Author: Tim McCue

New name for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) as part of the Department of Social and Health Service (DSHS) Reimagining

July 3, 2025

The Department of Social and Health Service (DSHS) have started a reimagining project to change how the department is structured. The new structure has two new administrations: Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA). HCLA administers all home and community-based services formerly provided by Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA).

Autism Acceptance Month – Let’s Celebrate All Year Long

May 6, 2025

April was Autism Acceptance Month—a time to celebrate neurodiversity and uplift the voices of autistic people. Governor Bob Ferguson signed a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month in Washington State. The DD Ombuds celebrates Autism acceptance and pride all year long. As part of his proclamation, Governor Ferguson encourages “All Washingtonians to educate

Tabletop RPGs: Fun and Accessible!

April 30, 2025

Tabletop roleplaying games (like Dungeons & Dragons) are games where you and friends sit around a table and tell a story together. You create characters and go on adventures by talking about what happens and rolling dice. These games can be fun and helpful for everyone. Here’s why you might enjoy them: Make Friends and

We Belong On The Stage

March 20, 2025

To show our support for accessibility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we have created this icon. The image depicts one individual in a wheelchair on a ramp, and one individual standing behind them, using a railing. Both individuals are going up the ramp to a platform where the words “I BELONG ON THE

DDA Home and Community Based Services and Health Care Authority Medicaid benefits for children, youth, and young adults

March 17, 2025

The Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) has a new publication to help people understand services for children, youth and young adults and how to access them. DDA HCBS and HCA Medicaid benefits for children, youth, and young adults. DDA and the Health Care Authority created this one-page document to show the range of treatments and services

Medicaid Matters

February 27, 2025

Medicaid Matters: How to Take Action and Stay Informed   The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State and Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) have created a campaign to help people understand and participate in potential changes coming to their Medicaid services. They have a new webpage and series of videos dedicated

We Belong On The Stage

February 12, 2025

We Belong On The Stage At a recent conference about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live in the community, seven people with disabilities presented on Supported Decision Making. However, the room they were assigned to had a stage that was only accessible by stairs. 5 out of 7 of the individuals can’t climb stairs

2025 Arc of Washington Legislation Session Notebook

December 13, 2024

The Arc of Washington State have released their 2025 Legislation Session Notebook! In the virtual notebook they have information about issues that advocates will take on during the legislation session. The notebook also has data about how services in Washington are being received. From the Arc of Washington “The legislative Notebook is your resource for

We make a difference together!

November 21, 2024

Hello, everyone! Exciting changes are happening in Washington State. We have a new governor, Bob Ferguson! That means this is a great time for everyone—especially people with disabilities—to get involved in the legislative process. As the new legislative season is just around the corner, it is important to make our voices heard! Having a new

Supported Decision Making and Alternatives to Guardianship Resources for Young Adults

October 15, 2024

There is a new resource to help youth and others understand the process of supporting decision making it is called the “Center on Youth Voice and Youth Choice” they have videos and a plain language glossary to help people understand their options. When youth are transitioning to adulthood they might be asked about Supported Decision