The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) believes clients with developmental disabilities and delays and their families should have choices when selecting services that will help them thrive. That’s why we offer high-quality services in homes and communities as well as in 24-hour residential programs. We believe that clients should have access to services in the least restrictive settings to meet their needs and that they have the constitutional right to live and learn and experience life just like any other Arkansan. The DDS Intake and Referral unit is the best place to start if you, a loved one, or a person in your care needs services and support. You can contact DDS Intake and Referral by calling 501-683-5687 or submit an online request for services. 

Through Medicaid and federally-funded grant programs, we offer:

• Developmental screenings, therapy, and care plans specifically for infants & toddlers
• Day treatment programs for children & adults
• Community-based services and supportive life skills
• Applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with Autism and specialized Autism services
• 24-Hour care in human development centers and private intermediate care facilities
• Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy
• Help coordinating care needs and case management services   
• Wrap-around services that include Medicaid Waiver, individual/family supports, and adaptive equipment.

DDS is divided into four sections:

• Tier 1 Services – which works with Arkansans who get Medicaid and are eligible for services to help with developmental delays or disabilities, including:
  • Developmental screenings, therapy, and care plans for infants and toddlers
  • Day treatment programs for children and adults
  • Applied behavior analysis (ABA) or specialized services for children with autism
  • Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy
  • Help coordinating care needs and case management services
• Tier 2 & 3 Services – which works with Medicaid-eligible Arkansans of all ages with developmental disabilities who get home- and community-based services through the Community and Employment Support Waiver (known as the DD Waiver), which allows them to live in the community rather than in an institution. This unit also works with the Provider-led Arkansas Shared Savings Entity (PASSE) program.
• Human Development Centers – This unit operates five Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) that provide 24-hour care to Arkansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can learn more about the human development center on our website.
• Federal Grant Programs – This unit oversees two grant programs that help Arkansas residents who are not eligible for Medicaid to get services like evaluations and therapies or supplies and equipment that help with developmental disabilities.

DDS also operates five human development centers for individuals with profound intellectual and developmental disabilities. Act 348 of 1985 designated control and administration of the HDCs under the management and direction of the Developmental Disabilities Services Board with daily operation authority extended to the DDS Director, in coordination with the Director of DHS.