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Ramsey County Human Services helps people with disabilities survive & thrive
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About developmental disabilities
People with developmental disabilities have IQs lower than 70, or serious related disabilities, such as autism.
Developmental disabilities happen at birth or before someone turns age 22.
People with developmental disabilities can benefit from services to live safely and independently as possible in the community.
What's New!
Are you are looking for cabin fever cures? Consider attending a recreation program through Community Education or Parks and Recreation. Activities for people with and without disabilities occur throughout Ramsey County. See activities
How to get County Services
Assessment and Referrals
When you contact Ramsey County Community Human Services (CHS), request an intake interview. We will interview you and your family to assess your needs and strengths. Then we work with you, other agencies, schools and more to coordinate services you choose.
Case Management
This is available to persons with Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities or Related Conditions (IDD/RC) and their families. Case managers help you locate, coordinate and monitor social and daily living activities, medical services, consumer directed supports, and other services to meet the specific needs of you and your family.
Transition Coordination (16-22 years of age)
The transition years are exciting and challenging for teens, young adults and their families. A Ramsey County Case Manager who specializes in transition can address your issues and concerns. Challenges include: turning 18; moving from services for children to those for adults; new adult resources; exploring adult living and vocational services; and guardianship. Schools address transition from age 14 until a person leaves public education. The County IDD team coordinates County and School services. Also see Habilitation and Vocational Services.
Learn more Guardianship & Conservatorship in Ramsey County Learn More Guardianship - What Does it Mean as an Adult?
Financial Support Services
Ramsey county helps administer Federal, state and local funds for people who choose to live at home or in the community. To be eligible for some services, people must receive or be eligible for Medical Assistance. Services include: Grants and Waivers; In-Home Family Supports; Respite Services; and Personal Care Assistant Services.
Family Support Grant (FSG)
The Family Support Grant provides cash grants up to $200 dollars per month to families of children with IDD or related conditions. An FSG may help prevent or delay out of home placement and increase access to services. To be eligible, the person must be certified as having a disability, be under 21 and live in their biological or adoptive home. The family must be below a certain income.
Developmental Disability and Related Conditions Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBS)
Intellectual, Developmental or Related Conditions (IDD/RC) HCBS Waivers provide federal and state funds for home and community-based services for children and adults with IDD or related conditions. Services may be at one's own home, their family’s or a relative’s home, in a traditional foster care home or in a corporate foster care home.
Waiver services can help you and your family. You can participate, depending on your needs and wants, and if the services are available when you need them. They also must be cost-effective. There is a description list with over 20 services to consider. Call one of the above numbers to get started.
Basic Reading Level Services (MS Word) Comprehensive List of Waiver Services Learn more at MN DHS
Eligibility
To be eligible for IDD/RC waiver services, a person must meet all these criteria:
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Be eligible for or receive Medical Assistance (MA)
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Be determined to have intellectual/developmental or related disabilities
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Be determined to likely require the level of care given in Intermediate Care Facilities, which are for persons with developmental or related disabilities (ICF/DD)
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Make an informed choice to request Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), instead of choosing to live in an Intermediate Care Facility (also known as a group home)
Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)
CDCS is an option for people on the IDD/RC HCBS Waiver Program. CDCS gives persons more flexibility and responsibility to direct their services and supports. This includes hiring and managing direct care staff.
Learn More about CDCS at MN DHS Ramsey County CDCS Forms
Medical Assistance
MA is a publicly funded, health care program for people with low and moderate incomes. Ramsey county staff can help you determine if you are eligible for MA. There may be spend downs (similar to insurance deductibles). MA may pay medical bills going back 3 months from when you apply. The Minnesota Department of Human Resources (DHS) determines MA eligibility by age, income, and assets. Their website includes on-line application forms. Ramsey County Financial Assistance Information 651-266-4444
Learn more at MN DHS
TEFRA Medical Assistance for children with disabilities
TEFRA is for children with disabilities whose parents have too much income to qualify for other Minnesota Health Care Programs or who qualify, but the cost would be too high. Ramsey County administers TEFRA . Ramsey Couny TEFRA 651-266-3692
Learn more at MN DHS
Housing and Residential Services
Foster Care
Ramsey County CHS licenses, monitors and supports traditional style and corporate foster homes for vulnerable adults. The homes have 24 hour a day supports. Depending on the type of license, there may be 4 to 64 residents.
Learn more about Ramsey County Foster Care
Lake Owasso Residence (LOR)
LOR is a residential facility operated by Ramsey County with volunteer and family involvement. LOR provides 24 hour a day supports for 64 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Learn more about Lake Owasso Residence
Semi – Independent Living Services (SILS)
Semi – Independent Living Services support adults with disabilities ways that enable them to live as independently as possible. Services include: money management, meal preparation, shopping, and personal development. To be eligible, an individual must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- Diagnosed with IDD or a related condition
- Unable to function independently without SILS
Learn more at MN DHS SILS
Habilitation, Vocational and Volunteer Services
Government, non-profit and for profit providers offer licensed programs to help people increase daily living and job skills. Some programs provide recreation and volunteer opportunities. Others specialize in senior, retirement services. All programs provide persons with developmental disabilities an opportunity to be involved in the community. Types of programs include:
- Adult Day Care
- Day Training and Habilitation (D T & H)
- Employment and Alternative Services
- Senior/Retirement Daytime Services
- Supported Employment
Learn more Employment Services Learn more at MN Dept of Economic Security Learn more at DB101
Employment First Initiative (EFI)
EFI consists of people who are committed to advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Learn more about EFI Learn more about Ramsey County's EFI progress
Popular Resources
Arc Greater Twin Cities - Arc gives assistance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Services range from advocacy, to parent and sibling groups, workshops on disability issues, and special education. 952-920-0855
Autism Society of Minnesota - The Autism Society offers advocacy, resources, support and more for people on the autism spectrum and their families. 651-647-1083
Disability Linkage - Disability Linkage is run by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. 1 866-333-2466
Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota - DSAMN provides information and support to people with Down syndrome, their families and communities. 651-603-0720
Institute for Community Integration - University of Minnesota ICI offers research, training, technical assistance and publications to improve community and social services for persons with developmental and other disabilities. Learn More - Questions to Ask Providers
Life Pages – Life Pages was developed with the disability community in mind and with the goal of helping people find information and connect to the community. 651-866-0225
The Minnesota Children and Special Health Needs(MCSHN) Information and Assistance Line - This Information and Assistance Line can help you find the right resources to meet special needs. The service is free and confidential. 651-201-3650
Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities - The Governor's Council promotes independence, productivity, self-determination, integration and inclusion for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. 651-296-4018
Pacer Center - Parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights is a nonprofit that expands opportunities to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities. 952-838-9000
Ramsey County Protective Services Adult Ramsey County Protective Services Children
Protective Services helps children and vulnerable adults, their care givers and support persons when neglect, abuse or exploitation is suspected. Adults 651-266-4012 - Children 651-266-4500
Selective Services Registration – All young men, age 18 and above, must register for any potential draft to the armed services. Readiness to serve will be addressed if there is a draft.
Social Security - Apply on-line for social security benefits for individuals with disabilities.
Social Security Administration(SSA) Disability Starter Kit - The kit helps you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Kits are available for adults and children. 800-772-1213
Special Olympics Minnesota - SOMN offers sports training and competition in 17 sports for children and adults who have intellectual disabilities. SOMN also has health and leadership programs. 612-333-0999
St Paul Parks & Recreation - SPP&R Adaptive Recreation provides affordable, on-going programs for children and adults with disabilities throughout St Paul. It also offers community integration activities within general programs. 651-793-6635
STAR Program for Assistive Technology - A System of Technology to Achieve Results(STAR) educates about assistive technology (AT) issues, helps people get access to AT products and resources, and works with government agencies to build community communication efforts. 651-201-2640
