Community Engagement and Community Inclusion Serivces
Community Inclusion and Community Engagement are services offered through Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) that support people with developmental disabilities to be active, connected members of their communities. Community Inclusion focuses on building relationships, developing new skills, and participating in meaningful activities alongside others, while Community Engagement supports individuals in accessing services, exploring their communities, and taking part in everyday activities outside the home. Together, these services help people build independence, expand opportunities, and connect with the people and places that matter most to them.
Community Engagement and Community Inclusion Flyer from DSHS (PDF)
What are Community Engagement Services?
Community Engagement Services are flexible, individually designed services to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities connect to their local community and reach goals that they set for themselves. A person can have more than one goal, or change goals as they discover more about themselves, meet new people and connect with their community. The goals are typically short-term, lasting 3 months to a year; however, service hours can be renewed at the person’s annual service planning meeting.
Services are provided by an individual or agency who is contracted with Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS). A provider may not be a parent of the participant or an employee of Aging and Long Term Care Services Administration or DDCS.
Who is it for?
Community Engagement services are for individuals enrolled in DDCS’s Individual and Family Services (IFS), Basic Plus, and Core waivers.
How do I request it?
If you are currently enrolled in DDCS’s Basic Plus, Core or IFS waiver, contact your DDCS case manager to request services. Community Engagement services can be accessed at the time of your annual assessment or anytime throughout your plan year.
If you are on DDA’s No Paid Services Caseload, fill out an online request form or call the Service Request & Information line nearest you.
What are Community Inclusion Services?
Community Inclusion services are individualized, community-based supports designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate, contribute, and build meaningful relationships in their local communities. Services are based on a person’s interests and focus on activities that are typical for others of a similar age, taking place in integrated settings with people who are not paid staff. Through person-centered planning, individuals explore opportunities, develop new skills, and connect with others in ways that reflect their goals and preferences. Service hours are determined through the annual assessment and may be adjusted as needs and interests change over time.
Community Inclusion Fact Sheet from DSHS (PDF)
Who is it for?
Community Inclusion is available to people enrolled in the Basic Plus and Core waivers, as well as individuals in Roads to Community Living, Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR), and those living in Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs).
How do I request it?
If you are currently enrolled in DDCS’s Basic Plus or Core waiver, or receiving services through Roads to Community Living, PASRR, or a Residential Habilitation Center (RHC), contact your DDCS case manager to request services. Community Inclusion services can be added during your annual assessment or at any time throughout your plan year.
If you are on DDA’s No Paid Services Caseload, fill out an online request form or call the Service Request & Information line nearest you.
Find a Provider
Select your county from the list below to find Community Engagement providers in your area.
If no providers are listed for your county, send us an email to let us know you're interested in bringing this service to your community.
Note to Providers: If you're contracted with DDA to provide these services and don't see your listing—or need to update your information, please email us with your details.
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