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Adult Services: How To Obtain Services

Is your family member eligible for services? 
The first point of entry is the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH).

Contact the
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Simpson Hall
6 Harrington Rd.
Cranston, RI 02920
Tel: (401) 462-3421

or visit the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) website at www.bhddh.ri.gov/to find out about the available services and the steps to securing those services.  Upon determination of service needs you are encouraged to research the list of service providers to determine which provider is best suited to support your family member.

What is a service provider?
A service provider is an agency or organization that provides supports and services to individuals with developmental disabilities. AccessPoint RI is a service provider under the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals.

How do we obtain services from AccessPoint?
Your division social worker will make a formal referral to AccessPoint for the “referral intake process.”

What is the referral intake process?
The referral intake process begins with AccessPoint reviewing the referral packet. Following a review of the referral packet, if the agency and the family are in agreement to move forward to the next step, a meeting is scheduled to introduce AccessPoint’s services and support, determine the areas of interest and put together the most appropriate program, including clinical and vocational support.

The information received from the referral intake process is compiled and submitted to the Division of Developmental Disabilities for review and approval. Upon approval, a subsequent follow-up meeting is scheduled.

Who attends the follow-up meeting?
The follow up meeting is typically attended by:

  • Family members or individuals
  • Representative from the Division – typically the social worker
  • Members of the AccessPoint team
  • If a referral from another agency or special education program, the team members from those programs

What is the follow-up meeting agenda?

  • Designing a transition plan (if coming from another agency)
  • Transportation arrangements
  • Temporary personal support system during the adjustment period

During the first 30 days-what to expect?
The first 30 days is a real transition period where a good amount of time is spent “getting acquainted” and having an opportunity to try a variety of options. During this getting acquainted period we will develop a long-term plan based on:

  • What you want to do
  • Where you want to do it
  • And, with whom

Goals for the coming year will be outlined and reviewed with the social worker, family members, representatives from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and members of the clinical team.