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Division of Developmental Disabilities

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.

Pencil illustration 
						by Martha Perkse of a collage of faces of all ages.  Image text reads:  Each individual is 
						valued as a contributing member of the community.

The mission of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is to endeavor to make a positive difference in the lives of people eligible for services, through offering quality supports and services that are: individual/family driven; stable and flexible; satisfying to the person and their family; and able to meet individual needs. Supports and services shall be offered in ways that ensure people have the necessary information to make decisions about their options and provide optimum opportunities for success.

The Residential Service Guidelines, issued in 1988, and the County Guidelines, issued in 1992, continue to support the Division's mission. 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.

These core values guide us in fulfilling our mission:

Individual worth and development

People will be served with dignity and with respect for individual differences and be supported to experience: the benefits of relationships with friends and families; personal power and choice; personal value and positive recognition by self and others; integration; competence to manage daily activities and pursue personal goals; and health and safety.

Continuity and coordination of services

Services will be provided in a flexible system, which enables people to remain in their own homes and communities wherever possible.

Community participation and partnership

Services and supports will promote the participation and partnership of consumers, parents, service providers, advocates, local governments, citizens, and businesses.

Respect for employees

Employees are treated as the division's most valuable resource.

Services quality and performance accountability

The division is accountable to the public for effective and prudent use of resources. The division will conduct regular review, evaluation and modifications of programs and services.

Nondiscrimination

The division will not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation/perceived sexual orientation in admission and access to services, treatment, or employment.


Artwork reprinted by permission of Martha Perske from PERSKE: PENCIL PORTRAITS 1971-1990 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998).
 

WHAT'S HAPPENING

The January 2008 report to the Governor on Alternative Service Models for Children with Significant Behavior Challenges has been posted along with the Secretary’s Memorandum to Governor Gregoire.  Read the report. Read the memo.

The Operational Protocol for Roads to Community Living, WA State’s Money Follows the Person Demonstration Project, was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  As of March 10, 2008, Washington State is the sixth protocol to be approved of 31 states participating.  The protocol describes how the demonstration project will work in Washington.  Read the Washington State Operational Protocol

Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Campaign

Aging and Disability Services Administration is partnering with the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Advisory Council to launch a statewide TBI public awareness campaign.  The theme of the campaign is Traumatic Brain Injury: A Life Altering Impact. The purpose is to educate Washington State residents about TBI and guide them to resources and information. The campaign has a new website www.TBIWashington.org and a toll free phone number 1-877-TBI-1766.  


SITE UPDATES

02-11-08

Individual Employment Support Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities- Report to Legislature:  This report describes the outcomes of a brief survey conducted about the amount and type of individual employment support services received by clients each month in a 12-month period from April 2006 through March 2007.  Also, contained is this report are interesting facts related to employment services in Washington State.

 


Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities webmaster for more information about the Division of Developmental Disabilities. For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page.  Technical Site Comments: DSHS Webmaster.

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