Individual Employment and Community Inclusion FAQ

What is the difference between the State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the King County Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports (DDECS)?

The DSHS/DDA is responsible for determining eligibility and authorizing paid services for Washington State residents. The DSHS/DDA currently provides the following services and programs: case management, Medicaid Personal Care, residential services, residential habilitation centers, family support, dental, mental health, Voluntary Placement Foster Care program, and the Medically Intensive program. The DSHS/DDA administers services on a regional basis. Region 2 is the DSHS/DDA office that serves King County.

The King County DDECSD is responsible for providing local employment and day program services. DDECSD currently provides the following services: early support and intervention for children birth-to-three, employment, community inclusion, housing, in-home family counseling, School to Work, social and recreational activities, information and assistance, advocacy, homelessness projects, and program development/technical assistance. 

A good first step is to apply through DSHS/DDA. A case manager will then help you connect to statewide DDA supports and the local DDECSD services in King County you’re eligible for.

How can I get Individual Employment, School to Work, Community Inclusion services from DDECSD?

You must be a client of DSHS/DDA. For information on steps to take to access DDECSD employment and community inclusion supports see the entering the Employment / Community Inclusion System section.

How do I apply for DSHS/DDA services?

If you are, or will be, living in King County, contact DSHS/DDA at 206-568-5700 or 1-800-314-3296. For additional information, visit the  DSHS/DDA website.

How do I apply for Social Security benefits?

To receive benefits from the Social Security Administration, you must go through an application process. To begin this process, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration website.

Will my job/wages affect my Social Security benefits?

There are situations where not all your wages are counted against your Social Security benefit so contact a benefits planner to see how your income can be adjusted or how you may be able to work without impacting your SSI.

What is the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)?

The DSHS/DVR provides a wide variety of services that support eligible individuals to obtain employment, including vocational guidance, counseling, and development of an employment plan. For more information about their services, including how to apply, visit the DSHS/DVR website.

What is the Working Age Adult Policy?

The Working Age Adult Policy is a policy issued by DSHS/DDA that promotes gainful employment in integrated settings in the community for adults with developmental disabilities who are between the ages of 21 and 62. Find out more about the Working Age Adult Policy.

What is an Employment Service Provider?

An Employment Service Provider is a DDECSD contracted agency that supports people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain successful employment.

There are over 20 Employment Service Providers contracted with King County, many with years of expertise in supporting individuals with disabilities to reach their work goals. Many of these Employment Service Providers are also contracted with DSHS/DVR. Employment Service Providers can also be referred to as Vendors, Employment Agencies, and Community Rehabilitation Programs. Please refer to the Employment Service Providers tab for information on our Employment Service partners.

How do I pay for services?

Employment, Community Inclusion, School to Work Service Providers can be paid through a variety of resources, including DSHS/DVR, DSHS/DDA, DDECSD, DSHS/DDA Home and Community Based Services Waivers, PASRR, RCL, Social Security Work Incentives, and private payment.

Do I need to utilize the support of an Employment Service Provider?

No. Employment Service Providers are just one option for having job support. For example, some people locate jobs on their own or with the support of family. Additionally, once employed, some people may solely utilize the natural support of coworkers and supervisors at their place of employment.

What is a Community Inclusion Service Provider?

A Community Inclusion Service Provider is a  contracted agency that supports people with disabilities to participate in activities out in their communities that help build social connections and relationships.

There are over 12 Community Inclusion Service Providers contracted with King County, many with years of expertise in supporting individuals with disabilities to reach their goals to connect with other individuals and participate in activities in their community. Many of these Community Inclusion Service Providers are also contracted with DSHS/DVR. Community Inclusion Service Providers can also be referred to as Vendors, Agencies, and Community Inclusion Programs. Please refer to the "Community Inclusion Service Providers" tab for information on our Community Inclusion Service partners.

What if I do not want to work?

Washington is an Employment First State where all participants receiving waiver services must try Employment Services for nine months before entering into the Community Inclusion system. There are Exceptions to Rule (ETR) that are granted in certain circumstances when requested through your DSHS/DDA Case/Resource Manager.