Oklahoma cuts wait time for developmental disabilities services from 13 years to 1 Year

The state says it is making great progress in cutting down wait times for disability services. The wait is down from more than a decade to only one year. 

Here's a By the Numbers Breakdown

$32.5 million in 2022

The effort to cut wait times started in 2022 when state lawmakers put more than 32.5 million dollars toward helping nearly 5,000 people who had been waiting for support services. 

$3 million in 2025

This year, the Oklahoma legislature added another 3 million dollars to keep that momentum going.

1,300 applicants

That 3 million dollars will accelerate the processing of more than 1,300 DDS applicants who applied between May 2022 and May 2024.

120 applications per month 

120 families a month apply for DDS services.

9,000 families served

DDS says it serves more than 9,000 families.

Oklahoma Human Services is holding 2 free events in May in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa to give families more information on how to get started. 

When are the meetings?

1. The first meeting is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City Downtown Medical Center.
2. The second will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, at the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills.
3. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
4. You can register for those meetings by clicking here

Families who applied for DDS services before October 2023 and have not been contacted are urged to reach out by emailing DDS.Waitlist@okdhs.org or calling 405-500-1866.

For more information and to fill out an application, click here.