The DDS Definitions Appendix defines the terms and acronyms relevant to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) service delivery system.

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Day

A calendar day unless noted specifically in the procedures as a business day.

Day Programs

Consists of prevocational habilitation, supported employment, and day habilitation providers.

DDA Duty Officer 

Management level staff designated by the DDS Director, who, based upon their job description clinical knowledge, experience and training are available as assigned, on a 24-hour basis to respond by telephone to requests for advice, guidance and decision making assistance to service providers, individuals, other DDS staff, family/community members and other governmental entities.

DDA Investigation Report Form

A standard format utilized by DDA and approved by the DDS when completing an investigation.

DDS Consumer Information System (MCIS)

MCIS is the web-based data system DDS and related agencies use to provide automated tracking of individual consumer data.

Death

Loss of life.

Death Investigation Report

The report prepared by DDA or one of its contractors that details the fact pattern of an individual’s death, including clinical history, circumstances of death, actions taken by all responsible parties and findings of fact. The report also provides recommendations for individual and systemic corrections.

Deputy Director of the Department on Disability Services responsible for the Developmental Disabilities Administration

The position responsible for directing the Developmental Disabilities Administration. 

Desensitization Plan

A therapeutic process that reduces fearful avoidance of medical appointments or other specific situations by pairing relaxation techniques with gradual exposure to the feared situation until the situation can be tolerated. Desensitization plans must be attempted prior to the use of sedating medications (PRN medications) unless a desensitization approach is contraindicated. 

Designated Representative

A person whom the individual has, through consent, chosen as a representative, or who has come forward as an advocate for the individual's interests, in connection with the development and review of the ISP, who is not otherwise disqualified from taking an appeal, and who is acknowledged by the DDS to be the designated representative for the individual in connection with such service planning.

Developmental Delay 

Substantial functional limitations, attributable to a disabling condition, which is measured by standardized diagnostic instruments and procedures, including informed clinical opinion, in one or more areas (a) cognitive development; (b) physical development, including vision and hearing; (c) communication development; (d) social and emotional development; or (e) adaptive skills.

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) 

The agency responsible for the oversight and coordination of all services and supports provided to eligible individuals in the District of Columbia, under the Department of Disability Services (DDS). 

Developmental Period 

The period in life between birth and age 18 during which much of a person’s cognitive, physical and social development occurs.

Dignity of Risk

Recognizes that individuals served by DDS are adults and have the right to choose decisions that may bear some risk of harm. It is the relationship between taking risks and assuming responsibility for the consequences.

Direct Support Professional

Any person employed by, under contract with, sub-contracted with, through a provider Medicaid Agreement, or serving in a volunteer capacity with or for a public or private agency that provides services and supports to and/or for individuals with intellectual and developmental disability.

Direct Supports

Means hands on, cuing/supervision and other related services and supports support to an individual with a disability aimed at enabling the person to live as independent, integrated and self determined life as possible. Such support may include (but not be limited to) the following: assisting the individual with activities of daily living, supporting the individual to develop meaningful roles in the community, transporting the individual, assisting the individual with maintaining good health, implementing action plans and strategies (as defined in the ISP).

Dispute

The assertion of conflicting claims or rights between parties in a proceeding such as a mediation or arbitration.

Documentation Error

Error in recording the administration of medication or failure to follow agency procedures for medication administration.

DOH

Department of Health

Due Process

A legal concept where a person is ensured all legal rights when he/she is being deprived of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for a given reason.

Duly Authorized Person

Person with legal authority or a person designated/approved by DDS or the individual to have access to consumer financial information.

Durable Power of Attorney (DPA)

A legally enforceable document that is (a) executed in the District of Columbia in a manner consistent with the DC Official Code or validly executed in another jurisdiction pursuant to similar provisions of the law of that jurisdiction; and (b) creates a power of attorney for decision making in certain areas (related to health-care and/ or other specified matters) which is effective upon and only during incapacitation and is unaffected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the individual as defined in the DC Official Code.

Duty Officer Report Form

Required documentation by which all duty officers will document guidance and assistance provided to individuals/vendors governmental entitles and all other parties when serving as duty officer.

Duty Officer Roster

A rotating roster of DDA MSS management level staff members (Grade MS-12 and above) and DDA CS career level non union staff members (Grade CS-14 and above), designated by the DDS Director, who, based upon their job description, clinical knowledge, experience and training are available as assigned, on a 24-hour basis to respond by telephone to requests for advice, guidance and decision making assistance to service providers, individuals, other DDS staff, family/community members and other governmental entities