Developmental Disabilities

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 Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities Program coordinates with districts and families to facilitate a coordinated and timely transition from school to work and adult services.

The County Developmental Disabilities Transition Coordinator can provide information and support to students and families navigating the adult service system and planning for transition. Contact [email protected] or 360-778-6012.

Our School to Work Navigator Program connects students with supported employment providers. Supported employment providers assess interests and skills and identify job goals. The goal is to increase work readiness and obtain employment before exiting school. 

To apply for the School to Work Navigator Program: 

• Student must be 18-22.
• Student must be eligible for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). 

We encourage students with all levels of disability to apply.

Whatcom County School to Work Navigator Program Application and Consent (PDF)

Community Inclusion services are individualized services provided in integrated community settings with other individuals without disabilities. The activities are based on client interests and provide opportunities typically experienced by the general public of similar age in their local community, accessible by public transit or a reasonable commute from their home. The goal of the service is to support clients to participate, contribute and develop relationships with community members who are not paid staff.

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:

• Cascade Connections.
• Washington Vocational Services.
• Work Opportunities.

The following are community information, education and support programs funded through the Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities Program. Stay connected to timely and accurate information about services, events, and resources.

Parent Coalition

The Parent Coalition provides leadership support for a broad-based coalition of individuals with developmental disabilities and their parents/guardians. It provides information and referral and serves as a resource for community members and caregivers in understanding and navigating the developmental disabilities service system.  

• The Arc of Whatcom County: Parent Coalition
• Phone: 360-715-0170

Parent to Parent

Parent to Parent provides emotional support and information to families of children with special needs or disabilities. Program supports include creating parent matches with trained "helping parents," support meetings, social and networking events, and a quarterly newsletter.

• The Arc of Whatcom County: Parent to Parent
• Phone: 360-715-0170

Youth Self Advocacy Project

The Youth Self Advocacy Project helps young adults with developmental disabilities identify and communicate their needs and interests and become strong self-advocates. Program support includes monthly meetings, an annual community project, and outreach to school districts and other partners.

• The Arc of Whatcom County: Self-Advocacy
• Whatcom County Self-Advocacy on Facebook
• Phone: 360-715-0170

Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS)

Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) is part of Whatcom Taking Action. The SEAS line is an access point for help with resources and service navigation for kids ages birth through 21 who have or may have special needs. A SEAS Navigator will listen and help families connect with services that best meet their needs.

• Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) Program
• Phone: 360-715-7485