Referrals. An individual may be referred for service or services funded by the DDA by anyone who has legitimate interest in the welfare of the individual. Individuals shall make referrals to and obtain applications from the DDA or its designee. Individuals making referrals on behalf of individuals purported to have a developmental disability shall make them either separately or together with an application for services. Application for Services. An individual applying for services funded wholly or in part by the DDA shall complete, or with assistance given by the DDA or its designee shall complete, an application for services. An application may be submitted by: The individual, if an adult; or A parent, guardian, caregiver, or other proponent, when one exists. The individual submitting the application shall provide, at a minimum, sufficient information to make a preliminary determination of: The nature of the disability; Eligibility for DDA-funded services based on the characteristics of the individual; The individual's priority for DDA-funded services which shall take into account the: Urgency of need, Strengths and needs of the applicant and caregiver, Environment in which the applicant lives; Service or services needed; Type of environment in which any needed services could be provided with the least restriction on the liberty of the individual; and Further evaluation, if any, the individual may require. Processing the Application. The individual shall complete the application and send it to the DDA access unit. The unit shall send the applicant, caregiver, or other proponent, when one exists, a letter indicating receipt of the application and the results of the preliminary determination within 7 calendar days from the date the application is received.