Community Engagement

The Arc of Grays Harbor provides Community Engagement services for clients receiving DDA services. These services allow people with disabilities the ability to access their community with the supports they need. Participants engage in a variety of community-based opportunities to grow their social network and knowledge.

We believe inclusion in the community is vital

• Community Engagement services are designed to help children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities as they work towards achieving their personal goals.
• The purpose of Community Engagement services is to encourage self-determination and self-direction; increase participants’ ability to be involved and included in his/her community; and to help participants develop social networks and connections within their own community.
• Community Engagement services increase access to informal community supports. 
• Community Engagement is support that develops creative, flexible, and supportive community resources so waiver participants can meet a goal identified in the person-centered service plan.
• Ratio of provider to client is 1:1.
• The Community Engagement program provides information and linkages to tailored resources that meet each individual’s unique needs and goals.

Help Applying for DDA Services

The Arc of Grays Harbor staff can help you apply for benefits from the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

Learn more about developmental Disability administration application and services

• List of programs and services offered by DDA: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/developmental-disabilities-administration-services-programs
• Find your local DDA office and contact information: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/service-and-information-request
• Are you eligible for DDA services? Find out using this handy flow chart: https://informingfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DDA-Eligibility-Flow-Chart.pdf
• Find out if you have a qualifying condition to receive DDA services and what kind of documentation you will need to provide: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/FSA/forms/pdf/14-459.pdf
• Learn more about DDA "Waivers", which determine which services you can receive: https://informingfamilies.org/dda-waivers/
  

Help Applying for SSI Services

The Arc of Grays Harbor staff can help you apply for benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Learn more about the social security administration application and services

• Child Disability Starter Kit: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_child_eng.htm
• Overview of SSI for Children: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf  
  
• Overview of the SSI Application process for children. https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/child.htm 
• How the Child Disability Application Process Works: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/i3820/msg002.jsp
• How to create a My Social Security account: https://informingfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/my_SSA.pdf
• Social Security and SSI for people with IDD and their families: https://thearc.org/wp-content/uploads/forchapters/NPM-SocialSecurity_SSI_4.pdf
  
• Benefits for People with Disabilities: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/
  

Information and Referrals

The Arc of Grays Harbor can provide you with information about local resources and referrals to services in the community.

Start with the arc

The Arc of provides information regarding services available for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Grays Harbor County and will refer you to appropriate resources. Just a few of the topics and referrals you can obtain from our information/referral staff include:

• Post-high school educational options
• Transportation options for those on Medicaid such as Paratransit
• Social and recreational activities within our community
• Medicaid Waiver Programs
• Governmental agencies including DVR, DDA, and SSI
• Programs and services offered by The Arc

Advocacy

The Arc was built as a grassroots organization around kitchen tables, as individuals with disabilities and their families organized and fought for their rights and full inclusion in the community. Today, advocates across the country continue to advocate and share stories about what it means to live every day with a disability and what is possible with proper supports and services. Their stories and activism transform legislation and numbers into real-life impact. Through them, the mission of The Arc comes to life and demonstrates the importance of building a future that includes us all.

Start with the arc

Without strong advocacy at all levels, people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities may not have access to needed supports as well as opportunities to exercise inherent civil and human rights. Additionally, strong advocacy may be required to prevent and/or address abuse, neglect, and exploitation that people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities may experience. Persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities may need the support of advocates to become effective self-advocates.