Community Resources

Name	Purpose	About	Link
The Academy for Community Transition (ACT)	Three to four-year program For 18-22 year old students  Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	ACT provides individualized programs of study in academic skills, vocational and adaptive skills, social skills and independent living. ACT is focused on preparing our students for adult life and economic self-sufficiency.	The Academy for Community Transition
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)	Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	Assists individuals with disabilities to fully participate in their communities through employment, fostering an environment where these individuals can set and achieve their work goals. They offer personalized counseling, employment services, and support to those facing significant barriers to employment. Additionally, DVR aids businesses in recruiting and hiring people with disabilities​	Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
School to Work King County	Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	The School-to-Work (S2W) program in King County is designed to support students with developmental disabilities. It's a partnership between students, families, and the program, aiming to connect students to job services early, while they're still in high school.	School To Work King County
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)	Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) in Washington State helps people with developmental disabilities lead fulfilling lives by supporting community living and employment. DDA emphasizes the value and dignity of individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they are respected and active members of the community.	Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
The ARC of King County	Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	The Arc of King County aids individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing resources, support, and guidance for accessing services in King County. They focus on understanding unique challenges, empowering families, and connecting them with a supportive community network​.	The ARC of King County

Name	Serves	About	Link
Outdoors 4 All	Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	Outdoors for All enriches the lives of children and adults with disabilities through various outdoor recreational activities. They offer diverse programs accommodating a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to athletes.	Outdoors for All
Therapeutic Riding Center	Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center uses horses to support people with disabilities, offering adaptive riding lessons and equine-assisted therapy. These programs focus on improving physical, emotional, and communication skills, enhancing independence and quality of life.	Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center
Alyssa Burnett Center	Adults over 18 Autism Other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	The Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center offers lifelong learning and skill-building opportunities for adults over 18 with autism and developmental disabilities. It provides a variety of classes in art, music, health, and more, in a structured and sensory-sensitive environment.	Alyssa Burnett Center
Aaron's Place	Adults over 21 Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	Aaron's Place in Kirkland helps adults over 21 with disabilities. They offer activities and support to help these adults learn, make friends, and be part of the community.	Aaron’s Place
Tavon	Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	The Tavon Center offers active learning and goal-based programs, utilizing outdoor gardens, real-life settings, and peer coaching to teach home and community skills for improved living.	Tavon Center
Issaquah Dance Theatre BOMA (Best of My Abilities)	Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	Issaquah Dance Theatre's BOMA (Best of My Abilities) program offers dance classes for students with special needs. These classes are designed to be fun and inclusive, helping students develop movement skills and confidence through dance.	Issaquah Dance Theatre’s BOMA (Best of My Abilities)
Bridge of Promise	Adults over 21 who have finished High School Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)	Bridge of Promise offers day programs for adults over 21 who have finished high school, providing activities like a Summer Fun Fair, baseball games, and dances, aimed at enriching lives and fostering community involvement	Bridge of Promise

Supporting Your Child with Disabilities: DDA Services Guide

What is DSHS?

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is Washington State's primary social service agency. DSHS serves approximately 1.8 million Washington residents through programs designed to help children, families, and adults meet their basic needs and achieve their potential.

Please note that there have been administrative changes that have resulted in name changes of some of the programs. (DDA doesn’t technically exist anymore, for example). The changes won’t impact how the client applies or interfaces with the agency, but you may hear things like “DDA doesn’t exist anymore” which might be confusing.  You can read about the changes here  https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda

What is the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)?

The Developmental Disabilities Administration is a division within DSHS specifically created to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families access services and support. DDA works to transform lives by providing support and fostering partnerships that empower people to live the lives they want.

DDA Services for Support

DDA offers various services that can benefit your child and family, including:

• Case Management: Coordination of services and resources specific to your child's needs
• Personal Care: Assistance with daily living activities
• Respite Care: Short-term relief for primary caregivers
• Assistive Technology: Devices that help with communication and independence
• Specialized Medical Equipment: Items not covered by other insurance
• Therapy Services: May include physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy
• Skills Training: Help developing life and social skills
• Employment Support: For older teens preparing for work
• Community Engagement: Activities to help your child participate in community life
• Transportation: Assistance getting to appointments and activities

Why Apply Early?

Enrolling in DDA services before your child reaches transition age provides:

• Earlier access to support resources and community services
• Established eligibility when your child needs transition services
• Potentially shorter wait times for services
• Smoother transition planning for life after high school

How to Apply

• Complete an eligibility application form:  enrollment form
      https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/consumers-and-families/eligibility  
• Submit required documentation of your child's condition
• Wait for eligibility determination (typically 30-90 days)

Remember: DDA enrollment determines eligibility but is not the same as requesting specific services. Once eligible, you must request services based on your child's needs.

Eligibility Process - Important Timeline

Birth to Age 3

• Children enrolled in Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) are automatically enrolled in DDA
• This eligibility continues until your child's 4th birthday
• Learn more about early childhood services  (https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/child-development-services)

Ages 4 and Older

• Re-application is required before your child turns 4
• Eligibility criteria changes at this age
• To qualify, your child must have either: 
  • Developmental delays in three or more areas, or
  • A qualifying diagnosis with evidence of substantial limitation

Learn more about eligibility requirements  (https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/consumers-and-families/eligibility)

Questions?

Visit the DDA FAQ page (https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/faqs) for more information about what to expect and why applying early benefits your family.

Don't wait to start this process.
Early enrollment ensures support is available when your student needs it most.