Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) The National Aging and Disability Resource Center Program (ADRC), is a collaborative effort of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Centers for ...
Washington State Resources for Parents of Children and Youth with Disabilities Parents of youth with disabilities have unique opportunities to promote their successful transition to postsecondary education, employment, and full adult ...
WASHINGTON DISABILITY RESOURCES AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS If you live in Washington and are a person with a disability, learning about state- specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for ...
-Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in Washington.
They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in Washington and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Washington, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The Washington state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is Disability Rights Washington (DRW). DRW is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in Washington to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. DRW is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
- Legal Foundation of Washington
- The Alliance for Equal Justice
- Office of Civil Legal Aid
- Northwest Justice Project
- Washington Access to Justice Board
- WashingtonLawHelp.org
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
- Equal Justice Coalition
- Washington State Senior Citizens' Lobby
- The Arc of Washington State
- Washington State Rehabilitation Council
- Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE)
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Washington.
- Washington Apple Health
- Washington Health Plan Finder (Apply for Medicaid)
- Medicaid.gov Washington page
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
- Washington Disability Support
- Access Washington
- Washington State Department of Health
- Community Living Connections
- PAVE
- Washington Children's Administration
Free assistance with transitioning from a nursing facility or institutional care to the community.
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- Washington Recovery Help Line
- Crisis Clinic
- Washington Suicide Hotlines
- Seattle Foundation Crisis Clinic
- Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Program and Advocacy Services
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging (W4A)
- Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
- Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
- Senior Services
- Washington State Association of Senior Centers
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Illinois disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Washington disability services.
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (information from The Arc of Washington State)
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (information from the Developmental Disabilities Administration)
- Washington Disability Support
- The Arc of Washington State
- Washington State Life Opportunities Trust
- Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- GoWise - Washington Initiative for Supported Employment
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
- Washington Access Fund
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Washington Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
- Washington State Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Behavioral Health Administration
- NAMI Washington
- Washington Community Mental Health Council
- Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Free or low-cost Washington disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
- Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Washington Disability Support
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
- Washington Access Fund
- Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
- Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury Council
- Brain Injury Alliance of Washington (BIAWA)
- Washington Disability Support
- Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
- Washington Access Fund
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
- Washington State Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Substance Use Treatment Services
- Substance Abuse Resources - Washington Recovery Help Line
- DrugRehab.com, resources and tools to overcome addiction and pursue lifelong recovery
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
- Low Income Housing Search - Tenants Union of Washington State
- aptfinder.org (Affordable apartment communities)
- Section 8 Housing Voucher Program
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help
- Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA) of Washington
- Low Income Housing Institute
Several disability assistance programs are available in Washington. The resources listed below are offered to qualified residents and are in addition to any other local or federal government programs. So in other words, an individual that is disabled may still be eligible for help from a local non-profit or other state of Washington or federal government low income programs.
The state works to provide these benefits to the disabled resident and also offers support to their caregiver or immediate family members. Staff are focused on giving the information and support that is needed. Several agencies in Washington are involved in providing assistance.
Disability Determination Services (DDS) is an organization that is made available to residents of Washington. This is the agency that is involved in deciding eligibility for cash assistance from SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), NGMA (Non-Grant Medical Assistance) and also SSI (Supplemental Security Income). A number of physicians, specialists, counselors, and psychologists are part of this organization and determine if someone is qualified for government social security benefits. They can assist on the application process, answer questions, and offer other support.
There are offices in Seattle, Olympia and Spokane Washington. They can assist disability applicants of Washington State. Staff help with completing applications, reconsiderations if someone was denied, perform ongoing continuing Disability Reviews, and they also oversee the disability hearing process. Call 1-800-772-1213 for more information on help with your application.
Mental Health Services are made available from the DSHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. This office works with about a dozen community based, Regional Support Networks (RSNs). Assistance is provided for people who are Medicaid-eligible.
The local RSNs are responsible for offering benefits that include services for those with serious mental illnesses, managing involuntary treatment, and other mental health care.
Social and Health Services can provide financial aid and government type assistance to the disabled. This benefit is generally only offered for qualified low income households in Washington. Examples of services are as follows.
- Medical assistance programs including health insurance. Pharmacy and drug information may be provided. Other health care can include dental care and Medicaid.
- Cash assistance includes TANF and short term grants.
- Food includes free, healthy and affordable groceries. Get help in finding a pantry or applying for SNAP food stamps.
Washington Department of Services for the Blind, or DSB, can assist both adults and children. The benefits offered to them will include counseling, referrals, and adaptive skills training. The staff will also provide residents with information and support on adjusting to vision loss. Job placement and training services will also be made available. Recreation activities and summer programs are also arranged for children with visual disabilities.
Additional employment assistance is offered to the blind or impaired. This can include Job Counseling, Skills of Blindness Training, School-to-Work Transition (offered for those age 14 to High School Graduation), and Assistive Technology equipment.
The Department will teach adaptive skills and provide job counseling to people who are blind or have low vision. The organization will serve youth, children and others who have low vision or are blind from birth through high school graduation.
Independent living skills can enable people to be independent and successful in school, in the home, on the job, and in their communities. Some examples of these adaptive skills include specialized computer software, classes on using Braille, and household activities. Call Services for the Blind at (206)721-4422.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ Aging and Disability Services Administration (ADSA) can help both older adults as well as the disabled in Washington. The organization can provide information, help clients apply for benefits, offer referrals to adult family and boarding homes, and provide more support.
Clients can find in-home services, locate residential care (nursing home and assisted living), resources to pay for care, legal and financial planning, and information on possible state of Washington and federal government benefits.
In-home care for adults may be arranged as well. This includes programs such as Assisted Living Facilities. These are set up in a community setting where staff assumes responsibility for the well-being and safety of the adult. Assistance provided may include free meals, laundry, housing, supervision, and varying levels of assistance. While more limited, some centers provide nursing care, offer specialized services for people with developmental disabilities, mental health issues, or even dementia.
Long term care is available from several locations and resources. Facilities and homes are available. A key consideration is whether the disabled client is using financial assistance such as Medicaid to pay for the home. Specific resources may include Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, and also Adult Family Homes.
Call the Aging and Disability Services Administration at 1-800-737-0617 for more details on these programs and benefits.
Washington Division of Developmental Disabilities offers numerous benefits. The agency provides assistance to residents with developmental disabilities, their caregivers and their families. This includes case management and information on adult family homes. For the very young, a program known as Early Support for Infants and Toddlers is available and can offer early intervention services. A few examples of the other resources available by the Aging and Disability Services Administration include employment and a day program, group homes, and home and community based services waivers. Clients with a disability can look into the Washington State Supplementary Payment (SSP) Program, which can pay for the purchase of respite, residential, therapy, and other necessary services. Call (360) 725-3413.
Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides help to job seekers. The assistance is focused on the disabled who want to and are able to work but face barriers.
Staff from DVR offer guidance and free counseling. Get help in locating and paying for assistive technology services. The organization will arrange job training and education classes for clients. One government benefit is Project HIRE, which strives to place VR eligible individuals in full-time mid-to-high range wage jobs with health insurance and other benefits.
The agency will provide individualized employment services, technical assistance and more. In general, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation strongly believes that employment contributes to a person’s ability to live independently and to be self-sufficient. They work to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve a greater quality of life through employment. 1-800-637-5627.
Washington Department of Health’s Asthma Program
Address is 101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 236-4030
Washington Department of Health’s Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
111 Israel Rd SE, Box 47855
Olympia, WA 98501
Main phone number is (800-525-0127, TTY Users dial 711)
Washington Department of Social and Health Services’ Aging & Disability Services Administration (ADSA), Living Well with Chronic Conditions
P.O. Box 45600
Olympia, WA 98504
Main phone number is (360) 725-2562
Washington Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
P.O. Box 45130
Olympia, WA 98504
1-800-737-0617
Alliance of People with Disabilities
Address is 4649 Sunnyside Ave North, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98103
Toll-free 1-866-545-7055
The Arc of Washington State
2638 State Avenue NE
Olympia, WA 98506
For information, call the toll-free number of 1-888-754-8798
Autism Society of Washington
Location is 1101 Eastside Street SE, Suite B
Olympia, WA 98501
Toll-free 1-888-279-4968
Brain Injury Association of Washington
Main address is 3516 South 47th Street, Suite 100
Tacoma, WA 98409
Toll-free (877) 824-1766 or (800) 523-5438
Learning Disabilities Association of Washington
16315 NE 87th Street, Suite #B-11
Redmond, WA 98052
Main phone number is (425) 882-0820
Maternal and Child Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs Program
Main address is 111 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 236-3502
National Multiple Sclerosis Greater Northwest Chapter
Office address is 192 Nickerson Street, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98109
Call (206) 284-4254 for intake.
Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America
Address is 616 SW 152nd Street, Suite B
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 241-1843
Spina Bifida Association of Washington State
Main number is 2128 North Pines Road, Suite 17-3
Spokane, WA 99206
1-888-289-3702
University of Washington, Center on Human Development and Disability
Box 357920
Seattle, WA 98195
Call (206) 543-7701
Washington Department of Commerce, Long Term Care Ombudsman
1200 South 336th Street
Federal Way, WA 98003
(253) 838-6810
Washington Department of Services for the Blind
Main address is 3411 South Alaska Street
Seattle, WA 98118
Dial (206) 721-4422 for details.
Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Disability Services Administration, Home and Community Service Division, Traumatic Brain Injury Lead Agency
P.O. Box 45600
Olympia, WA98504
Telephone: (360) 725-2533
Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Health and Recovery Services, Health Care Assistance (Medicaid)
P.O. Box 45505
Olympia, WA 98504
Main number is 1-800-562-3022
Washington Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
P.O. Box 45301
Olympia, WA 98504
Toll-free 1-800-422-7930
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Old Capitol Building, P.O. Box 47200, 600 Washington Street S.E.
Olympia, WA 98504
Main phone number is (360) 725-6000
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
Address is 2600 Martin Way E., Suite F
Olympia, WA 98506
Toll-free 1-800-634-4473
Washington State Rehabilitation Council
Location is 4565 7th Ave SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Toll-free 1-866-252-2939