Autism Omnibus Act - Update on DDS Eligibility

DDS has proposed amendments to its regulations to broaden DDS eligibility to include individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Prader-Willi, and Smith-Magenis syndrome(s) who have a severe chronic disability that results in substantial functional limitations, as required by the Autism Omnibus Act signed by the Governor this summer.  The proposed amendments set forth the standards and procedures to be used by DDS to determine eligibility and further define the array of services developed for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Proposed Regulations

Proposed Definition

Notice of Public Hearing

PUBLIC HEARINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED:

1) Wednesday, February 4, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at:

John W. McCormack Bldg

21st Floor, Conference Room 1

One Ashburton Place

Boston, MA 02108

2) Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at:

Northborough Free Library

Library Meeting Room

34 Main Street

Northborough, MA 01532 

WRITTEN COMMENTS

Written comments may be submitted until March 5, 2015 ---by mail to the Office of the General Counsel, Department of Developmental Services, 500 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, by facsimile to (617) 624-7573, or by electronic mail to: DDS.Regs.comments@state.ma.us until 5:00 p.m. March 5, 2015.