Individualized Day Services (IDS)
Mercyland’s IDS program brings learning, growth, and connection into the heart of the community. These 100% community-based activities are personalized to the individual’s passions, be it volunteering, exploring hobbies, or developing new skills. We support those transitioning from day programs, entering retirement, or simply seeking a smaller, tailored environment. Available 1:1 or with one matched peer.
Photo: Chona Kasinger, Disabled And Here (CC BY 4.0)
Meet Rasheed, out bowling his way (TikTok video, 39 sec, opens in a new tab)
Meet TJ: bowling, workouts and helping in the kitchen (TikTok video, 36 sec, opens in a new tab)
Wellness is museum days, movie nights and the gym (TikTok video, 26 sec, opens in a new tab)
A day in the life of Aden and Daniel (TikTok video, 29 sec, opens in a new tab)
Daniel and Aidan: when the right match becomes friendship (TikTok video, 34 sec, opens in a new tab)
Individualized Day Supports in DC’s waivers
DC’s IDD Waiver and Individual and Family Supports (IFS) Waiver call this service Individualized Day Supports (IDS). It is a day service for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, built around one person’s goals and spent out in the community. Here is what a family or Service Coordinator needs to know.
What it is
IDS is a structured day for learning new skills and keeping existing ones. DC’s waivers give it two purposes: building relationships with people in the community who are not paid to be there, and practicing skills that make the person more independent and included.
Activities can include:
- Volunteer work focused on the person’s goals.
- Hobbies, clubs and senior centers, for people moving into retirement.
- Learning adult skills in everyday community settings.
IDS happens away from home, in community places the person chooses. Help with personal care can be part of the day, but cannot be all of it.
Who it is for
IDS is meant for adults who choose not to attend a larger group program such as Day Habilitation. The waivers name people moving into retirement, people with degenerative conditions, and people who no longer want to attend a center-based day program.
How it works
- One-to-one, or for limited times with one matched peer, when the person’s assessed needs allow it and DDS approves the match. A group is never larger than two.
- Between 2 and 6 hours a day, and no more than 30 hours a week.
- No more than 40 hours a week of day and vocational services in total, for example IDS together with Day Habilitation or Supported Employment.
- Transportation by the provider during the service is included. Getting to where the day starts may use Medicaid transportation instead.
- For people who live on their own or with family and have trouble shopping for or preparing nutritious meals, IDS can include a lunch between 11 am and 1 pm, if they choose it.
How to ask for it
- Talk to your DDA Service Coordinator, who must tell you about every waiver service and offer you a choice of providers.
- Ask for IDS to be written into the ISP, with the goals the days should work on.
- Choose your provider. The choice of agency is yours.
- Ask again when things change. The needs assessment is updated at least once a year and whenever support needs change significantly.
What Mercyland offers
Mercyland is a DDS-certified provider in Northeast Washington, DC. Our IDS days are spent entirely in the community, one-to-one or with a matched peer, and built around the person’s interests: volunteering, hobbies or new skills. Whether it fits depends on your waiver, your ISP and our staffing, so call us to talk it through.
Source: DC’s approved IDD Waiver (effective August 1, 2026) and IFS Waiver (effective September 1, 2026), linked under “The DDS definition”. Waiver rules change, so confirm any detail with your Service Coordinator or DDS.
Common questions about IDS
How is IDS different from Day Habilitation?
Day Habilitation is a larger group program. IDS is for people who choose not to attend one: it is one-to-one, or for limited times with a single matched peer, and it happens in the community.
Can IDS help someone who is retiring?
Yes. DC’s waivers name supported retirement as a use of IDS, including hobbies, clubs and senior centers, with schedules that allow more rest.
Can IDS take place at home?
No. It is delivered in community settings, separate from where the person lives.
Is lunch included?
It can be, for people who live on their own or with family, have difficulty shopping for or preparing nutritious meals, and choose to receive one.
Who it is for
Mercyland supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington, DC.
A person may qualify if they:
- Have an intellectual or developmental disability
- Need a level of support similar to what an institution would provide
- Meet the standard Medicaid financial eligibility rules
How to get it
To get IDD services in Washington, DC, a person applies to the Department on Disability Services (DDS) by calling 202-730-1700 or walking in to schedule an intake appointment. DDS decides eligibility and assesses needs, and then the person chooses a provider. Mercyland can help at any step, starting with one call.
Already work with DDS? Tell us your DDS service coordinator’s name when you call or email, and we will take it from there with you.
Related services
See all services
Companion ServicesMeaningful company at home and out in the community, 1:1 or up to 1:3.
Health and WellnessNutrition and health support tailored to what matters to the person.
Supported LivingSupport in a shared home for one to three people, for daily living and community life.
Photo: Justin Katigbak, Disabled And Here (CC BY 4.0)
Talk to a person
Questions about support? Our intake team answers the phone.
Eligibility, the waiver, paperwork, what happens first. Call and ask, or send a referral and we will call you.
202-525-1563Mon–Fri, 9 AM to 5:30 PMOr email info@mercylandhi.com