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.
Adult Protective Services receives and investigates reports of allegations of abuse, abandonment, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults living in the community and in facilities.
Pierce County Developmental Disabilities contracts & monitors delivery of employment and community inclusion services for adults (ages 21 & over) with developmental disabilities.
Aging and Disability Resources offers a wide range of community-based services that allow older adults and adults with disabilities to remain at home as long as possible. These services address the needs of frail, older and functionally disabled adults living in Pierce County. ADR can review your service needs and eligibility, help you make informed choices and access services, help you develop a plan that addresses your health, housing and safety needs, review your situation and help you make changes to the plan as needed. ADR provides case management, family caregiver support, services to help unpaid caregivers caring for aging parents, ailing spouses, partners, disabled adult children, or friends suffering from a debilitating illness, Long Term Care Ombudsman, and an Aging & Disability Resource Center. ADR also provides Lifespan Respite care (or short-term relief) for families and primary caregivers to restore and strengthen their ability to continue providing care for a child or adult with special needs. Please visit our website or call for more information.
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA)
ALTSA provides home and community services, residential care services, and an office of the deaf and hard of hearing. We care for seniors and people with disabilities living with good health, independence, dignity, and control over decisions that affect their lives.
Americans with Disabilities Act Office (ADA)
Disabilities Rights Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice
The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life - to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin - and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - the ADA is an "equal opportunity" law for people with disabilities.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) transforms lives by supporting sustainable recovery, independence and wellness. We do this through funding and supporting effective prevention and intervention services for youth and families, and treatment and recovery support for youth and adults with addiction and mental health conditions (also known as behavioral health). It operates three state psychiatric hospitals and the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services that deliver high-quality services to adults and children with complex needs.
Child Protective Services
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families
Child Protective Services is a state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect. Child safety is the first concern of Child Protective Services. They will work with both parents to safely care for their child. CPS can also go to court to remove a child from the parents' care if necessary to protect the child. CPS files a "dependency petition" with the court if it believes that the child has been abused or neglected or is at risk of harm and must be removed from the mother and/or father's care. This begins a court process called a dependency case. At the court hearings, the CPS worker and both the mother and the father can provide information to the court. The judge or commissioner decides issues such as where the child should live, what services are needed to support the family and/or return the child to his or her mother or father and how often visits between the parents and child should occur.
Child Protective Services
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families
Child Protective Services is a state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect. Child safety is the first concern of Child Protective Services. They will work with both parents to safely care for their child. CPS can also go to court to remove a child from the parents' care if necessary to protect the child. CPS files a "dependency petition" with the court if it believes that the child has been abused or neglected or is at risk of harm and must be removed from the mother and/or father's care. This begins a court process called a dependency case. At the court hearings, the CPS worker and both the mother and the father can provide information to the court. The judge or commissioner decides issues such as where the child should live, what services are needed to support the family and/or return the child to his or her mother or father and how often visits between the parents and child should occur.
Child Protective Services
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families
Child Protective Services is a state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect. Child safety is the first concern of Child Protective Services. They will work with both parents to safely care for their child. CPS can also go to court to remove a child from the parents' care if necessary to protect the child. CPS files a "dependency petition" with the court if it believes that the child has been abused or neglected or is at risk of harm and must be removed from the mother and/or father's care. This begins a court process called a dependency case. At the court hearings, the CPS worker and both the mother and the father can provide information to the court. The judge or commissioner decides issues such as where the child should live, what services are needed to support the family and/or return the child to his or her mother or father and how often visits between the parents and child should occur.
CSTC is the only state-operated and funded psychiatric hospital for children and youth who have psychological and safety needs that cannot be met in their community. The Children’s Long-Term Inpatient Program Administration manages referrals to CSTC in coordination with the family/guardian and local Behavioral Health Organizations/Managed Care Organizations. Accredited by the Joint Commission, CSTC provides culturally competent care to children and youth with severe emotional and behavioral disorders that are typically complicated by medical, social, legal and developmental issues. The psychiatric treatment/therapy program is based on the most current evidence-based practices including, but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT. Clinical services include psychiatric/medical oversight, medication management and 24-hour nursing services.
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 Community Protection Program offers an array of specialized supports within a supported living model which are designed to assist those individuals that have been identified as a potential risk to the safety of the community. Eligibility for the program is determined by: regional committees and is based on a client's history; a formal risk assessment which is completed by a qualified professional contracted with DDA; the client's voluntary agreement to participate.
Services and programs offered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration include: Advanced Home Care Aide Specialist Pilot Project (AHCAS), American Indians & Alaska Natives, Assistive Technology, Community Engagement and Community Guide, Consumer Directed Employer, Electronic Visit Verification, Home Care Referral Registry of Washington State, Non-Residential Services & Programs, Person Centered Practice - Resources and Information, Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review Program (PASRR), Program Fact Sheets, Residential Provider Resources, Child Development Services, Community Residential Services - Adults, Community Residential Services - Children, Employment and Day Programs, Medicare Reimbursement Program, Nursing Services, Residential Habilitation Centers, Respite Services, Stabilization Services, Roads to Community Living, and Waiver Program.
Services and programs offered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration include: Advanced Home Care Aide Specialist Pilot Project (AHCAS), American Indians & Alaska Natives, Assistive Technology, Community Engagement and Community Guide, Consumer Directed Employer, Electronic Visit Verification, Home Care Referral Registry of Washington State, Non-Residential Services & Programs, Person Centered Practice - Resources and Information, Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review Program (PASRR), Program Fact Sheets, Residential Provider Resources, Child Development Services, Community Residential Services - Adults, Community Residential Services - Children, Employment and Day Programs, Medicare Reimbursement Program, Nursing Services, Residential Habilitation Centers, Respite Services, Stabilization Services, Roads to Community Living, and Waiver Program.
Services and programs offered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration include: Advanced Home Care Aide Specialist Pilot Project (AHCAS), American Indians & Alaska Natives, Assistive Technology, Community Engagement and Community Guide, Consumer Directed Employer, Electronic Visit Verification, Home Care Referral Registry of Washington State, Non-Residential Services & Programs, Person Centered Practice - Resources and Information, Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review Program (PASRR), Program Fact Sheets, Residential Provider Resources, Child Development Services, Community Residential Services - Adults, Community Residential Services - Children, Employment and Day Programs, Medicare Reimbursement Program, Nursing Services, Residential Habilitation Centers, Respite Services, Stabilization Services, Roads to Community Living, and Waiver Program.
The Developmental Disabilities Program contracts with various agencies in the community to provide services for residents of Pierce County and their families. The program is responsible for: county-wide information and education, early intervention services for children with developmental delays from birth to three years, and employment and community access programs for adults 21 and older. Primary funding for all services comes from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, the Department of Early Learning Supports for Infants and Toddlers Program, and School Districts.
DVR believes employment contributes to a person’s ability to live independently and everyone has a right to work. Our purpose is to empower people with disabilities to achieve a greater quality of life by obtaining and maintaining employment. As a division of the Department of Social and Health Services, with offices located throughout Washington, DVR has partnered with communities for over 70 years to help meet the employment needs of people with disabilities and employers.
DVR believes employment contributes to a person’s ability to live independently and everyone has a right to work. Our purpose is to empower people with disabilities to achieve a greater quality of life by obtaining and maintaining employment. As a division of the Department of Social and Health Services, with offices located throughout Washington, DVR has partnered with communities for over 70 years to help meet the employment needs of people with disabilities and employers.
Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) is a voluntary program serving runaway adolescents, and youth in conflict with their families. The program targets adolescents between the ages of 12 through 17. FRS services are meant to resolve crisis situations and prevent unnecessary out of home placement. They are not long term services. The services will assess and stabilize the family's situation. The goal is to return the family to a pre-crisis state and to work with the family to identify alternative methods of handling similar conflicts. If longer-term service needs are identified, FRS will help facilitate getting the youth and his/her family into on-going services.
The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.
Informing Families is a resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, in collaboration with the Developmental Disabilities Administration and other partners throughout the state. We offer trusted news and information to individuals and families that empowers them to be active participants in planning and building a network of support and opportunities. Our advisory committee is composed of family members and representatives of DDA and other agencies. They ensure that the issues we follow are relevant to the needs and interests of individuals and families - not just today, but into tomorrow, by offering tools and tips on planning for the future. Informing Families is growing, reaching out to more and more families through social media, e-news, videos, and a large library of original content. Please visit our website for more information.
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, ages birth through 21, by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes formula grants to states, and discretionary grants to institutions of higher education and other non-profit organizations, to support research, demonstrations, technical assistance, dissemination, technology, personnel development,parent-training, and information centers.
The Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner protects insurance consumers and oversees the insurance industry. We make sure insurance companies follow the rules and people get the coverage they've paid for. Each year, we answer questions and investigate problems for nearly 100,000 people and maintain a statewide network of volunteers who advise consumers on health-coverage issues.
Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 public education in Washington state. Led by State School Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI works with the state’s 295 school districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform on behalf of more than one million public school students. We want all students to be prepared for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement. Our mission is to Transform K-12 education to a system that is centered on closing opportunity gaps and is characterized by high expectations for all students and educators. We achieve this by developing equity-based policies and supports that empower educators, families, and communities.
It is the mission of Pierce County Emergency Management to create resilent communitites and enhance public safety by empowering the whole community in Pierce County to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all types of hazards, emergencies and disasters. (See more detailed information in the Disaster Information category section.)
Rainier School is a habilitation center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities located within the city limits of Buckley, Washington about a mile-and-a-half from downtown. The campus is situated in a peaceful country setting with a unique and prominent view of Mount Rainier. Rainier School's population is about 310 adults with a wide variety of abilities and needs. 24-hour residential care and teaching is provided in the areas of work or vocational training, leisure activities, social relationships, and everyday life tasks. Programs and services are individualized and designed to enhance self-determination and maximize independence. Rainier School is an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) program certified by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Compliance with the ICF/IID regulations enables the state to obtain federal matching funds for this program. Facilities in this program are subject to regular, rigorous surveys to ensure quality care and treatment.
Pierce County’s School to Work Program is designed to assist eligible transition students in obtaining paid employment prior to exiting school. Students enrolled in the program will work directly with a supported employment agency that will collaborate with the student, their parent(s)/guardian, school district staff, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The goal is to help the student find a good job before exiting the school district’s transition program, thus make a seamless transition into the adult services system. Please visit our website for more information on eligibility criteria and steps to enroll.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. People who have worked long enough may also be able to receive Social Security disability or retirement benefits as well as SSI. Please visit our website for more information.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. People who have worked long enough may also be able to receive Social Security disability or retirement benefits as well as SSI. Please visit our website for more information.
Social Security Disability Resource Center (SSDRC)
Social Security Disability Resource Center (SSDRC)
The goal of SSDRC.COM, the Social Security Disability Resource Center, is to inform readers about how the Social Security Disability and SSI Disability process works from start to finish. This includes what to expect before, during, and after a disability application has been processed, common mistakes that need to be avoided, and what to do and how to react in specific situations (for example receiving notices of denial, obtaining the status of the claim at different points, providing needed evidence, and undergoing a disability interview with a Social Security Claims Representative).
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. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination, and transform the way HUD does business.
The mission of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is to ensure our nation has the safest, most efficient and modern transportation system in the world, which improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.
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 State Department of Children, Youth & Families - Child Care/Early Learning
Early Achievers provides a framework for improving the quality of early care in Washington. It provides a rating system for child care providers based on observable elements of quality that we know are good for kids.
Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families - Child Care/Early Learning
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) provides regulatory oversight for our state’s financial service providers. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state's general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. The department's five divisions regulate a wide range of financial enterprises and individuals, such as: banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, payday lenders, and securities issuers and salespeople. Please visit our website for more information.
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
Provides rehabilitation services and vocational rehabilation to those with low vision or who are blind. Serves children, youth, adults, and senior citizens.
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.
Washington State’s Employment Security Department provides: unemployment benefits/taxes, paid leave resources, jobs/training (WorkSource), employer resources, labor market resources. For more information and office locations, please visit our website.
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 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.
Free service providing talking books and braille books by mail or download, including locally produced titles of Pacific Northwest authors and interests. The collections are also available for loan to agencies serving eligible patrons. Youth services include a summer reading program and special events throughout the state.
Western State Hospital
Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
WSH provides evaluation and inpatient treatment for individuals with serious or long-term mental illness. Patients are referred to the hospital through their Behavioral Health Organization, the civil court system when individuals meet the criteria for involuntary treatment, or through the criminal justice system.
