Pierce County Resource Guide to Services and Supports for Individuals
Who Experience Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
(section links below).
Please call our office at 253.564.0707 to make arrangements to pick up your copy!
Dear Reader:
This Pierce County Resource Guide is dedicated to the hard work and commitment of those who have endeavored
timelessly over the years to “keep the promise.”
We want to acknowledge the generous support of Pierce County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities
Program, in providing the funds to update and print this important comprehensive guide to services and supports
for individuals who experience intellectual/ developmental disabilities. This important tool will assist you in
navigating the public and private programs and services available throughout Pierce County and beyond.
The Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2) welcomes the opportunity to assist individuals
and families in finding the services and programs that best meet your needs. We are here to answer your calls
if you need further assistance. Whether you are an individual who experiences an intellectual/developmental
disability, have a family member who experiences an intellectual/developmental disability, work within the disability
field, or are in the general community, we welcome your questions and concerns.
We acknowledge that, when compiling this complex list of resources, there are changes that can occur during the
production process. Please know that every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of agency
information.
The Adult Family Home Council is a mission driven member organization formed in 1995 providing adult family home providers with resources and training covering all aspects of their business. The Adult Family Home Council supports 11 regional chapters that conduct regular meetings, continuing education, and networking opportunities. The Adult Family Home Council also advocates on behalf of AFH providers with the state legislature, the Department of Social and Health Services, as a member of the Washington State Senior Citizen’s Lobby, and is the exclusively recognized representative of adult family homes for purposes of collective bargaining.
Child Welfare Information Gateway connects professionals and the general public to information and resources targeted to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. A service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to programs, research, laws and policies, training resources, statistics, and much more.
The Cross-Cultural Collaborative of Pierce County (CCC) was formed to innovate and implement effective, collaborative approaches to reducing health disparities across racial, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic lines. Since our inception, we have sought to institutionalize a culture of collaboration.
DD Ombuds work to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities by providing various services. If you need support, but don’t know where to go, the DD Ombuds will try to provide resources to point you in the right direction. We work with individuals with developmental disabilities, families, or legal representatives to try and resolve complaints about services. We regularly visit locations where individuals are receiving services, such as private and state-run supported living, institutions, group homes, private residences, and even employment or recreation. We make recommendations to service providers, the state and the Legislature on how to improve services.
Friends of Rainier (FOR) is the recognized support group of families, guardians and friends of the residents of the state run central core facility, Rainier School for the Developmentally Disabled, in Buckley, WA. FOR was incorporated as a federally approved 501(c)3 non-profit in 1977. Our stated goals have always been to promote general welfare of all developmentally disabled people, but especially those at Rainier School. We meet regularly as a group with Rainier School staff, and raise funds to organize socials, parties and picnics on campus.
Friends of Russell is committed to embracing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to provide assistance on the way to a full and authentic quality of life. Friends of Russell coordinates fundraising events and projects to raise money for the autism cause. Please visit our website for more information and our upcoming events.
Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment
Kaitlin’s Mobility Foundation provides funds and resources for families with special needs children ages 18 and under, with a purpose to offset the cost of mobility equipment that is medically and/or conveniently necessary. Funds are distributed on a non-discriminatory basis regardless of sex, race, religion, economic status, income level or family size. It is recognized that mobility equipment designed specifically for disabled children is expensive, and individual families may not reasonably have available financial assistance from which to offset the tremendous cost of such equipment. Therefore, Kaitlin’s Mobility Foundation is established to assist families through all phases of their child’s life in support of providing equipment that is beneficial and/or convenient to their quality of life.
Kid’s Mental Health Pierce County is a group of agencies and professionals dedicated to improving child and adolescent mental health treatment and prevention in Pierce County. We are focused on accomplishing the following: developing a one-step collaborative that serves as a single point of access to child and adolescent mental health services, increasing support and expansion of mobile crisis response teams, and promoting and supporting workforce development and continued training in child and adolescent mental health. Please visit our website for more information and resources.
The Lakewood Community Collaboration is comprised of caring community members representing a wide array of social and community services. The Lakewood Community Collaboration’s purpose: “Networking for better services for all people of Lakewood.” The Collaboration meets monthly and is open to everyone interested in working together for a healthy community.
Lakewood's CHOICE began in 2013 with a vision to see drug prevention become a priority to see healthy families and resilient youth. After listening, learning, & doing a thorough community needs assessment in 2017, Lakewood's CHOICE expanded beyond Springbrook. Since inception and subsequent impact in Springbrook, Lakewood's CHOICE has expanded the community of focus to include all students of the Clover Park School District. Lakewood's CHOICE is a group of community members, youth serving agencies, school staff, youth, & caring adults.
Lifespan Respite WA (LRW) offers grant awards for unpaid, unserved family and other caregivers living in Washington. Grant awards are on a first come, first serve basis with statewide distribution of the available funding. Grant recipients then select their respite option from the current list of registered respite providers. In some circumstances, a particular respite provider may become a registered provider in order to serve a family. Eligibility includes the individual receiving the care being of any age (lifespan) and having a special need, condition, and/or disability and they are a currently an unpaid care provider. Respite services vary, including in-home care, adult day, overnight care, parks/recreation programs, camps, and equine services. Grant recipients have 90 days to utilize their award. To learn more about eligibility, how to apply and other respite services visit www.lifespanrespitewa.org/. (Located on the Tacoma Community College Campus in parking lot “I” as you enter from 12th Street; opposite side of the campus from TACID.)
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We believe that every baby deserves the best possible start. Unfortunately, not all babies get one. We are changing that. Today we educate medical professionals and the public about best practices; we support lifesaving research; we provided comfort and support to families in NICUs; and we advocate for those who need us most, moms and babies. We are stronger and more committed than ever to guiding moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey. We are fighting for the smallest among us and advocating for their health each and every day. And we do so with the tools, technology and knowledge needed to build a brighter future for us all.
PartnerCafe is a consortium of city, state and federal agency decision-makers, including non-profit and faith-based organizations. We invite the community, the recipients of policies decided without their input, to share their experiences so we can change for the better. The vacuum we all work so hard to fill is the group’s recognition that we are interdependent. Each sector and each individual have an equal seat at the table. We work to improve social issues, develop “safe” places where voices make a difference, find common ground, and courageously make changes in how we view disparities in order to collectively “transform the lives of vulnerable populations.” We consist of “subject matter experts,” leaders and policy-makers in our respective fields. But we are also mothers, fathers, and disabled youth / adults, activists, and community members who made a decision to be led by and learn from the most vulnerable among us. That is who we are. Engage, inform then act, is what we do.
Pierce County Coordinated Transportation Coalition
The Pierce County Coordinated Transportation Coalition (PCCTC) is a group of people representing human services agencies, private and nonprofit transportation providers, the Medicaid transportation broker, local public transportation agencies, and people who use transportation services. The PCCTC works to make it easier for seniors, individuals with disabilities and people with low incomes to get to work or school, medical or social service appointments, shopping, recreation and social activities. The PCCTC develops the local Coordinated Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan outlining strategies to meet the ever increasing transportation needs in Pierce County, including rural areas such as Buckley, Bonney Lake, Carbonado, Eatonville, Graham, McKenna, Orting, Roy, Sumner and Wilkeson.
Pierce County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
The Pierce County Developmental Disabilities Board assists and advises Pierce County Human Services on: services to individuals with developmental disabilities, the development of their five-year plan, evaluation of ongoing programs, and the selection of contractors. Board members have a responsibility to receive and provide information related to board activities involving stakeholders, such as parents, individuals with disabilities, agency staff and other interested community members.
Pierce County Interagency Coordinating Council coordinates and fosters development of a comprehensive countywide system of accessible early intervention (EI) services. Parents, local school district representatives, military personnel and programs, professionals who provide support, medical and hospital providers, government programs and supports, and any community member interested in early intervention services are encouraged to attend our meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Meeting location: Pierce County Tacoma Mall Plaza, Room 210.
Pierce Transit Community Transportation Advisory Group (CTAG)
The Pierce Transit Community Transportation Advisory Group (CTAG) is a nine-member advisory group that provides input to the Board of Commissioners. It was chartered to offer an opportunity for community stakeholders to provide feedback and suggest improvements and recommendations on plans, policies, and services offered by Pierce Transit. CTAG was created to provide a forum for interactive discussions that encourages community stakeholder input, creating a two-way conduit to inform and get information out to the public; represent the interests of the community and assist staff and the Board of Commissioners in meeting strategic priorities. They provide input to the Board of Commissioners on local public transportation issues such as: service changes, Title VI requirements, strategic plans, budget, fare structures, transit amenities, and other issues.
Project Child Success is a grassroots initiative aimed at making Pierce County, Washington a child centered community. Organizations and individuals from all walks of life come together to achieve the vision that all children thrive in nurturing relationships and environments. Together, we are cultivating community action that strengthens Pierce County families. To us, a child centered community is one where children and families have: concrete support, knowledge of child development, social connections, resilience, and social emotional competence of children. Please visit our website for more information.
Our Union represents more than 45,000 long-term care workers providing quality home care, nursing home care, and residential services in Washington and Montana. Since being founded in 2002, by uniting together, standing strong, and making our voices heard, caregivers have doubled those wages - and experienced caregivers earn even more. But we’re not stopping there! Every time we go back to the bargaining table, we’re fighting for better wages, healthcare, PTO, paid family leave, L&I, retirement, and the right for those we care for to live dignified lives. Not only does being a part of our Union mean you have benefits, but you also have representation and rights. Whether you’ve experienced issues with your paycheck or had unfair terminations or disciplinary action against you in your career with the State of Washington or Montana, your agency, or your nursing home - you have the right to representation should any of this happen to you. Our Union is made of and for caregivers, from our democratically elected board, to the members of our bargaining teams. Caregivers make our Union strong.
Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) is a coalition of over 200 people with developmental disabilities interested in shaping public policy in Washington State. SAIL is unique because the members of the coalition have developmental disabilities as well as the support staff. People with disabilities can have a powerful voice in the legislature. We have been gathering together to learn about how the legislative process works and then putting those skills to work on at least one bill each session since 2004.
The South Sound Autism Partnership is a collaboration between individuals, families, providers, and organizations who are part of the autism community within the South Puget Sound area of Washington State. Our primary purpose is to increase awareness, acceptance and advocacy of autism in order to provide support for our community and impact change. We have monthly resource sharing meetings on the UW Tacoma campus. Anyone is welcome to attend. Please email us for more information! Our goals are: to strengthen and coordinate the existing resources through building authentic relationships in the South Puget Sound area that serve our community; to identify and further clarify the unmet needs of our community and help develop resources to meet those needs; to provide comprehensive information regarding needed supports for our community throughout the lifespan.
The WEA Special Education Support Center provides training to all educators (including administrators and pre-service teachers), as well as to parents and service organizations. We collaborate with numerous organizations to assure that educators and the families they serve have a clear understanding of state and federal rules and best practices related to students with disabilities. Please visit our website for more information regarding our team, outreach and news.
Tacoma Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium
The Tacoma Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium provides community education and advocacy to represent its members in expanding opportunities for non-profit corporations and others to finance, produce, and manage housing for low-income people. Our vision is for all residents of Tacoma Pierce County to have access to decent, safe, and affordable housing. Please visit our website for more information.
Educators, service professionals, families, and advocates of the disabilities community meet monthly to discuss ways to coordinate efforts and resources and share best practices while supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities & learning disabilities who are transitioning from high school to work or post-secondary options. Meetings held second Tuesday of each month during the school year at Elmer’s Restaurant, 7427 South Hosmer Street in Tacoma, 7-8:30 a.m. All meetings are open to the public and we encourage students and parents to attend. (No meetings held in July or August.)
The Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board is now a leading source of information on accessible design. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and electronic/information technology. It also provides technical assistance and training on these requirements and on accessible design, and continues to enforce accessibility standards that cover federally-funded facilities.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC, along with state and local civil rights enforcement agencies, work together to enforce the part of the ADA that prohibits job discrimination. Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offered by EEOC as an alternative to the traditional investigative or litigation process. Mediation is an informal process in which a neutral third party helps the opposing parties reach a voluntary, negotiated resolution on a charge of discrimination.
Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA) expands access to healthcare, education and services for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s) & related intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our vision is for all families in Washington State to have the resources they need to support the well-being of loved ones with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please visit our website for more information.
The Washington Council of the Blind (WCB) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting opportunity, equality, and independence in the blind community through education, public awareness, and advocacy. WCB is a diverse state-wide consortium of local chapters committed to fostering lifestyles that reflect participation, productivity, independence, and dignity. Affiliated with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), WCB is the largest organization of blind consumers in Washington State.
The Washington Council of the Blind (WCB) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting opportunity, equality, and independence in the blind community through education, public awareness, and advocacy. WCB is a diverse state-wide consortium of local chapters committed to fostering lifestyles that reflect participation, productivity, independence, and dignity. Affiliated with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), WCB is the largest organization of blind consumers in Washington State.
Washington State Council for Children with Behavior Disorders
Washington State Council for Children with Behavior Disorders
CCBD is an international community of educators serving as the voice and vision of special education for children and youth with or at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders. CCBD is a diverse, vibrant professional organization that works together and with others to ensure that these students are valued and included in all aspects of life. CCBD is a trusted leader in shaping education policy and practice and is globally renowned for its expertise and leadership in: promoting and publishing research that improves policy and practice for children and youth with or at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders; providing professional development opportunities that improve policy and practice for children and youth with or at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders; advocating on behalf of individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders and partnering with other organizations and individuals who share this commitment; and extending critical professional support to our colleagues in these endeavors, the members of CCBD.
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC)
The Washington Developmental Disabilities Council’s mission is to advocate, promote and implement policies and practices to create pathways to meaningful, integrated and productive lives for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities over the life course. Developmental Disabilities Council members are appointed by the Governor to plan comprehensive services for the State of Washington’s citizens with developmental disabilities.
The mission of the WSHRC is to eliminate and prevent discrimination in Washington State through the fair application of the law, efficient use of resources, and establishment of productive partnerships in the community. The Washington State Human Rights Commission enforces the Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60).
Washington State Independent Living Council (WASILC)
The Washington State Independent Living Council is a statewide cross disability network supporting the independent living philosophy for people with disabilities through advocacy, education, planning, and collaboration, and is charged with the development and monitoring of the State Independent Living Plan. Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act, the Council is Governor appointed and at least 51% of council members are people with disabilities.
Washington State Medical Home Partnerships Project
Washington State Department of Health, Center on Human Development & Disability, University of WA
The Washington State Medical Home Partnerships Project for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs helps primary health care doctors and nurses, other health care providers, families and communities improve care for children and youth, particularly those with special health care needs, and their families. We provide support through connections and technical assistance to state and local groups working to improve collaborative care for children and youth, especially those with or at risk for disabilities or chronic health conditions and their families. Please visit our website for more information.
Washington State Office of the Family and Children Ombudsman (OFCO)
The Mission of the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds is to protect children and parents from harmful agency action or inaction, and to make agency officials and state policy makers aware of system-wide issues in the child protection and child welfare system so they can improve services. The Family and Children’s Ombuds investigates complaints about agency actions or inaction that involve: any child at risk of abuse, neglect, or other harm and a child or parent involved with child protection or child welfare services. We intervene in cases in which we have determined that an agency’s action or inaction is unauthorized or unreasonable. In addition to addressing complaints, we work to identify system-wide issues and recommend appropriate changes in public reports to the Governor, the Legislature and agency officials.
Washington State Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. Our purpose is to protect and promote the resident rights guaranteed these residents under federal and state law and regulations. We are trained to receive complaints and resolve problems in situations involving quality of care, use of restraints, transfer and discharge, abuse and other aspects of resident dignity and rights. We serve: residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes and veteran’s homes, relatives and friends of residents in long-term care facilities, administrators and employees of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes and veterans’ homes, any group or individual concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities, and the community-at-large.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Washington State Rehabilitation Council (WSRC), have developed a policy partnership for the purpose of increasing the number of Washingtonians with disabilities who are employed and achieving economic advancement. DVR contributes to our partnership by providing guidance, counseling, services, and supports that job seekers with disabilities need to overcome barriers to employment and go to work. The WSRC contributes to our partnership by making sure that the vocational rehabilitation service system is working well for the people it serves.
Washington State Special Education Advisory Council, OSPI
The SEAC consists of members appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction who are committed to quality education for children with disabilities. The council consists of individuals from across the state in many areas of expertise and interest. The SEAC members focus on statewide issues impacting special education. The SEAC believes that all students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education in a safe environment that is conducive to learning.
Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Advisory Council
Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Advisory Council
Created from House Bill 2055 and approved by the Washington State Legislature in 2007, the intent of the TBI Advisory Council is to bring together expertise from the public and private sector to address the needs and gaps in services for this community. The council is composed of 25 members from the public and private sector and includes individuals with TBI, medical professionals serving individuals living with TBI, human service providers, family members of individuals with TBI, caregivers serving individuals with TBI and state agency representatives. For more information, to apply to sit on the council, or for the council’s meeting schedule, please visit our website.
