Determining Eligibility
Who can make a referral?
Referrals are the first step to determining eligibility. Referrals can be made by individuals, parents, physicians, teachers or anyone who believes that a person residing in Summit County may benefit from and qualify for services from Summit DD. The Agency then gets consent from the individual, parent or guardian to begin the eligibility process.
What is the criteria for eligibility?
Eligibility for services is based on a number of factors and evaluations that are specific to a person’s age.
Make an Early Intervention Referral
Determine Eligibility for Early Intervention (birth – age 2)
Summit DD’s Early Intervention Services support children from birth through 36 months. Early support is key – starting services as soon as possible can make a big difference. If you have concerns about your child’s development, schedule a developmental evaluation and assessment at no cost to you.
For Children age 0-2, please fill out the Help Me Grow Referral for Services form. While Summit DD may provide Early Intervention services, referrals for Early Intervention are made through our partners at the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s Help Me Grow Early Intervention Program.
- Learn more about Summit DD’s Early Intervention Services.
- Children must have their eligibility re-determined at age 3 to receive services.
Make a Referral for Services (ages 3+)
Ages 3-5
Children, ages three to five, may be eligible for support if they have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as determined through your local school district.
- Submit the online form or call 330-634-8676 to begin the eligibility process.
- Find helpful school-age resources for parents
- Visit our Community Resources page for people of all ages
- Learn about IEPs on Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce website.
- Children will have their eligibility re-determined at age 6.
Ages 6 to 15
Children, ages six to 15, may be eligible for Summit DD services if they have a documented history of a life-long developmental disability and significant functional limitations in at least three areas of the Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI).
- Submit the online form or call 330-634-8676 to begin the eligibility process.
- Find helpful school-age resources for parents
- Visit our Community Resources page for people of all ages
- Eligibility is re-determined at age 16.
Ages 16+
Individuals age 16+ may be eligible for Summit DD services if they have a documented developmental disability prior to age 22, significant functional limitations in at least 3 of 7 life areas on the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI), or other approved evaluation assessment.
- Submit the online form or call 330-634-8676 to begin the eligibility process.
- Find helpful school-age resources for parents
- Visit our Community Resources page
- Eligibility status may be reviewed at any time if a significant change in diagnoses, impairment, or skill has occurred.
Need Additional Information?
- Learn more about Service Coordination
- Need help navigating the different terminology and acronyms? Ohio’s Department of Developmental Disabilities’ handy Glossary can help sort it all out for you.
- Discover how Summit DD is supporting people of all ages.
- Contact our Intake and Eligibility Department by phone at 330-634-8676.
Download Intake Application ages 3+
Prefer to download the form and email it instead? Download the Intake Application PDF form here. NOTE: Please save the PDF to your computer before filling out the form. Once completed, please attach and email form to intake@summitdd.org.)