InterRAI
New Assessment Tool for Individuals who are on the Individual Options (IO), Level One, and Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) waivers.
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) wants to share important news about new assessment tools called interRAI ID and interRAI ChYMH DD.
Starting May 1, 2026, DODD will use interRAI tools for people who are on the Individual Options (IO), Level One, and Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) waivers.
This new assessment will help DODD make sure people with developmental disabilities get the right support. Your waiver eligibility will not change because of the interRAI.
The interRAI tools will replace the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Profile (ODDP) and the Acuity Assessment Instrument (AAI).
How Ohio will use the interRAI
- To help set new support levels for people on waivers.
- To help County Board Service and Support Administrators (SSAs) with person-centered planning.
- To help set payment rates for providers based on a person’s needs for some services on the IO, Level One, and SELF waivers.
Why is DODD using a new tool?
Families and other stakeholders told DODD they want a tool that does a better job of showing what people need.
What is a needs-based assessment tool and why does it help?
A needs-based assessment tool gathers information about the supports a person needs to live safely at home or in the community. It usually asks about things like:
- Daily living skills
- Physical and behavioral health
- Communication
For the IO waiver in Ohio, the current tool— the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Profile (ODDP) — helps decide someone’s individual budget for services. The interRAI tools will take on this role beginning in July 2027.
interRAI Assessment Rollout and Timing
When you receive your first assessment depends on:
- The services you receive.
- Which waiver you are on.
Assessments will start in 2026 and go through 2028.
- Your SSA will notify you or your guardian.
- Your interRAI assessor will contact about 30 days before your assessment time to set up a date.
- You do not need to do anything to prepare.
What You Need To Know Now
Your eligibility is not changing
- Waiver eligibility will still be decided by the Level of Care (LOC) assessment.
- The person-centered planning process and the OhioISP are not changing.
Your services and funding stay the same for now
- You will keep your current services and funding levels (based on ODDP/AAI) until July of 2027.
- New interRAI support levels are planned to start in July of 2027, after approval by the federal government.
For More Information
Email redesign@dodd.ohio.gov with questions.
Visit the DODD interRAI website to learn more about interRAI and its tools.
This change will take time and teamwork. The goal is to improve how Ohio understands each person’s needs across waiver programs. Thank you for your patience and understanding.