Who is eligible

An intellectual disability is a disorder in which a person’s overall intellectual functioning is well below average – generally an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 or less; however, IQ is not central to diagnosis. Intellectual disability diagnosis is largely based on severity of limitation in social, conceptual, and practical skills (such as language, reasoning, problem solving, communication, self-regulation, personal care, behavior, etc.) expected of people in their age group and culture.

To be eligible for services, the person must have a diagnosed intellectual disability that results in a substantial functional limitation in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
– Self-care
– Receptive and expressive language
– Learning
– Mobility
– Self-direction
– Capacity to live independently
– Capacity to become economically self-sufficient (age 18 and over)

Our division serves a number of people with the following :

  • Acquired brain injury
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Intellectual disabilities and related conditions
  • Supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers
  • Severe epilepsy

We do not serve people whose only diagnosis is:

  • Mental illness
  • Hearing impairment
  • Visual impairment
  • Learning disability
  • Mental illness or behavior disorder (depending on how the behavioral disorder is defined and diagnosed)
  • Substance abuse
  • Aging
  • Deteriorating diseases and disorders arising after the age of 22, except acquired brain injuries or physical disabilities

In order to be eligible for services through DSPD, a person must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, and a resident of the State of Utah.


Find out if you or a loved one may be eligible for services

Apply Online

Or Call Toll-Free 1-844-275-3773