Young girl at computer working and smiling A new direction for adults with
developmental disabilities in Maine!

Support Waiver


The Office of Adults with Cognitive & Physical Disabilities Services has developed a new waiver program called the Support Waiver. This waiver began on January 1, 2008.

The Support Waiver has three categories of services that can help an individual with developmental disabilities maintain employment, after he or she has been through the Vocational Rehabilitation process:

For more information on how to apply to the Support Waiver and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Department's website here.

Or click here to find your local regional office.

3 Categories of Services in the new Support Waiver that can help you maintain your job!


Employment Specialist Services

Employment Specialist Services are available to individuals in the workplace. Services focus on assisting the individual to gain more skills, and improve relations in their work environment. Services are provided on an intermittent basis with a maximum of 5 hours each month.

Employment Specialist Services are available to individuals only after they work with Vocational Rehabilitation.

Some examples of how Employment Specialist Services can help an individual on the job:
  • Learn new parts of a job
  • Improve communications with a supervisor
  • Manage co-worker issues
  • Help you do your job better!


Work Support

Work Support is available after an individual has obtained a job and needs long term supports. Unlike Employment Specialist Services, Work Support can also be provided in the individual's home to assist with work preparation activities.

Some examples of Work Support include:
  • Create a routine to help get to work on time
  • Learn to follow a new dress code
  • Support for hygiene and self-care
  • Learn how to get to work using public transportation The maximum allowance for the combination of Employment Specialist Services and Work Support Services is 300 hours per year.


Community Support Services

Community Supports can also help you on your "Pathway to employment". This service can help you prepare for employment while seeking services with Vocational Rehabilitation, or after a job is obtained. This service cannot take place in an individual's workplace. Some examples of how Community Support can help you with employment are:
  • Create a resume/references/employment portfolio
  • Obtain state I.D.
  • Volunteer in your community
  • Take classes at the Career Center
  • Join a job club to learn about what it takes to get and keep a job

A combination of Community Support and Work Support/Employment Specialist Services has a limit of 1300 hours per year.

Services otherwise available under a program funded by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or P.L. 94-142, are not covered under this waiver.

For further details about these categories and other parts of the Support Waiver, please go here to visit the OACPD website.