Do you want to join a gym or community class, hang out with friends, meet new people, or just get out and explore? The following Home and Community-Based waiver services can help connect you to the people, places and activities that you choose.
Looking for something to do during the summer? Check out The Arc of Washington’s Summer Camp Resource Guide for children and youth with disabilities.
Eligibility for these services depends on your assessed need and provider availability in your area. Please talk to your DDA case manager about the program and services that work best for you.
Community Engagement
Get connected to activities and events in your area—such as the library, community center, gym or art classes. Or, maybe you need help finding an apartment, house, or a roommate? These are just some of the ways a Community Engagement provider can help you connect to people and places in your area, decrease isolation and learn through experience. Community Engagement is available on the Individual and Family Services, Basic Plus and Core waivers. Watch our Community Engagement video to learn more.
Community Inclusion
Get individualized support in an integrated community setting, with opportunities to learn, practice and apply skills that promote greater independence and inclusion in your community. Services include:
- Assistance to participate in activities, events and organizations in your local community.
- Opportunities to develop relationships and to learn, practice and apply skills that result in greater independence and community inclusion.
Requirements for DDA eligible clients:
- Nine months of participation in a DDA employment services for working age clients 21-61.
- People age 62 or older do not need nine months of participation in DDA employment services.
- DDA approved exception to the nine-month rule may be made for clients under age 62.
Read our Community Inclusion fact sheet and Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
Peer Mentoring
Get information from someone who knows from experience where to find activities and events in your community that are accessible and inclusive, such as:
- Sensory-friendly activities and events.
- People and groups in the disability community and beyond.
- Local resources.
Peer Mentoring is for people with disabilities, as well as parents. It’s available on the Individual and Family Services waiver and Children’s Intensive In-Home Behavior Supports waiver. Watch our Peer Mentoring video to learn more.
Respite in the Community
Get involved in recreational activities offered by a local organization or business that’s contracted as a Respite in the Community provider. If you live with your main caregiver, this service gives you both a break to do the things you want to do while making sure you get the support you need. It’s included in the Individual and Family Services, Children’s Intensive In-Home Behavioral Supports, Basic Plus and Core waiver (for those not receiving Residential services).
Specialized Habilitation
Learn how to handle complicated situations and changes, problem-solve when things don’t go well, build and maintain healthy relationships, learn safety skills, self-advocacy and more. Specialized Habilitation is available on the Individual and Family Services waiver, Basic Plus waiver, or the Core waiver for those not receiving residential services. Watch our Specialized Habilitation video to learn more.
Transportation
Do you need a ride to activities in your community when your family, friends, neighbors and other transportation options are not available? Waiver Transportation is designed to help you get from place to place in your community when you need help to access non-medical services, such as meeting with your community engagement provider or visiting your friend across town. It’s included on all five waiver programs.