Developmental Disabilities Program

The purpose of the Navajo Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) is to develop a comprehensive case management system to ensure medically necessary services are delivered timely to the Medicaid-eligible DD members.

All individuals with developmental disabilities who qualify receive timely services and achieve their potential.

To empower individuals with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives.

The Navajo Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) is a comprehensive case management system to ensure medically necessary services are delivered timely to the Medicaid-eligible DD members. In collaboration with the Arizona Department for Economic Security-Division of Developmental Disabilities, DDP provides supports and services to eligible Arizona residents, within the Navajo Nation, who are diagnosed with one of the following developmental disabilities prior to the age of 18: Autism; Cerebral palsy; Cognitive/Intellectual Disability; Down Syndrome, Epilepsy; or are under the age of six and at risk of having a Developmental Disability. Case Management Services utilizes a person-centered approach to maximize member and family self-determination, while promoting the values of dignity, independence, individuality, privacy and choice.

Any Arizona resident who has a chronic disability, which is attributed to Cognitive/Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Autism, Down Syndrome that manifested before the age of 18 may be eligible for services.  The disability must also be significant limitations in daily life skills related to: (1) self care, (2) receptive and expressive language, (3) learning, (4) mobility, (5) self-direction, (6) capacity for independent living, and (7) economic self-sufficiency.  Children under the age of six years may be eligible if there is a strongly demonstrated potential that the child is, or will be at-risk for developing one of these qualifying disabilities. If you have questions regarding eligibility, please contact DDD at toll free 1-844-770-9500 or via e-mail at DDDApply@azdes.gov. You may visit DDD website here.

In 1996, through an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Navajo Nation and Arizona Department of Economic Security (AZ DES)-Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) established funding for the DDP to bring DDD services to the Navajo Nation. The DDP is 100% externally funded, on a cost-reimbursement basis, utilizing a per month per member case management rate. This funds seven (7) employees at the following locations: Chinle, Window Rock, and Tuba City. The IGA outlines that DDP will be fully supported with offices in State Buildings, equipment (laptops, cell phones, docking stations) and operational/travel costs. DDP is also provided access to comprehensive DDD/State/National job related training, Management/Leadership Training in Ken Blanchard systems/LEAN and Servant Leadership foundations. Through this IGA with the State of Arizona, DDP is provided all necessary tools to effectively and efficiently serve its members.