Overview
Getting started with disability services can feel like walking into a maze without a map. There are multiple agencies, different eligibility requirements, waitlists, acronyms, and more. This roadmap is designed to cut through that and give your family a clear, step-by-step starting point, no prior knowledge required.
Think of this as your “what to do in the first 90 days” guide. You won’t solve everything at once, and that’s okay. The goal is to start moving in the right direction.
Step 1: Get the Paperwork Together
Before you contact any agency, gather whatever documentation you have about your family member’s condition. This makes every conversation and application smoother. Look for:
- Any formal diagnoses from a physician, psychologist, or specialist
- IEP records (if your family member is or was in special education)
- Medical records that describe the condition and its impact on daily life
- Previous evaluations or assessments
Don’t panic if you don’t have everything, but having what you do have organized will save time.
Step 2: Determine Which Agency Is the Right Starting Point
- If your family member is still in school: Start with their school’s special education or transition team. Schools are required to begin transition planning by age 16 (and ideally earlier), and their staff often have direct connections to DDA and DVR.
- If your family member wants to work (or is ready to explore work): Contact DVR. They tend to have faster eligibility timelines and are specifically focused on employment.
- If you need broader support (respite care, community inclusion, long-term services): Contact DDA to begin the eligibility process. Be aware that some services have waitlists — the earlier you start, the better.
- If you’re not sure where to start: Call CAA. Our team works with both agencies every day and can help you figure out which path fits your situation.
Step 3: Apply for Eligibility
Once you know which agency makes sense, contact them to begin the eligibility process. Be ready to share the documentation you gathered in Step 1. For DDA, this typically involves a formal evaluation. For DVR, the process is generally faster and centered on employment goals.
Step 4: Connect With CAA
Whether you’ve already confirmed eligibility or you’re still figuring it out, reach out to Columbia Ability Alliance. CAA can:
- Help clarify which services might be available to your family member
- Accept referrals from DVR, DDA, school districts, and other partners
- Talk through your situation and point you in the right direction, even if the timing isn’t right for services yet
Step 5: Build a Plan Together
Once eligibility is confirmed and a referral is in place, CAA’s team works with your family to create an individualized plan built around your family member’s strengths, interests, and goals — not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
A Note for Families of Students
If your family member is still in high school, the most important thing you can do right now is ask your school about transition planning. Washington State requires schools to begin this process by age 16, but research consistently shows that earlier is better. CAA’s free Transition Timeline PDF walks through key milestones from middle school through graduation.
Download the Transition Timeline (PDF) | Make a Referral to CAA → | Contact Columbia Ability Alliance
FAQ
What if we’ve already been through some of these steps but got stuck?
That’s common. Reach out to CAA directly and explain where you are in the process, sometimes the sticking point is one small piece of information or one missing connection, and our team can help you get unstuck.
What if my family member doesn’t want services right now?
That’s okay. Gathering information and beginning an eligibility application doesn’t obligate you to anything. It just means the door is open when you’re ready.
How long does all of this take?
It varies significantly by agency and situation. DVR tends to move faster than DDA, and DDA timelines depend on what services you need and whether there’s a waitlist. Starting early, especially before a student graduates, is the single biggest thing families can do to reduce waiting.
