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.

Government Offices

• Jefferson County
• Developmental Disabilities Program
• Health and Human Services
• Housing Authority
• Washington State
• Accessible Recreation in Washington State
• Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
• DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration)
• Directory of Washington State Government Offices
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
• DSHS (Social and Health Services)
• Employment Security
• Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)
• Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
• Washington State Commission on African-American Affairs
• Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
• Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs
• Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
• Washington State Human Rights Commission
• Washington State Legislature
• Washington State Legislative Calendar
• Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Washington State Office of the Family and Children Ombudsman
• United States
• USA.gov: U.S. Government's Official Web Portal
• US Government's Disability Site
• ADA.gov (Americans with Disabilities Act)
• The Access Board
• U.S. Administration of Developmental Disabilities
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Department of Labor--Office of Disability Employment
• Health.gov
• HealthFinder.gov
• National Mental Health Information Center
• Office of Special Education Programs
• Rehabilitation Services Administration Technical Assistance Circular on Self-Employment
• Small Business and Self-Employment Service--US Dept of Labor
• Small Business Administration
• Social Security Administration Office of Employment Support
• Social Security Work Site--Work Incentives
• U.S. Congress
• Your Ticket to Work