Disability-Related Support Services in Minnesota
This page provides numerous links to services available in Minnesota. They are organized as follows:
Support Services Offered by MN Dept of Human Services
Other Support Services
Listing of Organizations
Self-Advocacy Organizations
Support Services Offered by the MN Department of Human Services
The following social service programs and financial assistance programs are available to families with or without developmental disabilities. There are specific eligibility criteria for each program. The programs listed below are offered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and link to the DHS Website. We update this information periodically, however we cannot guarantee that the links below have not changed.
Adult Protection (Vulnerable Adults)
Provides training and consultation about the Minnesota Vulnerable Adults Act.
Case Management: Targeted or County
A state rule that provides services to assist persons with developmental disabilities in gaining access to needed social, medical, and educational and other services.
Chemical Health
The state alcohol and drug authority responsible for defining a statewide response to drug and alcohol abuse. This includes providing basic information on chemical health, planning a broad-based community service system, evaluating the effectiveness of various chemical dependency services, and funding innovative programs to promote reduction of alcohol and other drug problems and their effects on individuals, families and society.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Can help to make quality child care affordable for income-eligible families. All families will have a copayment based on their gross income and family size.
Consumer Directed Initiative
Gives people who need long-term care more choice and control over supports and services they receive. Minnesota is looking to provide consumer-direction across all home and community-based programs so people with disabilities and chronic illness may lead self-directed lives.
Day Training and Habilitation (DT & H)
Licensed supports to help adults develop and maintain life skills, participate in community life, and engage in proactive and satisfying activities of their own choosing.
- Minnesota State Operated Community Services (MSOCS)
Build capacities to support people at home, at work, and in the community. See examples.
Disability Services
Manages publicly funded programs that support people with a variety of disabilities, including developmental disabilities, chronic medical conditions, acquired or traumatic brain injuries and physical disabilities.
Food Assistance Program
Created in response to federal law changes, which made certain noncitizens ineligible for federally funded Food Support. It is only available to noncitizens 50 years of age or older.
Food Support
A county-administered, federal program that assists people and families with low incomes to purchase food and better meet their nutritional needs.
Family Support Grant (FSG)
Provides state cash grants to families of children with certified disabilities. The goal of the program is to prevent or delay the out-of-home placement of children with disabilities and promote family health and social well-being by facilitating access to family-centered services and supports.
Foster Care
Sometimes parents are unable to care for their child with special needs at home. It may be necessary for their child to live somewhere else, even for short periods of time. It is important for parents to know that this option is available.
Group Residential Housing Program (GRH)
A state-funded income supplement program that pays for room-and-board costs for low-income adults who have been placed in a licensed or registered setting with which a county human service agency has negotiated a monthly rate.
Health Care, Adults with Disabilities
There are several health care programs to choose from:
- Consumer Support Grant (CSG)
A state-funded alternative to Medicaid home care services of home health aide, personal care assistance, and/or private duty nursing.
- General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC)
Low-income adults, ages 21-64, who have no dependent children under age 18 and who do not qualify for federal health care programs may qualify for this program.
- Medical Assistance (MA)
Serves seniors, children and families, and people with disabilities.
- Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
A work incentive that promotes competitive employment and the economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities by assuring continued access to Medical Assistance for necessary health care services.
- Medicare Related Programs
Health insurance for people age 65 or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
- Minnesota Care
Minnesota residents who do not have access to affordable health insurance may qualify for this program.
- Minnesota Disability Health Options (MnDHO)
A program for people with physical disabilities who are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA). People who are eligible for both MA and Medicare may also enroll.
Health Care, Children with Disabilities
There are several health care programs to choose from:
- Consumer Support Grant (CSG)
A state-funded alternative to Medicaid home care services of home health aide, personal care assistance, and/or private duty nursing.
- General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC)
Low-income adults, ages 21-64, who have no dependent children under age 18 and who do not qualify for federal health care programs may qualify for this program.
- Home and Community Based Waivers
Allows some children with disabilities who live with their families to be eligible for Medical Assistance without counting the parent's income.
- Medical Assistance (MA)
Serves seniors, children and families, and people with disabilities.
- Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
A work incentive that promotes competitive employment and the economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities by assuring continued access to Medical Assistance for necessary health care services.
- Medicare Related Programs
Health insurance for people age 65 or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
- Minnesota Care
Minnesota residents who do not have access to affordable health insurance may qualify for this program.
- Minnesota Disability Health Options (MnDHO)
A program for people with physical disabilities who are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA). People who are eligible for both MA and Medicare may also enroll.
- Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Allows some children with disabilities who live with their families to be eligible for Medical Assistance without counting parent’s income.
Intermediate Care Facilities/Mental Retardation (ICF/MR)
A list of resources, information, and providers is available.
Laws, Legal Resources, and Advocates
A list of resources is available.
Mental Health: Adult and Child Services
Includes individual, group, family, and marital therapy. Consultation is also provided to special education classes and other programs that serve children and adults with d evelopmental disabilities. Specialized programs are also available with fees based on the family’s ability to pay. No one is denied services because of their inability to pay.
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
The state’s welfare reform program for low-income families with children.
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)
A state funded program that provides a monthly cash supplement to people who are aged, blind or disabled and who receive federal Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS)
Semi-independent living services are services that include training and assistance in managing money, preparing meals, shopping, personal appearance and hygiene and other activities needed to maintain and improve an adult with mental retardation’s capacity to live in the community.
Services for Children with Handicaps
A list of service providers is available.
Waivered Services
Federal programs that allow states to "waive" traditional Medicaid guidelines. Services which are previously provided only in institutional settings can now be provided in the home, allowing families to keep their family member with developmental disabilities or complex health problems at home. These services are flexible and are based on individual needs, and include: case management, in-home family supports, respite care, homemaker services, day training and habilitation, modifications to the home, and adaptive aids. There are several "waivers" to choose from:
Community Alternative Care (CAC)
The Community Alternative Care Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults who are chronically ill. The CAC Waiver is designed to serve persons with disabilities who would otherwise require the level of care provided in a hospital.Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI)
The Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults, who would otherwise require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)
Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) is a unique service option that gives persons more flexibility and responsibility for directing their services and supports, including hiring and managing direct care staff.Home and Community-Based Waivers
Minnesotans with disabilities or chronic illnesses who need certain levels of care may qualify for the state’s home and community–based waiver programs.Mental Retardation/Related Conditions (MR/RC) Waiver
Provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults with mental retardation or related conditions. Assessed waiver service needs, as identified in the person’s service plan, may be provided in a person’s own home, in his/her biological or adoptive family’s home, in a relative’s home (e.g., sibling, aunt, grandparent, etc.), in a family foster care home or corporate foster care home.Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver
The Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) for children and adults who have an acquired or traumatic brain injury.
For more information on Waivered Services contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs.
Other Support Services
Minnesota Assistive Technology Loan Network (MATLN)
MATLN is a loan library containing augmentative and alternative communication (A A C) devices, and other items to meet your special communication needs. They lend devices to anyone regardless of age or disability for a trial of 30 days. Their program works very well for individuals who are sampling an A A C device for a future purchase, or when a device is out on repair. A program of United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota, the MATLN mission is to empower people with speech, language and communication disabilities through the use of assistive technology education, support and equipment access.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is a federally-funded program that provides monthly payments to persons who are 65 and older, blind, or have developmental disabilities. SSI is administered through the Social Security Department with funding provided by income taxes. See also their PDF brochure on SSI.
Organizations
The following organizations provide information, advocacy, education, support, and technical assistance to individuals and families who have an interest in developmental disabilities. Most are non-profit and some are membership organizations. Many publish newsletters and journals. This is a non-exhaustive list. Disability specific organizations can be identified by contacting generic disability organizations such as Arc MN and PACER.
Arc Minnesota
Arc Minnesota is a state organization that provides advocacy and support for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. It works with local chapters to provide public policy development, technical assistance, training and support to families, monitoring of compliance and implementation of regulations and laws, advocacy for local services, and training and orienting of leaders and volunteers. The local and state chapters are participating members of the national organization, ARC-US.
Institute on Community Integration (UCEDD)
This University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, located in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota, promotes interdisciplinary training, service, technical assistance, research and dissemination activities designed to enhance community services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Institute for Minority Development (IMD)
IMD is a non-profit organization whose goal is to elevate the status and resources of children of color with developmental disabilities. The Institute provides in-home and community-based family support services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Services are designed to keep individuals in their homes and teach them to work, play and attend school in their communities. Vocational education, leisure, recreation and life skills training are used to improve each client’s quality of life.
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)
MCIL is dedicated to the full promotion of the Independent Living (IL) philosophy by supporting individuals with disabilities in their personal efforts to pursue self-directed lives. MCIL provides services for people with disabilities, their families and friends, service providers, and interested community members. Services include information and referral, independent living skills, peer programs, advocacy and support services, and personal assistance service programs.
Minnesota Disability Law Center
The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) addresses the unique legal needs of persons with disabilities. A statewide project, MDLC provides free civil legal assistance to individuals with disabilities on legal issues that are related to their disabilities. Examples of legal problems include: special education issues, assistive technology issues, residential programming/placement, vocational training/supported employment, day training and habilitation services, county care/personal care attendants, Medical Assistance, and abuse and neglect.
Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs (MCSHN)
Minnesota ’s Children with Special Health Needs is a program administered by the Minnesota Department of Health to improve the quality of life for children with special health needs and their families. MCSHN provides diagnostic services, educational and referral programs for professionals and parents, some types of medical services, as well as various support services. In addition they pay for some medical evaluations and can be another source of insurance if needed. These services are available at a variety of health care facilities. Staff consultation is also available to assist families in health care coordination.
Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA)
Established in 1976, MCHA is a state-funded organization that provides an insurance plan to Minnesota residents who have high risk medical conditions, have been denied health insurance coverage, or who have restrictive riders which limit benefits for specific categories. This program is available to children and adults.
Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
The purpose of the Council is to provide information, education and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)
PACER is a statewide parent coalition of Minnesota disability organizations. Parents are assisting parents to obtain appropriate educational services and supports for their children and young adults with developmental disabilities. This is done through training workshops, individual assistance and printed materials.
Self-Advocacy Organizations
If you are a Minnesotan with a disability looking to lead a more self-determined life through self-advocacy, look up one of these organizations.
Advocating Change Together (ACT)
ACT is a grassroots disability rights organization run by and for people with developmental and other disabilities. ACT's mission is to help people across disabilities to see themselves as part of a larger disability rights movement and make connections to other civil and human rights struggles.
People First of Minnesota
Institute on Community Integration
University of Minnesota
Pattee Hall, 150 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Telephone: (612) 625-5592
This information was adapted from the print document, Minnesota Support Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, revised by Brett Bruininks and Marijo McBride of the Institute on Community Integration, April, 2000, and since revised in October, 2007.