Bulletins

SERVICES

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Provides case management and a wide range of supportive services for children and adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in Washington State.
Learn more: dshs.wa.gov/dda

Home and Community Services (HCS)
HCS provides a range of services for elders and adults with disabilities.
Find your local HCS office at dshs.wa.gov/altsa/resources or through Community Living Connections at waclc.org

FINANCIAL

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
A cash benefit administered by the Social Security Administration for individuals with low income who are aged, blind or disabled.
1-800-772-1213
ssa.gov

Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI)
A cash benefit for adult children with a disability whose parent is deceased or retired.
1-800-772-1213
ssa.gov

ABLE Savings Accounts
A way for individuals with disabilities to save money without losing financial eligibility for government benefits such as SSI.
washingtonstateable.com

DD Endowment Trust Fund
A public-private partnership special needs trust that shelters and protects assets that would otherwise disqualify someone for government benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid.
ddetf.wa.gov

HEALTH CARE

Apple Health
Medicaid health care coverage for children and adults.
wahealthplanfinder.org

HOUSING

Many people apply for a rental subsidy from their Local Housing Authority. Availability and wait times vary by location.
resources.hud.gov — to find a HUD office near you.

SUPPORT & ADVOCACY

Local Arc Chapters
Provide information, resource referral and advocacy.
arcwa.org

Parent Coalitions
Parent-led groups throughout the state that help parents and guardians organize their voices and be heard on issues important to them at local, state and federal levels.
arcwa.org/parent-coalition/

Parent to Parent (P2P)
Provides emotional support and information to families of children with special health care needs or other disabilities.
arcwa.org/parent-to-parent

People First of Washington
Self-advocacy chapters throughout the state provide opportunities for individuals to connect with each other and learn valuable self-advocacy skills.
peoplefirstofwashington.org

HELPFUL IDEAS AND PLANNING

Adult Sibling Toolkit
‍Tips and conversation starters for talking to adult siblings about their potential roles and responsibilities as family caregivers and/or guardians.Visit: informingfamilies.org/sib-toolkit to download a free copy.

Star Form
‍Worksheet for identifying sources of support to reach any goal: informingfamilies.org/publications/star-form-supports-to-reach-your-goals

Supported Decision Making / Alternatives to Guardianship
‍Supported Decision Making is an approach that offers less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, such as Powers of Attorney for medical and financial decisions, Representative Payee to manage Social Security benefits, and a trusted relationship with family or others who can provide good advice.Learn more about Supported Decision Making, as well as different types of guardianship, at: informingfamilies.org/bulletins/sdm

RECREATION & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

The Family Community Connections Guidebook
Information and Resources for Families and Individuals with I/DD in Washington State. Includes worksheets for identifying people, places and ideas to help broaden your family member’s social circle and community connections.
Download a free copy: informingfamilies.org/publications

Special Olympics Washington
Sports, health, education, social connection and community building.
To find a program near you, visit: specialolympicswashington.org

Think College
Provides resources for adults with intellectual disabilities to pursue post-secondary education.
Visit: thinkcollege.net

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