The Developmental Disabilities (DD) System
The Developmental Disabilities system is large and
complicated, and some people are very confused by it - especially when they
first become involved with the system. It can be especially hard on families
during times of transition or stress, when you may not know who to call. (See
our Decision Tree to find out the first places
you should contact for different situations, from questions about a child's
development to residential options for adults.) Often, a family support group
or self-advocacy group (such as The Arc or
People First) can help you figure out who to
contact for different questions.
But it's also important to learn as much as you can about the
different parts of the system and how they work, and to apply for any benefits
you or your family member may qualify for. In general, you should begin by
applying for services through the Developmental
Disabilities Administration (DDA), which is a state office that is part of
the Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS). When you are approved for services, you will be assigned to a Case
Manager. This will usually be the first person you contact with questions about
services.
Birth to
age 3 |
Jefferson County
Developmental Disabilities Program administers services |
Age 4 to
21 |
Services are provided
through DDA and the school district |
Age 21 and
over |
Adult day services
(employment or community access) are administered by the Jefferson County
Developmental Disabilities Program; adult residential services are administered
by DDA; and other employment services are provided by the Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) through separate application |
Family
support |
Services are administered
by DDA for respite/Medicaid Personal Care |
|