Unlocking Disability Support: A Conversation with Developmental Pathways
From SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC by DCSEAC
April 6, 2026 · 35 min · Season 1 · Episode 28
About this episode
The episode discusses disability support services, Medicaid waivers, and community resources available for families in Colorado.
Developmental Pathways Explained: Medicaid Waivers, Disability Determination & Community Supports (DCSEAC Podcast) Host Aleia Mastroianni interviews Rachel Walker of Developmental Pathways, the case management agency for Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties that helps families access early intervention, long-term care Medicaid services and waivers, and locally funded IDD supports across the lifespan. They explain when to reach out (anytime), how intake works (phone or faster online form), and why the process is lengthy but worth it for lifetime services beyond school. Rachel clarifies Colorado’s disability determination at age five, long-term care Medicaid eligibility based on the individual’s income, and options like ABLE accounts and special needs trusts. They overview the three pediatric waivers—Complex Health Needs (CHIN), CHRP for high behavioral needs and risk of out-of-home placement (now expanded to serious emotional disturbances), and CES requiring near 24/7 line-of-sight supervision—plus the new Community First Choice program (July 2025) offering attendant-based supports without a waiver. They also highlight Resource Coordination and the Family Support Services…
People in this episode
Host: Aleia Mastroianni
Guest: Rachel Walker
Topics covered
- disability support
- Medicaid waivers
- community supports
- early intervention
- long-term care
- disability determination
- family engagement
Keywords
- disability support
- Medicaid waivers
- Developmental Pathways
- Colorado
- family support
- pediatric waivers
- long-term care
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Developmental Pathways, DCSEAC
Places: Colorado, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, Elbert County
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