Before we go any deeper into waivers, services, and all the moving parts… I wanted to start here. If you’re new to all of this, here’s the simplest way to start—who to call and what to ask for.
Getting Started with CCC+
If you think you or your loved one may qualify for CCC+ (Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus), the first step is to contact your local Department of Social Services or your local Community Services Board (CSB) and ask for a screening for long-term services and supports. That starts the process to determine eligibility. From there, a screening team will assess needs and help determine if CCC+ services are appropriate. Here’s a link to The Arc of Virginia —they walk through this clearly and can help you understand what to expect.
Getting Started with a DD Waiver
For a Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver (like FIS, CL, or BI), your starting point is your local Community Services Board (CSB). You’ll request an intake and an assessment for DD waiver eligibility. Once eligibility is established, you’ll be placed on the waiting list if a slot isn’t immediately available. While you’re waiting, CCC+ may help bridge that gap. Here’s the link to The Arc of Virginia—they break this down in plain language and are a solid place to turn when you’re trying to figure out your next step.
Now, Some of the Words, Acronyms, Jargon
This is a downloadable PDF—a non-exhaustive list of common terms and acronyms, with clickable links for deeper explanation. Think of it as a starting point. Something you can keep, reference, and come back to as things start coming at you.
Because if you’ve spent any time in this world, you already know—
people in the field tend to speak in acronyms. Not because they’re trying to confuse you… they’re just used to it. It’s their everyday language.
But for families? It can feel like trying to follow a conversation where every other word is a code you were never given.
And more often than not… we don’t stop to ask what those acronyms mean.
Maybe we don’t want to interrupt.
Maybe we think we should already know.
Maybe we’re just trying to keep up.
But here’s the truth: you are allowed to ask. Every single time.
No one should expect you to navigate your child’s life, your loved one’s care, or your own services in a language that hasn’t been explained to you.
So this list? It’s just the beginning.
A way to put some plain words to things that are often overcomplicated.
We’ll go deeper.
But first—we make it make sense.