In 1995, the State of Kansas passed the Developmental Disability Reform Act. At that time, the Kansas Department of SRS and local county governments designated a Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO) for every area of the state to help coordinate services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities. CLASS LTD was designated the CDDO for Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, and Montgomery counties.

In 2004, the CLASS LTD CDDO became known as the CDDO of Southeast Kansas.
As the designated CDDO for Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, and Montgomery counties, we provide:

• A single point of contact for persons applying for Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities (MR/DD) services
Upon initial contact by an individual, or an individual’s representative, the CDDO single point of contact informs the individual about eligibility requirements for MR/DD services and funding. For information on applying for MR/DD services and funding, contact Carol Sperry at carol.sperry@classltd.org

• Quality assurance oversight
It is a requirement that the CDDO provide quality assurance oversight to ensure that persons’ needs are being met through paid supports. This requirement is met in the following ways.
-The CDDO assists providers to meet state requirements.
-The CDDO also cooperates with SRS during ANE investigations concerning individuals receiving services
For more information on Quality assurance, contact Amy DeMoss at amy.demoss@classltd.org

• Collaboration with community partners
The CDDO works closely with general and specialized community partners and other stakeholders to provide supports and services necessary to meet the needs of persons with developmental and other disabilities.
             
• Assessment
The BASIS assessment is used to determine if an individual is eligible for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) funding. The state also uses this assessment to gather information concerning persons that receive MR/DD services.

• Community Council
The Community Council is composed of individuals with developmental disabilities, their guardians and/or family members, and interested community members. This council provides oversight and advice to the CDDO. The Community Council meets quarterly.

• Affiliate meeting
The affiliate meeting is a bi-monthly meeting of all CDDO affiliates. The CDDO provides updates or changes in requirements as well as any other information pertinent to providers. The meeting serves as an important venue for exchanging information and ideas.

• Training opportunities
Training opportunities are offered by the CDDO. A regular training for Case Managers is the CDDO Roundtable which is offered quarterly. Additional training is offered as scheduled or requested.

• Gatekeeping
Gatekeeping refers to placement at Parsons State Hospital or New Horizons. The CDDO must ensure that the person and/or their guardian is aware of all available community service options before placement at Parsons State Hospital or New Horizons is recommended or endorsed.

• Dispute resolution
The CDDO is required to implement dispute resolution procedures. These procedures will be implemented any time there is a dispute between the person, their guardian, the CDDO, any affiliate, or any other component of the community services system.

For more information on the roles of the CDDO, call 620-429-8985 or FAX 620-429-8723