it help?
- DDD members, families, direct support professionals, providers, and anyone reviewing a possible rights restriction.
- What do I do next?
- Read the current rule and ask the Support Coordinator or provider to explain how it applies to the specific situation.
Disability Rights Arizona
- What is it?
- Arizona's protection and advocacy organization provides disability-rights information and accepts requests for assistance.
- Who might it help?
- Arizonans facing disability-related discrimination, access barriers, abuse, neglect, or other rights concerns.
- What do I do next?
- Review the help-request process and provide a timeline, documents, and the outcome being requested when possible.
Cerebral Palsy
Resources for living, access, support, and participation
Cerebral palsy is one of Arizona DDD's qualifying diagnoses, but a diagnosis never tells the whole story of a person's communication, movement, health, interests, relationships, or goals.
United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona
- What is it?
- UCPSA provides home and community based services, individually designed living arrangements, employment support, and caregiver resources in Southern Arizona.
- Who might it help?
- People with many types of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, and families seeking services or paid-provider information.
- What do I do next?
- Review the current programs and contact UCPSA directly to confirm eligibility, openings, service areas, and provider requirements.
Cerebral Palsy Research Network Adult CP Toolkit
- What is it?
- A practical toolkit created for adults with cerebral palsy and the people who support them, covering health, function, self-advocacy, and navigating adult life.
- Who might it help?
- Adults with cerebral palsy, families, caregivers, and professionals looking for lifespan-focused information.
- What do I do next?
- Open the toolkit and choose the topic that matches the current question. Medical decisions should be discussed with an appropriate health professional.
Arizona Technology Access Program
- What is it?
- AzTAP offers assistive technology demonstrations, short-term loans, equipment reuse, consultation, and funding information.
- Who might it help?
- People exploring communication, mobility, computer access, positioning, or other assistive technology.
- What do I do next?
- Ask about a demonstration, device loan, or current equipment-reuse option before purchasing when possible.
The Right to an Ordinary Life
Support should make more of life possible.
Privacy, choice, communication, relationships, meaningful work, recreation, community, dignity, and fun aren't rewards or extras. They are ordinary parts of being human.
Assistance should expand a person's life, not control it.
I'm Tyler... Don't Be Surprised
Tyler Greene created this film in 2006 as his Eagle Scout project. Tyler, who had cerebral palsy, shares his own life and perspective on Ability Awareness and inclusion. The complete official video preserves the work and credits of everyone who helped create it.
Watch through Tyler's official site and explore language optionsCaptions are requested in the player. Caption and language availability is controlled by the official video host.
About These Resources
Weyr & Roots provides these links for informational purposes. Inclusion doesn't constitute endorsement or guarantee eligibility, availability, services, or outcomes. Programs and requirements can change. Confirm current information with the organization or agency responsible for the program.