An ICF/DD in Illinois stands for Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. It is a licensed home for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) who need more support than what a small community home can give, but less medical care than a hospital or medically complex facility.
ICF/DDs provide 24-hour care, help with daily living, therapy, health services, and teaching independence skills. They follow strict rules from the State of Illinois and the federal Medicaid program.
What an ICF/DD Looks Like
ICF/DDs can be:
- Small homes for 4–8 people
- Medium facilities with several living units
- Larger campus-style homes with multiple buildings
Inside, they usually have:
- Bedrooms and shared living spaces
- Kitchens and dining areas
- Therapy rooms or activity spaces
- Staff offices
- Safety equipment and accessible features
They feel more structured than a CLF or CILA, but less “institution-like” than an SODC.
Who Lives in an ICF/DD?
An ICF/DD is for adults with IDD who:
- Need regular daily support
- Need health or behavioral help, but not intensive hospital-level care
- Are working on learning independence skills
- Need staff available day and night
- May need help with medications or ongoing therapy
- Benefit from a more structured setting
Many residents need help with activities like cooking, safety, personal care, communication, and community participation.
What Support Does an ICF/DD Provide?
ICF/DDs offer a wide range of services, including:
1. Daily Living Support
- Bathing, dressing, hygiene
- Cooking and cleaning
- Laundry
- Safety supervision
- Transportation
2. Health Services
- Medication support
- Nursing oversight
- Health monitoring
- Doctor and therapist visits
3. Therapies
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Behavior support services
4. Learning and Independence Programs
- Skill-building activities
- Community integration
- Communication and social skills
- Personal goals and planning
5. 24-Hour Staffing
Trained staff are always available to help residents with everyday needs and to respond to emergencies.
What Makes an ICF/DD Different?
Compared to other living options:
- It offers more care than a CLF or CILA
- It provides less intensive care than an MC Facility or SODC
- It is structured, with planned activities and programs
- It is both home-like and clinically supported
- It uses individual support plans so each person gets what they need
It is often a “middle level” option for people who need regular help but not the very high level of care found in state-run centers.
Rules and Oversight
ICF/DD Facilities must follow:
- Federal Medicaid regulations
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) rules
- Fire and safety codes
- Strict staffing and training requirements
- Rights and privacy protections
- Regular inspections and audits
Because they take Medicaid funding, they have some of the toughest requirements in the disability system.
The Main Goal of an ICF/DD
The goal is to help each person:
- Stay healthy and safe
- Learn new skills
- Make personal choices
- Build independence
- Participate in community life
- Reach their own goals
- Live with dignity and respect
Even though residents need daily help, ICF/DDs focus on helping people grow and become as independent as possible.
