Data Collection: How To Determine If A Disability Is Of Long Duration

The 3.08 Disabling Condition data element is defined as one or more of the following:

1.  A physical, mental, or emotional impairment, including an impairment caused by alcohol or drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, or brain injury that:

a.       Is expected to be long-continuing or of indefinite duration;

b.       Substantially impedes the individual's ability to live independently; and

c.        Could be improved by the provision of more suitable housing conditions.

2.    A developmental disability, as defined in section 102 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15002); or

3. The disease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any condition arising from the etiologic agency, infectious substances? for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)).

"If the disability is present and is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, the corresponding element 3.08 Disabling Condition [AKA “Does client have a disability of long duration?”] should also be ‘Yes’ ... It is acceptable for a client to answer 'Yes' to having a physical disability, and answer 'No,' that the disability is not expected to be of long–continued and indefinite duration and substantially impair ability to live independently, although a disability of such type may not qualify clients for programs meant for severely disabled people and may not indicate a “disabling condition” according to the universal data element 3.08."

What this means is if the answer to “Does client have a disability of long duration?” (data element 3.08) is ‘Yes’, then the answer in the Disabilities sub-assessment should align with that answer. If the client does not have a disability of long duration, the answer to data element 3.08 should be changed to ‘No’, but the answer in the Disabilities sub-assessment can remain the same.

Further guidance from HUD:

·         HUD (Housing & Urban Development) HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) Data Standards Manual (https:// https://files.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/HMIS-Data-Standards-Manual-2024.pdf about the Disability elements: Pages 57 and 85