Preparing for Your Intake Interview

One of the most important functions of the California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) is to determine whether a person is eligible for services and benefits. The initial intake interview is where this happens. Given how important this interview is, preparing for your intake interview is very important.

DDS Intake Interview: What to Expect, How to Prepare

If you believe you or your loved one qualifies for services under the DDS, the first step is to locate and contact your local DDS regional center. Regional centers conduct intake interviews and facilitate care for DDS participants.

The key criteria for DDS eligibility include:

• evidence of a serious developmental disability;
• the disability must have begun before age 18;
• it must be evident that the disability will persist into the future indefinitely;
• the disability must significantly impact daily life.

Given these criteria, come prepared to discuss each of these key points. In particular, you may want to gather supporting documents. While there is no set list of required documents, the following will likely be helpful:

• medical records;
• past diagnoses of a developmental disability;
• educational records;
• behavioral records;
• identification showing proof of residency;
• anything else that speaks to the eligibility criteria.

Ultimately, your DDS regional center will make its own diagnosis, based on the intake interview. For this reason, it is very important that come to your intake interview prepared to talk about topics and issues related to the underlying disability. Specifically, during the interview, be prepared to talk about daily life. Intake staff may ask how the disability affects communication, mobility, learning, self-care, and social interactions. Think of specific examples that highlight both strengths and areas of need. It may help to jot down notes beforehand so you don’t forget important details.