Virginia is taking a major step forward in making meaningful, life-changing support more accessible to individuals with developmental disabilities. With new legislation expanding funding for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), thousands of families across the Commonwealth—particularly those on the Priority One Waiver Wait List—can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
This expanded access isn’t just a policy win. It’s a lifeline for families who have been waiting far too long for the essential support their loved ones need to thrive.
What Is the DD Waiver and Why It Matters
The Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver provides vital services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. These services are often the bridge between surviving and truly thriving—offering support with daily living, personal care, skill-building, and community integration.
Individuals on the Priority One Wait List are those with the most urgent needs. Until now, thousands of these Virginians remained in limbo, unable to access the care they were qualified for due to a lack of available waiver slots.
The 2024–2026 Virginia Biennium Budget changed that. With $247 million allocated, 3,440 new DD Waiver slots will now be opened—creating unprecedented opportunity for families in desperate need of support.
Local Impact: Fairfax-Falls Church Leads the Way
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is now mobilizing to help families access these new slots and coordinate wraparound services. Currently, 1,171 individuals in the area are on the Priority One Wait List. With expanded funding, those individuals will begin to receive services based on a needs-based allocation system.
These supports don’t just focus on medical or educational assistance. They include housing, transportation, employment, social skill development, and legal advocacy—an ecosystem of care designed to create a better quality of life and long-term independence.
This isn’t just an upgrade in services—it’s a transformation in how Virginia supports individuals with developmental disabilities, especially those navigating autism-related challenges.
A Huge Win for Autism Support in Virginia
This is also a critical advancement in autism support in Virginia. Families who have struggled to find consistent, individualized care will now have better access to services that make a real difference—from behavior support plans to daily life coaching and everything in between.
For those seeking structured, evidence-based programs, the expanded waiver access opens new doors for getting high-quality support at home and in the community.
How We Support Families Navigating Autism Services
At Aluma Care, we know that access to services is just the first step. Navigating the autism support landscape can be overwhelming—especially when needs are urgent and the system is complex.
That’s why we’re here to provide comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to every individual’s journey. From in-home ABA therapy and parent training to school collaboration and social skill development, we offer services that help individuals with autism gain confidence and independence—at any age or stage.
We work closely with families across Virginia to deliver personalized care, backed by clinical expertise and a deep understanding of neurodiversity.
Let’s Move Forward—Together
This expansion of services marks a new chapter for Virginia’s autism and developmental disability community. But no family should navigate this journey alone.
Get in touch today to learn how we can support your child or young adult through tailored autism services. Whether you're navigating the DD Waiver process or looking for consistent therapy and care, we're here to walk this path with you—every step of the way.
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