Community Inclusion
Individualized support for adults who want to stay active and connected in their community.
Helping People Stay Connected, Contribute, and Grow
Columbia Ability Alliance is proud to offer Community Inclusion as part of our Employment Services continuum. This service supports adults with developmental disabilities who want to stay active and involved in their communities beyond paid employment.
For many individuals, meaningful participation does not end with a job. It may look like volunteering at a local nonprofit, joining a recreation class, participating in a club, or building friendships through shared interests. Community Inclusion helps make those opportunities possible.
Through this Home and Community-Based waiver service provided by Washington State Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS), we work alongside each participant to create a plan that reflects their interests, strengths, and personal goals.
Community Inclusion is about belonging. It is about contribution. It is about helping people feel connected to the communities they live in.
What Community Inclusion Means for Your Family
Community Inclusion is designed to help adults:
- Build relationships with people who are not paid staff
- Participate in typical community settings
- Develop new skills
- Increase independence
- Contribute in meaningful ways
This service is individualized. We take time to understand your family member’s interests, strengths, comfort level, and goals. From there, we create a plan that supports real engagement in the community.
What Support Looks Like
Families often ask what this service actually involves. Here is what you can expect:
Our staff will work alongside your family member to:
- Identify interests and personal goals
- Explore volunteer opportunities
- Research and enroll in integrated classes or clubs
- Support participation in recreation activities
- Build social connections in natural settings
- Navigate transportation and scheduling
Support takes place in real community environments such as libraries, recreation centers, volunteer sites, faith communities, clubs, and local organizations.
Who Is Eligible?
Community Inclusion is available to adults who have completed at least nine months of DDCS employment services or are age 62 or older.
Individuals may choose to participate in Community Inclusion alongside employment services or as a next step after employment services, depending on their goals and waiver funding.
If you are unsure whether your family member meets eligibility requirements or can access both services, our team is happy to review their history and help you understand the available options.
Building Connection and Meaningful Participation
Families often want to know what makes Community Inclusion different and whether it will truly benefit their loved one. Community Inclusion focuses on long-term participation and relationship building. The goal is not simply spending time in the community, but helping individuals contribute, develop skills, and form connections with people who are not paid staff.
You may also hear about Community Engagement. Community Engagement typically supports access to services or short-term activities, such as shopping, exploring housing options, or signing up for programs. Community Inclusion goes a step further by supporting ongoing involvement in volunteer work, clubs, recreation, and other community activities that build confidence, independence, and natural relationships.
Families choose Community Inclusion when they want their adult child to remain socially connected, continue learning and growing, and have structured, meaningful opportunities outside the home.
A Partner You Can Count On
Columbia Ability Alliance is accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. We’re proud to uphold the highest standards in vocational and community services.
View Employment Services Handbook PDF.
Let’s Talk About Next Steps
If you believe Community Inclusion may be right for your family member, we would be glad to talk through eligibility and next steps.
Contact our Employment Services team to schedule a conversation.