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Resource Library

All resources

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All Topics

Health

Apple Health/Medicaid

Health care for individuals at or below 138% of the poverty level (formerly known as Medicaid). 1-800-562-3022

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Other Resources
Financial Support

Basic Food

Monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families buy food. 1-877-501-2233

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Other Resources

Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD)

A range of on-site clinical service programs that serve primarily children, with or at risk for developmental, learning, and behavioral problems.

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Planning
Advocacy

Community of Practice

In an effort to focus on the needs of families, the Developmental Disabilities Council and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration applied for and received a five-year Community of Practice grant to explore different ways of supporting families across the lifespan of the individual.

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Planning

DD Endowment Trust Fund (DDETF)

Considerations in planning for the future may include wills and special needs trusts.  One option for you to explore is the DD Endowment Trust Fund (ETF), administered by The Arc of Washington State. This public/private partnership creates a stable resource to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. For more information, call toll-free 1-888-754-8798 ext. 1.

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Housing

DDA in-home services/supports

Apply for DDA in-home services/supports (e.g., Personal Care, Respite, Supported Living, Companion Home, Adult Family Home)

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Health

Dental Education in Care of Persons with Disabilities (DECOD)

A special program of the School of Dentistry that treats persons with severe disabilities. Find a directory of dentists trained to treat children with special needs, as well as helpful dental care fact sheets related to specific conditions.

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DDA Services

Developmental Disabilities Administration Programs (DDA)

Typical services available through DDA include Personal Care, nursing care, family support, out-of-home placement, respite, therapies, assistive technologies and case management. Many of these services, however, may have long waiting lists. Be sure to ask your case manager about services and to get added to appropriate waiting lists.

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Legal

Disability Rights Washington

Legal services for disability rights violations, general information about legal rights, community education and training.  1-800-562-2702 Language interpreters are available via the AT&T Language Line. Please use 711 for Washington Relay Service (TTY).

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Legal

END HARM

If you suspect that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, call this number: 1-866-363-4276 The operator will connect you with the right DSHS office to make your report. [Note: If you are calling about an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.]

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Health

Early Intervention for Infants with Hearing Loss & Hearing Loss Helper

Includes a variety of services provided to infants with hearing loss and their families, such as: Service coordination; Family training; Counseling; Home visits from early intervention providers; Sign language and cued language instruction; Hearing/audiology; Speech-language pathology; Assistive technology devices. Designed to help infants with hearing loss develop age-appropriate communication skills and supported by research showing that infants with hearing loss who start intervention by 6 months of age are less likely to have developmental delays.

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Health

Family to Family Health Information Center

Family to Family helps families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and the professionals who serve them identify sources that may be of use when looking for healthcare funding. Visit wapave.org  or call 800-572-7368 ext. 108.

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Housing

HUD federal housing assistance

Apply for HUD federal housing assistance. Contact your local Housing Authority to find out how long the waiting list is. (visit locator)

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Employment
Education

Job Foundation

The Job Foundation Pilot Program provides more employment supports at an earlier age to help high school transition students leave school with a job at 21. This is made possible through a partnership between school districts, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), County Developmental Disabilities, employment providers, and others.

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Other Resources
Planning

My Life Plan

Created by a partnership between the DD Council and The Arc of Washington State, is a free online tool to help you plan for the future. The questions have been designed with input from families and professionals to identify age-specific questions related to a person’s strengths, interests. My Life Plan puts the individual at the center of life decisions every step of the way.

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Legal

NW Justice Project

Civil legal assistance and representation to low-income people in situations affecting basic human needs, such as family safety and security, housing preservation, protection of income, access to health care, education and other basic needs.  1-888-201-1012 (Outside King County) | 2-1-1 (Inside King County)

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Other Resources

Northwest Access Fund

Low interest loans and matched savings accounts for low-income households.

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Education

OSPI: Special Education Dispute Resolution

If you are unable to come to an agreement with your child’s teacher or school about your child’s educational goals, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s website has a Special Education Dispute Resolution page for resolving disagreements.

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Education
Agencies

Office of the Education Ombuds

The OEO facilitates the resolution of individual complaints regarding issues or concerns that impact any student in Washington’s public school system.

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Education

Parent to Parent (P2P)

P2P provides support and information to families of children with special needs and/or disabilities, including information and advocacy related to IEPs and education. Local offices are located in every area of the state and can be found in your phone book or by visiting its website.

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Education

Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE)

PAVE provides advocacy, support and workshops on issues related to education, IEPs and inclusion.

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Education

Sound Options Group

Conflict engagement, mediation and skill development training.Call 800-692-2540 or visit their website.

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Education
Health

Special Education Technology Center

Assists with the special technology needs of special education students.

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Health

WA Apple Health and Apple Health for Kids

Health care for adult individuals at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Formerly known as Medicaid. Apple Health for Kids coverage is free to children in households with income at or below 210% of the FPL and available for a monthly premium to children in households with income at or below 312% of the FPL. 1-800-562-3022

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Health

WA Healthplanfinder

Find, compare and enroll in health insurance.

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Health

WA Prescription Drug Program (WPDP)

Free to anyone who lacks prescription drug coverage.  1-800-913-4146

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Other Resources

Washington Assistive Technology Act Program

Information, referrals, training and device loans.

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Legal

Washington LawHelp

Provides information about legal issues and where to find legal help for low-income individuals.

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Health

WithinReach

WithinReach helps families across Washington State navigate complex health and social service systems and connect with the resources – food assistance, health insurance, childhood screenings and more – they need to be healthy and safe. Call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 or visit www.parenthelp123.org to get connected.

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