Interested in learning if you or your child qualifies for services through the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA)?  Do you know what DDA could offer you or your child?  Join us at our next lunch & learn as we have representatives from DDA that will present on their program.

All disability conditions must originate prior to age 18, be expected to continue indefinitely, and result in substantial limitation(see description below) in adaptive functioning per WAC 388-823.

Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autistic Disorder if prior to February 1, 2022

Diagnostician: A licensed: Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician; a Center of Excellence as defined in WAC 182-531A-0200; or a Licensed Physician, Naturopathic Physician, an ARNP, a Physician Assistant Associated with an autism center or developmental center.

Substantial Limitation: The diagnosis must be documented in a diagnostic report, and an adaptive skills test score of more than two standard deviations below the mean completed within the last 36 months.

About the presenters:

Jeanette White is a dedicated professional with an impressive 40-year career working with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She has spent 27 of those years with Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) and 25 years specifically with the Intake and Eligibility Team. Currently, Jeanette serves as the Supervisor for processing Reapplications. She is passionate about guiding and supporting parents through the eligibility process, helping them navigate the system to access crucial services for their loved ones.

Spencer Ward helps identify and provide services for families and individuals with developmental disabilities as a Case Resource Manager within the Seattle Children & Adults Team of Washington’s Home & Community Living Administration (formerly the Developmental Disabilities Administration). After cutting his teeth as a public policy analyst in Washington, D.C., Spencer spent the six years prior to his time at the HCLA in community health and special education as a Behavioral Therapist providing 1:1 therapeutic care, crisis management, and employment supports to clients and students of all ages across a variety of settings, most recently at the Shoreline School District’s Community Based Transition Program.

Technical Assistance contact Phone: 425-894-7231; Email: [email protected]

Applying for DDA Enrollment is the first step toward requesting services. It is a process to determine if you/your child meet developmental disability eligibility criteria.

To apply for DDA enrollment and services, you must:

1. Be a resident of Washington state. If you are not a resident of the state, click here to learn how to become one. If you apply for DDA enrollment before becoming a resident, DDA cannot process your application.
2. Have a qualifying condition. Qualifying conditions for developmental delay and intellectual/developmental disability are used to determine DDA eligibility. Click here to learn more

If you are moving from another state:

• Eligibility for services will not transfer. Every state has different eligibility criteria and services. If you or your family member receive services in another state, those services do not transfer to Washington state. Download our Eligibility and Services Guide to learn more about the services we offer and how to apply.
• Your services may be different than what you are used to getting. The amount and type of services and supports that a person can get is different in every state. People enrolled in DDA who are approved for services will have a new person-centered service plan that includes: the services you are eligible for, how much of that service you can get and who you choose to provide the service.

Parents of children birth to 17 years old:

• Parents of children under age 18 cannot be paid providers of their own minor children. Under current state law, only parents of children aged 18 and older can become a paid provider of personal care. Becoming an Individual Provider is a multi-step process that starts with Consumer Direct Care Network Washington as your employer and includes training provided by SEIU 775 Benefits Group. To get started, visit the CDWA website and select “Apply to be a Caregiver.” To complete your training, visit SEIU 775 Benefits Group and select your provider type. Be sure to login to My Benefits and the Caregiver Learning Center to enroll in training.
• If your family member is under age 3, apply for ESIT. Applying for Early Support for Infants and Toddlers automatically enrolls your family member in DDA. In fact, if your family member is already enrolled in ESIT, they are also enrolled in DDA. A Family Resources Coordinator will help you obtain screenings, services and supports.
• DDA periodically reviews and person’s eligibility. Reviews typically occur before the 4th and 20th birthday. DDA will send a notice six months prior to a review. It is important to respond to the notice and connect with DDA to complete the review.

Why apply for DDA enrollment and services?

• DDA has many different services and programs including personal care, respite, employment, residential supports and much more.
• Becoming enrolled earlier in life will help you transition during different stages of life.
• If your caregiver is not able to provide supports to you in the future, you will already be enrolled so the process will be easier and faster.
• Some individuals enrolled in DDA have not yet requested a support service; however, everyone enrolled receives the following:
  • Case management.
  • Informing Families quarterly newsletter.
  • Access to the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund.
  • An annual physical examination and additional dental services through Apple Health.
  • Reduced fees through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Discounted passes with Washington State Parks.
  • Additional affordable housing options

Reimagine DSHS: What do the changes mean for the autism community?

As of  May 1, 2025, DSHS is forming two new public-facing administrations: Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration, and Home and Community Living Administration. The restructuring aims to consolidate expertise, simplify processes, improve service clarity, and make operations more efficient.

• Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration: Now responsible for overseeing state-operated settings and comprehensive behavioral health services that serve DSHS clients who receive care in our state operated 24/7 facilities.  
• Home and Community Living Administration: Will coordinate home and community-based services that support clients in their own environments. This new entity merges key functions from the community side of the Developmental Disabilities Administration and the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (including Home and Community Services, Adult Protective and Residential Care Services). We will focus on maintaining continuity across developmental disability programs, services and initiatives. 

These two new administrations strategically integrate the Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Aging and Long-Term Support Administrations, building on each administration’s core strengths and aligning them to streamline process improvements to best serve clients and support their staff.