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Developmental Disabilities
The Developmental Disabilities Program works with community partners to provide services for residents of Pierce County and their families. The program is responsible for:
- County-wide information and education,
- Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program for children birth to three years,
- Employment and community inclusion programs for adults 21 and older, and
- Assist eligible transition students to obtain paid employment prior to exiting school at age 21.
Primary funding for all services comes from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Department of Children, Youth & Families.
Services for You and Your Family
- Information & Education
- Early Support for Infants & Toddlers
- Community Inclusion
- School to Work
- Supported Employment
Information and Education Services
Community Information and Outreach provides critical supports for individuals and families who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. DD contracts with community organizations to provide these services as well as providing some directly.
- Outreach and education
- Resource and referral
- System navigation
- Parent to Parent and parent groups
- Self-advocate leadership development and engagement
Heidi Scheibner, Community Outreach and Education Program Specialist
253-281-3369
[email protected]
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (also known or called Early Intervention) are designed to build upon family strengths by providing case management and services to support children with developmental delays and disabilities through everyday learning opportunities. Services are individualized, and may include, but not limited to:
- Specialized Instruction,
- Speech Therapy,
- Occupational Therapy,
- Physical Therapy,
- Infant Mental Health,
- Vision Services,
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services.
For Referrals:
Online Referral Form
Phone: 253-798-3790
Fax: 253-798-2818
[email protected]
Contact person:
Brayde Willson, ESIT Program Specialist
253-306-2068
[email protected]
Community Inclusion
Community Inclusion or "Cl": means 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. These services may be authorized for individuals age 62 and older. These services may be authorized in addition to or instead of employment support (Individual Employment or Group Supported Employment) for working age individuals who have received nine months of employment support.
Contact person:
Tara Zink, Employment and Community Inclusion Program Specialist
253-208-0620
[email protected]
School to Work
Pierce County’s School to Work Program is designed to assist eligible transition students in obtaining paid employment prior to exiting school. Click here to apply.
- Services are provided over a two-year period, beginning at the age of 19, and include the following supports:
- Assessment of student’s interests, strengths, skills, and needs
- Job development and placement
- Intensive training and job coaching
- Connection to long term supports from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Contact person:
Sundus Ali, School to Work Program Specialist
253-719-3110
[email protected]
Supported Employment
Supported Employment services are a part of a Client's pathway to employment and are tailored to individual needs, interests, and abilities, and promote career development. These are individualized services necessary to help persons with developmental disabilities obtain and continue integrated employment at or above the state's minimum wage in the general workforce.
These services may include intake, discovery, assessment, job preparation, job marketing, job supports, record keeping and support to maintain a job.
Contact person:
Tara Zink, Employment and Community Inclusion Program Specialist
253-208-0620
[email protected]