Overview
Community Inclusion is a Home and Community-Based waiver service through Washington State’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), offered as part of CAA’s Employment Services continuum. It supports adults with developmental disabilities who want to stay active, connected, and contributing in their community beyond paid employment. CAA works with each participant to build a plan around their own interests, strengths, and goals.
Who It’s For
Adults with developmental disabilities who want ongoing, structured ways to build relationships, develop skills, and participate in their community, whether that’s volunteering, joining a club, taking a class, or building friendships through shared interests. It’s also for families who want a trusted partner helping their loved one stay socially engaged and growing.
What’s Included
CAA staff work directly with each participant to:
- Identify personal interests and goals
- Explore volunteer opportunities
- Research and enroll in community classes or clubs
- Support participation in recreation activities
- Build social connections in natural community settings (not just paid-staff relationships)
- Navigate transportation and scheduling logistics
Support happens in real community spaces like libraries, recreation centers, volunteer sites, faith communities, clubs, and local organizations.
Eligibility
Community Inclusion is available to adults who have completed at least nine months of DDA employment services, or who are age 62 or older. It can be used alongside employment services or as a next step after them, depending on individual goals and waiver funding. If you’re unsure whether your family member qualifies, CAA’s team can review their history with you.
A quick note on terminology families often run into: Community Inclusion is different from “Community Engagement,” which typically supports shorter-term activities like shopping trips or signing up for services. Community Inclusion is built for ongoing involvement, volunteer work, clubs, recreation, that builds lasting relationships and skills over time.
How to Get Started
- Contact the Employment Services team to discuss whether Community Inclusion fits your family member’s situation.
- The team will review DDA waiver eligibility (nine months of employment services, or age 62+).
- Together, you’ll build an individualized plan based on interests, comfort level, and goals.
Contact Us to Get Started | Refer a Client | View the Employment Services Handbook (PDF)
FAQ
Can my family member do Community Inclusion and still keep their job?
Yes. Many individuals participate in Community Inclusion alongside employment, since it focuses on a different part of life, community connection rather than a paycheck.
What’s the real difference between this and just “hanging out” in the community?
The focus is on relationship-building and contribution, not just spending time outside the home. A trip to the store is different from joining a recurring volunteer shift where someone builds skills and friendships over time, Community Inclusion is built for the latter.
Who pays for this service?
It’s funded through a DDA Home and Community-Based waiver, so there’s no direct cost to eligible families.
What if my family member isn’t sure what they’re interested in yet?
That’s okay; figuring that out together is part of the process. Staff start by getting to know the person before building a plan.
