Message from the Director: People
with developmental disabilities and their families are valued citizens of the state of
Washington. The Division of Developmental Disabilities strives to develop and implement
public policies that will promote individual worth, self-respect, and dignity such
that each individual is valued as a contributing member of the
community.
The Residential Service Guidelines, issued in 1988, and the County Guidelines, issued in 1992, continue to support the Division's vision, mission, and core values. Both sets of guidelines were developed by a workgroup made up of consumers and their families, residential service providers, Counties and employment providers, advocates, and Division staff.
News YOU Can Use
This new webpage has been developed to provide stakeholders with easy access to DDD news and information about new activities, data and resources. Until January 2009, DDD brought stakeholders together to participate in advisory groups and committees. Because of the economic times we are now experiencing, we are no longer able to do that, but we want to keep you informed about what’s going on in the Division.
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Feasibility Study for the Closure of State Institutions: The 2009 Legislature directed in the budget bill (HB 1244) that the Office of Financial Management (OFM) conduct a study of institutional capacity in Corrections, Juvenile Rehabilitation, and Developmental Disabilities facilities. OFM procured a contract with an independent team (Christopher Murray and Associates) to produce the report. To view the draft version go to: www.ofm.wa.gov. Comments will be taken until October 21st through the OFM website. The report is expected to become final November 1st.
- Budget Information: Cuts were made to most DDD programs as a result of the decrease in revenue due to the national economic scene. The United States is in an economic slowdown that has not been paralleled since the 1940’s. State budgets have been dramatically impacted across the country. Washington State has experienced a $9 billion decrease in the amount of revenue available. State law requires a balanced budget so legislators have had to make painful cuts in order to achieve a balanced budget for the next two years. View the 2009-2011 DDD Budget Overview.
- WAC Changes: The many budget cuts require changes to DDD rules and also that are contained in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Whenever the state makes changes to rules, as citizens you have the right to be involved. Click here to learn how to be informed when changes are proposed and how to take part in the process.
- H1N1 Virus: Continued concern about the H1N1 virus is generating a tremendous amount of information. You can find current information at these websites:
- Planned Action Notices: DDD has been working on developing Planned Action Notices (PANs) that are very clear and helpful to individuals and families in understanding their rights whenever services are changed in any way. In partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), a video is now available to help educate individuals and families about the importance of reading and responding when they receive a PAN. To view the video, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80rbu29ZuYo&feature=channel_page.
- Children’s Intensive In-home Behavioral Support Waiver (CIIBS): Twenty- two children and youth have been approved to date. Of these, 19 are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and 11 are new Medicaid recipients. The enrollment process is currently averaging about 60 days. CIIBS case managers are meeting with families and working with them to use any services that they have currently available to them (e.g., Medicaid Personal Care, Individual and Family Services, emergency services) and to select from available CIIBS intensive service providers in their area. DDD has contracted with 11 intensive service providers (including both agencies and individuals), only three of which have previous experience contracting with DSHS/DDD for behavioral services. Additional service providers are being actively recruited. For more information, view the Children’s Intensive In-Home Behavior Support Waiver (CIIBS) Overview.
- Informing Families Building Trust: This is a new resource for individuals and families created by the Developmental Disabilities Council. To visit, click here.
- Residential Services: To find residential agencies offering services and supports in your area, click on the Supported Living Program Locator. You can also look up information on adult family homes, boarding and nursing homes, and in-home care by clicking on Adult Family Home Locator.
Visit the DSHS webpage Let's Talk to find current news on what’s happening in DSHS that may affect you as well as an opportunity for you to let DSHS know what matters to you.
To be notified when webpage content changes, send a request to stechsl2@dshs.wa.gov.
Artwork reprinted by permission of Martha Perske
from PERSKE: PENCIL PORTRAITS 1971-1990 (Nashville: Abingdon Press,
1998). |
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WHAT'S HAPPENING
Nov 02, 2009
Children and Adults With Developmental Disabilities: Services in Washington, Research Evidence (October 2009)
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy was directed by the 2008 Washington Legislature to estimate the effectiveness, costs, and benefits of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities (excluding special education). Read the report.
Oct 29, 2009
Preparing for the 2010 Supplemental Budget Process - Assistant Secretary Kathy Leitch issues memo to stakeholders regarding budget proposal. Read the memo. Click here to view the budget details.
Oct 21, 2009
The WA State Department of Health has a new resource that provides information on H1N1 vaccine availability in each county. Click here to view the statewide map.
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