The first step in applying for state funded developmental disability support services is to register with the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) database. To register, you must meet with a Pre-Admission Screening /Independent Service Coordination Agency to see if you are eligible for services. Listed below is the contact information for the agency serving Champaign and Ford Counties.
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
Developmental Disability Services
1776 East Washington Street Urbana, IL 61802
Phone: (217) 328-3313
You can also call the Developmental Disabilities Hotline at 1-888-DD-PLANS and 1-866-376-8446 (TTY) to assist you with the process. The individual must provide information on their medical condition, living arrangement and need for new, additional or different services. This will allow the pre-admission screener, on behalf of the State, to determine whether the person's needs are fully served, and if not, to categorize the need for developmental disabilities services. Once eligibility is determined, the case coordination service will work with the family to make a choice of service providers.
Completion of a PUNS form does not guarantee eligibility for services or the provision of services, but it does make sure that the State is aware of individual need for services. Individuals interested in residential services should begin the application process as soon as possible. Factors such as age, how independently the individual functions, age and health of the care-givers, and need for independence must be considered when thinking about seeking residential services. It is important to remember that openings are not always available at a preferred agency or facility. If an individual or their family have a preference, it is important to start looking sooner and be willing to accept placement should an appropriate opening become available. Emergency placements due to loss of a caregiver are difficult and unfortunately can involve less individual/family choice. You should sign-up to PUNS if you are in need of in-home supports, respite care, job coaches, residential living arrangements, adaptive equipment, or other supports. Even though resources are limited, the State works hard to make sure services are allocated as fairly and efficiently as possible, and they are continuously looking for new ways to increase access to assistance for those who are in need. Sources:
The Reality of State Funded Services
DSC provides a variety of day, employment and residential support services for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services can be provided as part of a transition program from school to adult-based services, or as part of a general need for services for anyone with a developmental disability who is over the age of 21.*
Programs will vary depending upon the needs of the individual and the type of services (day training, employment support or residential) required. Depending upon the level of behavioral, social, medical, daily living and other support services required, individual support costs vary greatly.
However, the average individual or his/her family generally has a limited ability to pay for the cost of these support services. This is where state and local funding has been a benefit to those families in need. Through these subsidies, individuals have been able to access high quality services at an affordable cost. Unfortunately, access to this funding is limited due to narrow resources.
Despite the funding limitations, the State of Illinois has established a process for individuals/families to obtain these needed services. Click the link below to learn how to start the process of obtaining state funding.
DSC is currently exploring options to accept private pay for some services. More information to come.
*For information about child services, please contact Director of Family Development, Nicole Smith, at 217-356-9176 or nsmith@dsc-illinois.org.
