Services & Supports: Where to Start


Children who experience developmental disabilities are often eligible for specific supports and services. As parents, you are the strongest advocate for your child! Figuring out what might be available can seem complicated. Below is a brief summary of possible opportunities that might assist in helping your child reach his or her fullest potential. 

What is “DD Certified”?
Being “DD Certified” means having a letter from the State of Alaska stating that your child has met the Developmentally Disabled (DD) eligibility criteria with the State of Alaska, Department of Senior and Disability Services. 

What can “DD Certification” do for my child?
DD certification can enable your child to be eligible to receive services such as respite care or Home and Community based Waiver Services. DD certification also enables families to apply for mini grants (up to $2,500 a year). Mini grants can fund items such as adaptive equipment, communication devices, therapeutic horseback riding, private activity therapists, swimming lessons, ballet, etc.


How can I get my child “DD certified”?   
A DD Application can be completed and submitted by a provider agency. DD applications also require attached supportive documentation, including a diagnosis from a medical doctor and current evaluations or assessments which show significant delays.   

For help with a DD application in Anchorage, contact:
Hope Community Resources: 564-7446      
The Arc of Anchorage: 777-0187
Focus (In Eagle River): 688-0282

         
What is TEFRA?
“TEFRA” is Medicaid Insurance similar to Denali Kid Care that is based on the child’s income and level of disability.  Tefra can be applied for if a family does not qualify for Denali Kid Care. Tefra can be used also to supplement private insurance.  Tefra will pay all medical expenses and cover private therapies. Documentation showing a child’s disability must be provided with a Tefra application, similar to the DD application.
For help with a Tefra application, contact:
Chadene Krome @ AlasKIDS: 1-877-803-7767

 
What is SSI and is my child eligible?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial support to individuals with disabilities who meet the “definition of disability” criteria. You can apply for SSI over the phone by appointment (expect it to take a while); the Social Security Administration will gather medical records. It is common for SSI to be denied when first applied for and is important to re-apply or file an appeal. To make an appointment to apply SSI by phone, contact:  1-800-772-1213. More information is available at: www.socialsecurity.gov


What are private therapies and why are they important?
Children with autism greatly benefit from Speech, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy sessions. Private therapy is individualized and comprehensive. Trained therapists work with children on important skill development techniques. Private therapy sessions also create a valuable “team” approach and offer parents the opportunity to learn with their child and how to best support their child at home and in the community. Private therapy is different than therapy provided in the school setting. Denali Kid Care or Tefra pay 100% of the cost of private therapies.   

Private therapists may have a wait list but it is important to call and get on the wait list. Once you begin therapy sessions, you will have regular, weekly appointments that will greatly benefit your child. To see a list of family-recommended service providers, visit our Provider List page.


What does Stone Soup Group offer?
Stone Soup Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving families raising children who experience developmental disabilities or complex medical conditions.
Stone Soup Group offers a variety of programs and services, including:

For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions or Get Help pages. If you would like to speak to a Parent Navigator, please do not hesitate to call our office.