The VIDES Assessment in Virginia Beach: A Warm Guide for Families and Caregivers

If you're caring for a loved one with a developmental disability here in Virginia Beach, you've probably heard the term "VIDES" mentioned by your support coordinator or Community Services Board (CSB). It can feel like just one more acronym in an already overwhelming process. Our hope with this guide is to gently walk you through what the VIDES assessment in Virginia is, how it works, and how to prepare—so you can approach it with confidence and peace of mind.

A quick and important note before we begin: this article is for information only. Every eligibility, diagnostic, and continuation decision is made by your CSB, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), and qualified clinicians—never by a service provider. We're here to help you understand the journey, not to determine outcomes.

What is the VIDES assessment and what does VIDES stand for?

VIDES stands for the Virginia Individual Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Survey. It is the level-of-care assessment tool used to help determine whether a person is eligible for one of Virginia's Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers.

In plain terms, the VIDES is a structured survey that looks at how a person functions in daily life. It helps qualified evaluators and the CSB/DMAS understand the level of support your loved one needs so the right decisions can be made about care.

How does the VIDES fit into the Virginia DD Waiver (CL/FIS/BI) process?

DD Waiver eligibility involves two parts working together: a diagnostic evaluation of developmental disability under Va. Code § 37.2-100, and the VIDES level-of-care determination. Both are made by qualified evaluators and the CSB/DMAS—not by a provider.

Home and community-based DD Waiver services are considered only for individuals who would otherwise be eligible for admission to an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). The VIDES is the tool used to help establish that level-of-care need. If you'd like a friendly overview of the three waivers, our post on Virginia DD waivers explained (CL, FIS, BI) breaks it all down.

Who conducts the VIDES assessment and how do I request one through my CSB?

The VIDES must be administered by a support coordinator, support coordination supervisor, or case manager who has been trained in its administration. To begin, you'll want to connect with your local Community Services Board, which serves as your gateway to the DD Waiver process.

The assessment must be completed in the presence of the individual being assessed. Others who know the person well—such as family members, guardians, or trusted staff—may serve as informers to help paint an accurate picture.

Locally, families in our area can reach the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services / Community Services Board at 757-385-0888 to ask about intake and support coordination. Your CSB can guide you on requesting a VIDES and starting the eligibility process.

How do I prepare for my VIDES assessment in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads?

Preparation can make the day feel calmer and more accurate. Here are a few gentle tips:

• Gather any relevant medical, therapy, or educational records that describe your loved one's daily needs.
• Think through a typical day—what support your loved one truly needs with health, communication, self-care, mobility, behavior, and community activities.
• Remember an important rule: the evaluator must consider the individual's current functioning presuming that the needed services and supports (paid or unpaid) are NOT in place. Describe the underlying need, not how well things go when help is already provided.
• Invite someone who knows the person well to help share details accurately.

Declining to participate may affect the level-of-care determination used by the CSB/DMAS for continued waiver eligibility, so it's worth being present and prepared.

What areas and daily-living needs does the VIDES look at?

The VIDES scores eight categories that together describe how a person navigates daily life:

• Health Status
• Communication
• Task Learning Skills
• Personal/Self Care
• Motor Skills
• Behavior
• Community Living Skills
• Self Direction

To help justify the need for ICF/IID level of care and meet DD Waiver eligibility, the individual must meet the criteria in three or more of these categories, as determined by the qualified evaluator and CSB/DMAS.

What is the difference between the adult VIDES and the children's VIDES?

The VIDES comes in versions appropriate to a person's age. The Adult version is the level-of-care tool used for individuals age 18 and older, while a children's version is used for younger individuals. Using the correct age-appropriate version matters, because the level-of-care determination must be made through the VIDES appropriate to the individual's age.

What happens after the VIDES if I qualify for the DD Waiver waitlist?

If the diagnostic and level-of-care criteria are met, your loved one may be placed on the DD Waiver waitlist through the CSB/DMAS process. Please know that placement, priority, and slot availability are determined by the state—no provider can guarantee eligibility, a waitlist position, or a waiver slot.

While you wait, it can help to learn about our DD Waiver services so you're ready to move forward once a slot becomes available. When you're ready, you can also request a referral to begin planning support.

How often is the VIDES reassessment done and when is it repeated?

The DD Waiver level-of-care determination must be made through the VIDES completed no more than six months prior to waiver enrollment. Reassessments occur on a schedule set by DMAS/DBHDS to confirm ongoing level-of-care needs for continued eligibility. Your support coordinator will let you know when a repeat VIDES is due.

A helpful documentation detail: the form must be completed in pen (not pencil), the individual's legal name must appear on all pages, and the complete month, day, and year of completion must be recorded, along with the evaluator's full name and professional title.

How is VIDES 'level of care' related to ICF/IID eligibility?

Home and community-based DD Waiver services are considered only for individuals who would otherwise be eligible for admission to an ICF/IID. The VIDES is the tool that helps establish that the person's needs rise to this level of care. Meeting the criteria in three or more categories supports the finding that ICF/IID-level care would otherwise be appropriate—allowing services to be delivered instead in the comfort of home and community.

How long does the VIDES and DD Waiver waitlist process take in Virginia?

Timelines vary from family to family and depend on the CSB, the completeness of documentation, and state processes. Because waitlist wait times and slot availability are set by the state and can change, we can't promise a specific timeframe or outcome. The best step is to stay in close contact with your support coordinator and keep your information current.

For the most accurate, official rules and updates, we always encourage families to review the primary sources directly: Virginia DMAS and Virginia DBHDS.

We're Here to Walk Alongside You

The VIDES and DD Waiver journey can feel like a lot, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Families across Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads region turn to us for compassionate, dignity-centered in-home support once eligibility is established through their CSB.

Ready to plan ahead for your loved one's care? Start your client waiver services consultation or call us at 757-943-9070. We'll listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next thoughtful step.

Published: June 30, 2026 · Last reviewed: 2026-06-30

Drafted with AI assistance, reviewed by Tim Beachum, Author, "Empowered at Home" / Content Author, Independent Lifestyles LLC.