Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI): Creating Real Options for Disabled Minnesotans
Let’s talk about something that deserves way more attention: real, tangible support for disabled people to live in their communities — not institutions.
If you or someone you love has a disability that requires a higher level of care, you might think that means a nursing facility is the only option. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be.
Minnesota’s Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waiver exists to make sure people with disabilities can live, grow, and thrive in their own homes and communities while getting the care they need. It’s about more than services — it’s about dignity, autonomy, and belonging.
What Is the CADI Waiver?
The CADI waiver is part of Minnesota’s Medicaid program, and it’s designed to help children and adults with disabilities who need the level of care typically provided in a nursing facility — but would rather receive that support somewhere they actually feel at home.
That could mean your own apartment, your family’s home, or a community living setting. The goal is simple: provide the right care, in the right place, so you can live your life on your own terms.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for CADI is determined through a screening process, but here’s the general idea:
You need to be eligible for Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid).
You must be certified as having a disability by the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team.
You need the level of care that would typically be provided in a nursing facility.
You have needs that go beyond what standard Medicaid covers.
You’re under 65 when you first start using the waiver.
Most importantly: you want to receive care in your community, not in an institution.
It’s not just about checking boxes — it’s about creating options for people who’ve often been told they have none.
What Kind of Support Is Available?
Here’s where CADI really shines. It covers a wide range of services that support your health, independence, and overall quality of life. In addition to what’s already available through Medicaid, CADI can include things like:
24-hour emergency assistance — because you deserve to feel safe and supported, anytime.
Personal supports — from homemaking help to individualized home supports that make day-to-day life more manageable.
Community and employment services — like day programs, job exploration, and employment support to help you find meaningful work.
Respite and family supports — giving caregivers a break while making sure you’re cared for with dignity.
Housing and transition help — for when you’re moving out of a facility or into a new home.
Therapies and extended healthcare — including occupational, speech, and physical therapies that go beyond standard coverage.
Transportation, assistive technology, and home adaptations — so your environment actually works for you, not against you.
In short: CADI isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. It’s flexible, person-centered, and designed to support what you need to live a fulfilling life.
Why Programs Like CADI Matter
For too long, disability support has been framed around institutional care — environments that, while medically helpful, often isolate people from their communities. CADI flips that script.
It’s about seeing people as whole beings — not just patients — and recognizing that health, safety, and joy are deeply connected to independence and belonging. When people are supported in their own homes, surrounded by their communities, they thrive.
And honestly? That’s the kind of care every person deserves.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know might benefit from CADI, the next step is simple: contact your county or tribal social service agency and ask about applying for the Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver.
They’ll walk you through the screening process, help determine eligibility, and connect you with the services that best fit your needs and goals.
If you need help accessing the information or want it in a different format, you can reach out directly to the Minnesota Department of Human Services at:
📧 dhs.info@state.mn.us
📞 651-431-4300 or 866-267-7655 (toll-free)
Building a More Inclusive Future
Programs like CADI remind us that inclusion isn’t just an idea — it’s a practice. It’s about creating systems that actually reflect the belief that disabled people deserve freedom, community, and real choices about how they live.
Because when we make space for everyone to live with autonomy and connection, everyone benefits.
If you’re exploring disability support options in Minnesota and want help navigating your choices, Neuron and Rose is here for you.
We understand how overwhelming these systems can feel, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
💬 Book a free consultation today — let’s talk about your needs, your goals, and what real support could look like for you.
