What is IDD?

An intellectual or developmental disability, also called IDD, includes many severe, chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. IDD can begin at any time, up to 22 years of age. It usually lasts throughout a person's lifetime. People who have IDD have problems with major life activities such as:
- Language
- Mobility
- Learning
- Self-help
- Independent living
Who Can Get Help?
Each IDD service has its own rules. Most programs require that:
- You have limited income and assets.
- You show a need for services.
- You be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal alien who lives in Texas.
Some services — such as those for children — have age limits. Others are for people of all ages.
In Texas, your local IDD authority will determine if you can get services. To get services, one of the following must apply:
- You must have a diagnosis of Intellectual Developmental Disorder (formally known as Intellectual Disability or ID).
- You must have a Autism Spectrum Disorder, as defined in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
- You must have a related condition and be eligible for, and enroll in, an HHSC program that serves people with IDD.
- You must be a nursing home resident with a diagnosis of IDD or a related condition.
- You must be eligible for Early Childhood Intervention services.
Where Can I Get Services if I Have IDD?
People with IDD can choose where to live. Where you live depends on what you want, as well as which services you qualify for. You can live in:
- Your own home
- A group home with other people with IDD
- An intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or a related condition (ICF/IID) in your community
- A state supported living center
Residential Services Options Brochure
This brochure describes residential options for people with IDD.
- Residential Options for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (PDF)
- Accessible Residential Options for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (PDF)
Community ICF/IIDs
Community ICF/IIDs come in many shapes and sizes. You can live in a home with a few other people or you can live in a facility with many people. At both, employees are there to help you 24 hours a day.
You get to help decide on the types of services you get. This is called your individual service plan. This plan is reviewed once a year. The plan can be changed as needed.
You will have help with managing things, such as:
- Taking medicine
- Dressing, cooking or bathing
- Managing your behaviors
Who Monitors ICF/IIDs?
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission certifies ICF/IIDs and inspects each facility once a year. The state looks into complaints against facilities.
Learn More
- Find and compare ICF/IIDs near you.
- When choosing an ICF/IID, you might want to use the questions to ask providers checklist (PDF).
Your Rights
People who live in an ICF/IID have the same rights as everyone else. These brochures will help you understand your rights.
Home and Community-based Services Program
People who get services from the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) program can live in their own home or in a small group home.
Interest List
Because there are more people who want HCS services than the state can pay for, your name would be placed on an interest list. You will be contacted when you can start getting services.
Service Planning
You get to help decide on the types of services you get. This is called your individual service plan. This plan is reviewed once a year to see if it still works for you. The plan can be changed as needed.
People in HCS may get:
- Adaptive aids
- Caregiver respite
- Daytime programs
- Dental treatment
- Nursing services
- Specialized therapies
- Supported employment
- Supported home living
Group Homes
If you live in an HCS group home, you will share a home with up to 4 people who also have IDD. People will help you take medicine, get dressed or bathe, cook, and manage your behaviors.
Learn More
- Search for an HCS group home with vacancies.
- When choosing an HCS provider, you might want to use the questions to ask providers checklist (PDF).
Your Rights
People in the HCS program have the same rights as everyone else. These brochures will help you understand your rights.
- Your Rights in the Home and Community-based Services Program (PDF)
- Your Rights in Local Authority Services (PDF)
Texas Home Living Program
Texas Home Living (TxHmL) helps people with IDD who live with their families or in their own homes. Limits are set on how much they will pay for services.
Service Planning
You get to help decide on the types of services you get. This is called your individual service plan. This plan is reviewed once a year. The plan can be changed as needed.
If you qualify for the TxHmL program, you might receive:
- Adaptive aids
- Behavior support
- Caregiver respite
- Community support
- Daytime programs
- Dental treatment
- Help getting and keeping a job
- Nursing services
- Specialized therapies
Learn More
- When choosing a TxHmL provider, you might want to use the questions to ask providers checklist (PDF).
Your Rights
People in the TxHmL program have the same rights as everyone else. These brochures will help you understand your rights.
State Supported Living Centers
Texas has 13 state supported living centers which are managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. There are centers in all parts of the state. They specialize in helping people who have medical and behavioral problems. Visit the living center website to learn more.
Service Planning
If you choose to call a living center home, you will help plan the types of assistance you get. This is called your individual service plan. This plan will be reviewed once a year. The plan can be changed as needed.
You will have help with managing things, such as:
- Taking medicine
- Dressing, cooking or bathing
- Managing your behaviors
Who Monitors Living Centers?
HHSC certifies the state supported living centers and inspects them once a year. The state also looks into complaints.
Each living center has a full-time ombudsman to help residents, family members, staff and others who have concerns about the centers.
To Learn More
- Find and compare state supported living centers near you.
- When visiting living centers, you might want to use the questions to ask providers checklist (PDF).
Your Rights
Living center residents have the same rights as everyone else. These brochures will help you understand your rights.
How Do I Find Someone to Provide IDD Services?
Once HHS decides which services you can get, you will need to find someone to provide those services for you. It could mean finding someone to come to your home to help you or it may mean finding group home or an intermediate care facility.
The Long-term Care Provider Search is one resource to use when choosing someone to help you. You can use the provider search to get information about a provider or to compare providers. However, the provider search is not meant to be the only way you choose someone to help you.
After finding providers you want to look at, you need to visit them. Discuss your choices with a doctor or other medical professional who knows your needs and those of your family. It helps if they are familiar with local service providers.
The Long-term Care Provider Search is organized by provider type. Here are the types of providers that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
Where Do I Call to Get These Services?
Begin by calling your local IDD authority, which will guide you through the application process and help you find the best place for you to live.