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Developmental Disabilities
The Developmental Disabilities Program contracts with various agencies in the community 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) with developmental delays from birth to three years, and
- Employment and community inclusion programs for adults 21 and older.
- 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, the Department of Early Learning Supports for Infants and Toddlers Program, and School Districts.
Services for You and Your Family
- Information & Education
- Early Support for Infants & Toddlers
- Community Inclusion
- Adult Employment
- School to Work
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 (formerly known as Early Intervention) are designed to build upon family strengths by providing coordination, supports, resources, and services to enhance the development of children with developmental delays and disabilities through everyday learning opportunities. Services are individualized, and may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized instruction.
Contact person:
Brayde Willson, Early Intervention Specialist
253-306-2068
[email protected]
For Referrals:
Online Referral Form
Phone: 253-798-3790
Fax: 253-798-2818
[email protected]
Coming soon.
Adult Services
Developmental Disabilities administers Employment to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. Through partnerships with Employment Service Vendors, participants are supported in achieving community employment that offers competitive wages, an integrated work environment, and the greatest opportunity for independence on the job. Support Services are individualized to meet each person's need on the job that are consistent with the participant's interest, skills, and employment goals. Supported Employment is available for eligible clients of the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA).
Services are individualized based on client interests and support needs and include the following key areas of support:
- Discovery (assessment of skills and interests)
- Job Development and Placement
- Job Training and ongoing job coaching
- Career growth and replacement
Contact person:
Tara Zink, Employment 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.
- 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]