How to Choose the Best IDD Platform for Your Organization

Oct 10, 2025

Patrick McKinney, Marketing Lead @ Kibu

Choosing the right platform to support your intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services is a strategic one. Between shifting regulations, staff burnout, and outdated tools, provider agencies are feeling the pressure to find a solution that checks every box. That’s where Kibu comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the must-have features every IDD provider should look for, compare leading platforms like Therap, eVero, and SetWorks, and show you why Kibu is raising the bar.

What Providers Really Need in an IDD Platform

Whether you're an Executive Director, Manager, or DSP, you know the right software can make (or break) your day. Based on real-world sales conversations and provider feedback, here are the "non-negotiables" your platform should offer:

✅ Compliance Without the Chaos

- Built-in Medicaid, HIPAA, and state regulation support

- Audit-readiness tools

- Automatic error detection

✅ Easy, Fast Documentation

- Templates for daily notes, incidents, and service logs

- Voice-to-text or AI-assisted entry

- Mobile-first design for field work

✅ Meaningful Data & Insights

- Real-time dashboards for QA and execs

- Trends in service delivery and outcomes

- Flags for documentation gaps

✅ Smooth Staff Adoption

- Minimal training required

- Simple UI/UX across roles

- Embedded help and fast customer support

✅ Scalable, Flexible Tech

- Cloud-based infrastructure

- Customizable workflows

- Integration with existing systems


🧭 Who Is Therap?

Therap Services is one of the oldest electronic documentation systems built for the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) sector. The company serves a wide range of provider agencies across the U.S., including small nonprofits, state-funded organizations, and large networks.

The platform offers a set of modules covering areas like billing, incident reporting, daily documentation, and health tracking. Some states integrate directly with Therap for data reporting and compliance, which has made it a standard option for agencies that must meet strict regulatory requirements.

Therap Pros

✅ Compliance and billing modules

✅ Integrations with some state systems

✅ Proven adoption across different provider types

Therap Cons

❌ Users describe a difficult and confusing experience using Therap

❌ Long implementation timelines (Up to 4 months)

❌ Potentially more expensive than current system and alternatives

🧑‍⚖️ Verdict
Therap is widely used and compliance-focused, but its age shows in usability and speed. Agencies looking for modern, DSP-friendly tools often experience tradeoffs here - possibly at a higher cost. 


🧩 Who Is eVero?

eVero Corporation provides electronic health records (EHR) and care management software to home- and community-based service (HCBS) providers, managed care organizations, and fiscal intermediaries. Its core user base includes agencies with service delivery that requires customization across multiple programs.

The platform includes tools for documentation, billing, compliance, and management. A major focus of eVero’s approach is allowing agencies to tailor the system to their operational needs.

eVero Pros

✅ Supports multi-program agency structures

✅ Offers organization customization and integrations

✅ Compliance tools are built in

eVero Cons

❌ Providers cite frustration with user interface

❌ Ambiguous timeline for implementation and set-up

❌ Users have reported issues with the mobile experience

🧑‍⚖️ Verdict
eVero is designed for flexibility and scale but can be challenging for teams without dedicated IT or operational support. Ease of use and implementation speed are common sticking points.


🧰 Who Is SETWorks?

SETWorks focuses on case management, service tracking, and documentation for disability service providers. Its primary customer base consists of U.S.-based agencies that need a digital documentation system for tracking service delivery and remaining compliant.

SETWorks offers tools for program management, reporting, and customization. The system is built to be modular, allowing agencies to select and configure features based on their specific needs, though its mobile capabilities and advanced functionality are more limited than some competitors.

SETWorks Pros

✅ Supports custom workflows for adaptability

✅ Focuses on compliance and integrates with other tools

✅ Potentially inexpensive alternative for smaller providers (depending on legacy platform)

SETWorks Cons

❌ Limited mobile options for DSPs (no dedicated mobile app)

❌ Long implementation time, with estimates of 3-5 months

❌ Providers have commented about needed updates to interface

🧑‍⚖️ Verdict
SETWorks delivers core documentation and reporting functions but lacks more advanced mobile tools with long implementation windows. It can work well for smaller agencies, but may not scale easily without advanced mobile options.

🌟 Who Is Kibu?

Kibu is a modern, person-centered platform built specifically for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) providers. Founded in 2020, Kibu is designed to solve the problems that older systems were never built to handle: DSP burnout, compliance complexity, and the gap between meaningful programming and required documentation.

Unlike legacy platforms that bolt on features over time, Kibu was created from the ground up with a mobile-first interface, built-in AI tools, and rapid implementation at its core. If it helps individuals have meaningful experiences, or helps make the staff experience easier, you’ll find it on Kibu.

The platform is used by day programs, residential providers, employment services, and multiprogram agencies across the U.S. - helping teams deliver higher-quality services while reducing administrative drag.

One of Kibu’s most powerful differentiators is its Content Library. Providers gain access to nearly 500+ pre-recorded lessons, five daily live streams, structured lesson plans, and a growing suite of custom AI-powered interactive games and activities. Kibu’s library enables agencies to run age-appropriate, skill-based programming without relying on outdated worksheets, cobbled-together materials, or learning meant for children.

For DSPs, it means showing up to work with engaging activities ready to go. For administrators, it means more consistent service delivery and documentation that connects directly to program goals.

Kibu’s approach bridges the gap between service delivery and compliance. DSPs get a tool that’s fast and intuitive. Leadership gets real-time visibility into documentation, compliance, and outcomes. Together, that combination creates a smoother, smarter, and more person-centered operation.

Kibu Pros

🤖 AI-powered documentation that speeds up note-taking and flags errors in real time

📚 Robust Content Library with 400+ lessons, daily live streams, and personalized activities

📱 Mobile-first, intuitive interface designed specifically for DSPs and frontline staff

🧭 Easy workflows that don’t require developers or IT teams

🚀 Fast implementation, typically under two weeks, minimizing any downtime

💬 Responsive, white-glove support from a team that knows the IDD sector

📊 Real-time dashboards that help leadership track compliance and outcomes

💵 Cost-effective pricing, giving you one less thing to worry about

Kibu Cons

⚡ As a newer platform, some agencies may need to educate boards or funders on why they’re choosing a non-legacy solution. (We can help with this!)

🧭 Agencies with highly complex, state-specific billing may require some initial configuration support. (And we help with this, too!)

🚀 Built for today, evolving for tomorrow. Kibu has everything agencies need to deliver great services and stay compliant, and we’re continuing to expand our feature set with input from the people who use it most. Our approach means you don’t just get software, you get a partner who listens and builds alongside you.


🏆 Why Kibu Wins (And Not Just on Features)

Other platforms focus on checkboxes. Kibu focuses on outcomes. Here's what sets us apart:

🔁 Fast Implementation, Minimal Disruption

Our team handles onboarding with you, not to you. Most organizations go live in under two weeks.

📱 Designed for DSPs, Not Just Admins

If your staff can't use the tool, it fails. Kibu is mobile-first, clutter-free, and built for the frontline. Our platform makes it easy (and possible) for staff to meet your standards. Our system encourages staff to complete their notes - and works better than forcing them.

🤖 AI That Actually Helps

No fluff. Our AI features help staff complete notes faster, spot errors, and improve quality in real time. Not to mention - staff can create custom games and activities for your individuals faster than ever. 

💬 Support That Gets It

We know disability services. Our team responds fast, with real solutions. We don’t “do” copy-paste responses.

📈 Real ROI

From fewer audit flags to time saved on documentation, Kibu pays for itself - and then some.


👋 Ready to See Kibu in Action?

Whether you’re switching from a legacy system or considering new options, make sure you’re not just picking a tool. Pick a partner who’s invested in your success.

👉👉 Schedule a free demo with Kibu

Make the smart switch before 2026. Your staff and clients will thank you.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an IDD Platform

What makes Kibu different from other platforms?
Most legacy systems were built years ago and focused primarily on billing. Kibu was built around people. It combines compliance, documentation, and meaningful content in one platform, giving providers real-time visibility while empowering DSPs to deliver engaging, person-centered services.

How long does it take to get started with Kibu?
Most organizations are fully live within two weeks. Our onboarding team handles setup with you, not to you, ensuring staff can start using Kibu confidently from day one.

Can Kibu handle our state’s compliance and documentation requirements?
Yes. Kibu was designed specifically for IDD and HCBS providers, with built-in templates and audit-ready documentation tools that align with Medicaid, HIPAA, and state-specific regulations. We also update the platform as regulations evolve, so you stay covered!

What kind of training or support is included?
We keep it simple. Kibu’s design is intuitive enough that DSPs and managers need significantly less training than with other systems. If you need help, you’ll talk to real humans who know the IDD world… not a generic support queue.

Is Kibu affordable for smaller agencies and nonprofits?
Yes. We price Kibu to be accessible and scalable. Many providers actually save money after switching, thanks to time saved, fewer audit flags, and reduced staff burnout.

What if our board or leadership prefers our legacy system?
We get that. Many agencies are shifting from legacy systems once they see how Kibu improves engagement, compliance, and outcomes. We are happy to meet with anybody to evaluate how Kibu fits into your organization. We always have your back!

Does Kibu’s AI replace DSPs?
Never. Kibu’s AI features are designed to support, not replace, your staff. From Magic Pen for note-taking to Clara for reporting, Kibu’s AI helps your teams work faster and smarter - so they can focus on people, not paperwork.

See what Kibu can do for your organization

Book your personalized demo today!