Virginia DD Waiver Guide for Families: How to Find Support for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

For many families, understanding the Virginia DD Waiver guide process can feel confusing at first. When you are trying to find the right support for an adult with developmental disabilities, you may hear terms like DD Waiver, Community Living Waiver, FIS Waiver, Building Independence Waiver, CSB, support coordination, and provider services — all before you even know where to begin.

The good news is that families do not have to figure everything out alone.

In Virginia, DD Waivers are designed to help eligible individuals with developmental disabilities access services and supports in the community. These supports may include services that encourage independence, daily living skills, community participation, social connection, and long-term quality of life.

At Smiles Like Yours, we know that families are not just looking for “a program.” They are looking for guidance, clarity, and the right support system for someone they love.

What Is a Virginia DD Waiver?

A Virginia DD Waiver is a Medicaid waiver for individuals with developmental disabilities who meet eligibility requirements. These waivers help people receive certain services in home and community-based settings instead of relying only on institutional care.

Virginia Medicaid explains that DD Waivers are administered jointly with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, also known as DBHDS. The state also notes that there is a waiting list for these waivers, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need.

In simple terms, a DD Waiver can help connect eligible individuals to support services that may help them live, learn, participate, and grow in their community.

Why DD Waivers Matter for Families

For families supporting an adult with developmental disabilities, the right services can make a major difference. A DD Waiver may help open the door to supports that encourage independence, safety, routine, skill development, and community involvement.

A waiver can be especially important when a family is looking for help with:

• adult day support;
• community engagement;
• supported living;
• group home services;
• independent living skills;
• daily routines;
• social opportunities;
• long-term planning.

This is why a strong Virginia DD Waiver guide is useful. Families need clear, simple information that helps them understand what the waiver is, what it may support, and what steps they may need to take next.

The Three Types of DD Waivers in Virginia

Virginia has three Developmental Disability Waivers:

• Building Independence Waiver, also called BI Waiver;
• Family and Individual Supports Waiver, also called FIS Waiver;
• Community Living Waiver, also called CL Waiver.

DBHDS confirms that these three waivers are available for individuals with a developmental disability. DBHDS also states that the first step to learning more or being screened and assessed is to contact the local Community Services Board or Behavioral Health Authority.

Each waiver is designed for different levels of support and different living situations. Families should speak with their local CSB or support coordinator to better understand which option may apply to their loved one.

How DD Waivers Connect to Adult Day Support and Community Services

A DD Waiver is not the same thing as a service provider. Instead, it can help eligible individuals access approved services through providers.

That is where organizations like Smiles Like Yours can become part of the support journey.

Depending on the person’s needs, plan, eligibility, and waiver status, services may support goals such as:

• building daily living skills;
• developing social confidence;
• participating in structured activities;
• joining community outings;
• learning routines;
• increasing independence;
• strengthening communication;
• connecting with peers.

The Arc of Virginia explains that the DD Waiver Program provides support and service options related to successful living, learning, health, recreation, employment, and community inclusion.

For families, this connection matters because the waiver process is often only one part of the bigger goal: helping someone live a more meaningful, supported, and connected life.

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What If Your Family Does Not Have a DD Waiver Yet?

Many families are still at the beginning of the process. They may not have a waiver yet, or they may be on a waiting list. That does not mean they should stop searching for information.

According to Virginia Medicaid, families interested in DD Waiver services should contact their local Community Services Board, also known as a CSB, to apply or learn more about the process.

DBHDS also describes the local CSB or Behavioral Health Authority as the first step for learning more about waivers or being screened and assessed for waiver services.

Families can begin by asking:

• Who is our local CSB?
• Is my loved one eligible for a DD Waiver screening?
• Is there a waiting list?
• What documents should we prepare?
• What services may be available now?
• What providers serve our area?
• What support options fit our loved one’s goals?

This step can feel overwhelming, but asking the right questions can make the process clearer.

Choosing the Right Provider After the Waiver Conversation

Once families begin exploring services, choosing the right provider becomes an important decision. The provider should not only understand waiver-related services. They should also understand the individual’s personality, strengths, communication style, goals, and support needs.

A strong provider should offer:

• person-centered support;
• clear communication with families;
• safe and welcoming environments;
• respect for individual choice;
• opportunities for community participation;
• support for daily living skills;
• encouragement toward independence;
• activities that match the person’s interests.

The goal is not just to place someone into a service. The goal is to find support that helps that person feel valued, included, and encouraged to grow.

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How Smiles Like Yours Helps Families Understand Their Options

Smiles Like Yours supports adults with developmental disabilities and their families through services focused on confidence, independence, connection, and meaningful daily experiences.

Families may come to Smiles Like Yours looking for help with adult day support, community engagement, supported living, group home services, housing guidance, or long-term planning. Each person’s situation is different, and the right support should reflect that.

Smiles Like Yours focuses on helping individuals:

• participate in meaningful activities;
• build social confidence;
• strengthen daily living skills;
• connect with others;
• explore community opportunities;
• create supportive routines;
• move toward greater independence.

A helpful Virginia DD Waiver guide should not only explain the system. It should also help families understand how services can support real life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia DD Waivers

What is a Virginia DD Waiver?

A Virginia DD Waiver is a Medicaid waiver that helps eligible individuals with developmental disabilities access certain home and community-based services.

What are the three DD Waivers in Virginia?

The three DD Waivers in Virginia are the Building Independence Waiver, the Family and Individual Supports Waiver, and the Community Living Waiver.

How do families apply for a DD Waiver in Virginia?

Families should contact their local Community Services Board or Behavioral Health Authority to start the screening and assessment process for DD Waiver services.

Is there a waiting list for Virginia DD Waivers?

Yes. Virginia Medicaid states that there is a waiting list for DD Waivers, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need.

Can a DD Waiver help with adult day support?

Depending on eligibility, service authorization, and the individual’s plan, a DD Waiver may help connect individuals to services such as adult day support, community engagement, supported living, and other approved supports.

Does Smiles Like Yours help adults with developmental disabilities in Richmond, VA?

Yes. Smiles Like Yours supports adults with developmental disabilities and families in Richmond, Virginia and surrounding communities through services focused on independence, connection, community participation, and daily growth.

Take the Next Step

Understanding the DD Waiver process can feel overwhelming, but families do not have to navigate it alone. The right information, the right questions, and the right provider can help make the next step clearer.

If your family is exploring support options for an adult with developmental disabilities, Smiles Like Yours is here to help you understand available services and find support that fits your loved one’s needs, goals, and daily life.

Contact Smiles Like Yours today to learn more about adult day support, community engagement, supported living, group home services, and other support options in Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.