Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information & Resources Page

COVID-19, the illness caused by a new type of coronavirus is spreading throughout Washington State. The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) wants to make sure you have all the information available to keep you from getting sick and to protect yourselves and your loved ones.

As of March 23, Gov. Jay Inslee announced his statewide order to “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” that requires everyone in the state to stay home to provide the next level of protection against COVID-19.  The order starts Wednesday, March 25, will last for 15 days, and could be extended.

The announcements comes after the recent spike in numbers of COVID-19 cases in the state and across the country. 

Right now we know the virus spreads like the cold or flu through being near others who are ill, and by touching items with germs on them. The symptoms may include, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. 

Coronaviruses are primarily spread through respiratory droplets, which means to become infected, people generally have to be within six feet of someone who is contagious for an extended period of time, and have droplets land on them. 

It is best to continue practicing good hygiene, to reduce your risk. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus that can cause COVID-19. You can also contact your local health department or districtt.​

Thank you and take care of yourselves and families.

Evelyn Perez

The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, clients and the public is a top priority of the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Beginning Tuesday, March 24, the Developmental Disabilities Administration headquarters and field services offices at all locations across Washington will be closed to the public.  This measure is a part of the state’s concerted effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  The scope applies to the general public and only to office lobbies.

DDA services are still available across the state.  Staff are still working in offices or teleworking.  Client will still receive the services they need and will have access to DDA staff during regular business hours. Visitors to office location will be instructed to call us via signage posted to all main office doors.

This decision is in response to guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by:

• Expanding Telework options
• Implementing requirements for social distancing
• Limiting public gatherings

2020 Community Summit Cancelled Due to COVID-19

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services' Developmental Disabilities Administration’s top priority is the health and safety of the public. The COVID-19 outbreak is concerning to our communities. 

Consistent with state and national guidance and restrictions on sizeable gatherings, DSHS' DDA has made the difficult, but necessary, decision to cancel the Community Summit scheduled for June 9 - 11, 2020 in Wenatchee, Washington.  

If you have already registered for the Community Summit, any registration fees you have paid will be fully refunded.  If you have any questions, please contact Community Summit project coordinator Monica Zumach at (253) 307-7475, or Monica@gowise.org.

We realize that the Summit is a much anticipated event that brings our community together and inspires us to take action to make Washington a great place to live. While we have to cancel the 2020 conference, this is not the end of the Community Summit. The tradition will continue, and we look forward to returning in 2021, better than ever. 

Thank you for your support of the Community Summit. 

Sincerely,

Ronald Bryan

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