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Developmental Disabilities
The Developmental Disabilities Program contracts with various agencies in the community to provide services for residents of Whatcom County with developmental disabilities and their families. Learn more about:
- Child Development Services for infants and toddlers birth to age 3.
- Pathways to Employment and Community Inclusion Services for Adults 21+.
- School to Work Program.
- Information and Family Support.
- Find out how your agency can become a County qualified service provider.
- Attend a Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board meeting.
Upcoming Events
Whatcom County School to Work Transition Fair
- Date/Time: Monday, March 27, 9am-12pm.
- Location: Settlemyer Hall, Bellingham Technical College (3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham).
- Event Details: For students with developmental and other disabilities, families, educators, and interested community members. Both middle and high school aged students and their families are encouraged to attend.
All are welcome who are interested in thinking about the future and transition into adulthood! Come and learn about: Housing, recreation, advocacy, employment, guardianship, community/technical colleges, Social Security, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and other topics.
- Additional Information: Masks encouraged, but not required. This event is in an accessible location.
- For more information please contact or requests for additional accommodations, contact us at (360) 778-6012 or [email protected]. Please call 10 working days in advance.
Programs and Services
Our Developmental Disabilities program contracts with organizations throughout Whatcom County to provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Find out more about programs and services and how to access them, below.
These services support infants and toddlers with disabilities and delays and their families to maximize and enhance their child’s development. Services are provided in home and community settings.
Who this service is for: Children from birth up to age 3 with a disability or delay meeting the below criteria, and their families.
- Demonstrate delay of 1.5 standard deviation or 25% of chronological age delay in one or more developmental areas.
- Has a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of delay.
Get connected to services: Call the SEAS line (Single Entry Access to Services) for a referral: 360-715-7485
These agencies are qualified Child Development Services Providers:
Supported Employment Services help adults with developmental disabilities to find and keep a job, regardless of their disability. Participants get personalized support to:
- Identify their skills, interests, and employment goals.
- Explore job interests and build job skills.
- Identify and address barriers to employment
- Market their job skills to employers and apply and interview for jobs.
- Get on-the-job training and instruction to complete job tasks.
Who this service is for: Adults age 21 and older.
Get connected to services: For a referral to this program, contact your Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Case Manager at 360-714-5000.
These agencies are qualified Supported Employment providers:
- Cascade Connections.
- Kulshan Supported Employment.
- Work Opportunities.
- Washington Vocational Services.
The School to Work program connects students with adult supported employment providers while they are still in school to assist students to explore and obtain gainful employment and ensure a timely and effective transition from school to work and adult life.
Who this service is for: Adult in their second to last and last year of school ages 19-21. Students must by eligible with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
Get connected to services: Contact the Whatcom County Transition Coordinator to see if you are eligible and to receive an application. Call 360-778-6012 or email [email protected].
Community Inclusion programs supports adults with developmental disabilities to engage in community-based activities that support socialization, education, recreation and personal development. Services may include support for the following:
- Participate in integrated activities, events, and organizations in the local community in ways similar to same age peers.
- Build and strengthen relationships with others in the community who are not paid to be with the person.
- Finding places where an individual’s interests, culture, talents, and gifts can be contributed and shared with others with similar interests.
- Provide opportunities for people to do things they enjoy, as well as new and interesting things.
- Support participation in clubs, associations, and organizations as members and in decision-making capacities
Who this service is for: Adults 21+ referred by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
Get connected to services: For a referral to this program, contact your DDA Case Manager at 360-714-5000.
These agencies are qualified Community Inclusion providers:
Additional Resources
- High School Transition Connections Brochure - for students exiting high school
- Transition Resource Guide (PDF)
- Whatcom County Developmental Disability Plan (PDF)
Websites
- Arc of Whatcom County
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
- Informing Families: Information and Resources on Washington State Developmental Disabilities Services
- Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) and Whatcom Taking Action: Resources for Children and Youth with Special Needs
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