Other Services

This page shares details about other services that are available. 

Respite

Respite is a service a person can get for a short time while their caregiver is away. A caregiver is a family member, shared living home provider, or other person that helps the person do things they want to do. 

With respite, the person works with another provider for a few hours or days. This provider is called a respite provider. The respite provider can help the person in their home, the respite provider’s home, or somewhere else. 

The respite provider helps the person do the same things their caregiver usually helps them with. The respite provider helps them: 

• Follow their normal routine, like going to school or work.
• Going to activities and events in the community.
• Transportation to school, work, or other community events. 

When the person's caregiver comes back, they stop working with the respite provider.

Professional Supports

Professional services are from a provider with a license or certification. A license or certification is a piece of paper that gives the provider permission to give a service. Licensed or certified providers are:

• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Behavior analysts
• Mental health counselors
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech therapists
• Nurses
• Interpreters

There are many professional services. Examples of professional services are:

• A nurse helping someone take their medication and check their blood pressure.
• An interpreter helping someone talk to someone that uses a different language.
• A mental health counselor helping someone relax and problem solve.
• A physical therapist helping someone get stronger.
• A speech therapist helping someone grow their verbal speech skills.

The professional services a person gets and how long they get them depends on their goals.

Assistive Technology

People can use their DD funding to buy assistive technology. Assistive technology is an item, device, system, or service they can use to be more independent. Examples of assistive technology includes:

1. Item:
   • Magnifier.
   • Adapted eating utensils and plates.
2. Device:
   • Hearing aids.
   • Amplified telephone.
   • Tablet.
   • Communication boards.
3. System:
   • Smart home system.
   • Screen reader.
4. Service:
   • Service animal.
   • Any other service that helps the person pick, order, and use an assistive technology tool.

This webpage was updated 6/10/25.