BRIEF HISTORY

The Illinois Department Human Services (DHS) along with the Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA) and the Office of Developmental Disabilities fund a variety of home and community-based services for adults with developmental disabilities. These funds are made available through a waiver granted by the US Health Care Financing Administration as part of the federal Medicaid Program. These waiver programs are meant to be a cost-effective alternative to long term care facilities. “The goal of the Medicaid Waiver is to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to reside in more appropriate, normalized living environments that are fully integrated into the community, thereby enhancing potential for community inclusion, independent living, and individual growth and fulfillment.”