Overview
Washington State’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is the primary state agency funding and coordinating services for individuals with developmental disabilities across their entire lifespan. DDA is part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and administers Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that fund everything from employment support and respite care to residential services and community inclusion. For most families of individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington State, DDA is the central funding gateway, and understanding how it works is essential.
Who It’s For
Individuals with qualifying developmental disabilities of any age who are Washington State residents. DDA serves children, transition-age youth, and adults, with different services available depending on age and assessed need.
What They Offer
DDA funds and coordinates a wide range of services, including:
- Employment Support – Supported employment, job coaching, and community inclusion
- Respite Care – Relief for families and caregivers through home and community-based respite services
- Personal Care (Community First Choice) – In-home assistance with daily needs such as bathing, toileting, and meal preparation
- Residential Services – Supported living, adult family homes, and group home placement
- Case Management – Every enrolled individual is assigned a DDA case manager who helps plan and coordinate services
- Assistive Technology – Equipment and technology to support daily living and independence
- Therapies – Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for eligible individuals
- Benefits at Enrollment – Even without requesting paid services, enrolled individuals receive case management, the Informing Families quarterly newsletter, access to the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund, annual physical and additional dental services through Apple Health, reduced fees through Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and discounted Washington State Parks passes
Eligibility
To be eligible for DDA enrollment, an individual must:
- Be a Washington State resident
- Have a qualifying developmental disability (such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or another condition that significantly affects functioning)
- Have a condition that originated before age 18, is expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial limitation in functioning
Once enrolled, receiving paid services requires a separate request and an assessed need. Most services are not automatic entitlements, they depend on available funding, assessed need, and in some cases waitlists. However, applying early is critical: when new funding becomes available, DDA prioritizes those already on the Service Request List.
How to Get Started
- Download or request a DDA enrollment packet from the local office or the DDA website
- Gather supporting documentation: medical records, school records (IEPs), and psychological evaluations
- Complete and submit the Request for DDA Eligibility Determination, Consent Form, and DSHS Notice of Privacy Practices
- After receiving the last piece of documentation, DDA will make an eligibility determination within 30 days
- Once enrolled, request services using the online Service and Information Request form or by calling your regional office
Local DDA Office (Tri-Cities / Eastern WA)
500 N Morain St, Suite 2210, Kennewick, WA 99336
Toll-Free: 1-800-462-0624 (Benton, Franklin, and surrounding counties)
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
DDA Website | How to Enroll | Service and Information Request Form | Informing Families DDA Guide
