DDA stands for the Developmental Disabilities Administration which is a department of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

DDA is responsible for many of the services available for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. DDA is also responsible for administering many of the Medicaid waivers that provide vital services to families who have members with a developmental disability.

The first, and often most laborious, task in receiving services from DDA is receiving an official diagnosis. This must be done before the individual with the developmental disability is 18 years old. The developmental disability must be expected to continue indefinitely and constitute a substantial limitation to the person. Washington State determines these conditions as: “Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Autism, or another neurological or other condition closely related to an intellectual disability or that requires support similar to individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

Only a medical professional can officially diagnose a disability, meaning that a doctor or psychiatrist needs to be consulted. While some of the aforementioned conditions are diagnosed in one or two visits, some can take years and a variety of specialists to diagnose. Some of the cognitive tests to prove eligibility include those that can be administered in school by a psychologist or through a medical provider. They include: Stanford-Binet, Wechsler Intelligence Scales (WISC), Differential Abilities Scale (DAS), Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC), Das-Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System (CAS), Woodcock Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities (WJ), and Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, 2nd Edition (RIAS 2). The specific test used may change overtime, so do check with the latest eligibility requirements from the DDA.

Different conditions are eligible for DDA support during different developmental periods. Support for babies, toddlers, and children with developmental delays are available for individuals up to a child’s 10th birthday. Individuals aged four and older with any other condition connected to intellectual disabilities are eligible for DDA services. For a full list of supported conditions, age ranges supported, and acceptable tests for diagnosis, visit the DDA site on eligibility.

Once a diagnosis is official, several forms must be filled out and returned to the DDA to be approved for services, which can be viewed at the DDA eligibility website. In particular, the Request for DDA Eligibility Determination contains most of the important questions, and can be reviewed in advance of gathering information to start the DDA process. For more information on filing the right paperwork, view PAVE’s DDA Access Eligibility video about finding all the forms you need to submit. Informing Families also has a video about applying for DDA.

Staff and Family Consultation is a DDA program that provides advice and consultation to family and providers currently working with you on things like:

• Keeping track of your health, medications, and any changes with them;

• Using positioning equipment (like a Hoyer lift, stander, or walker);

• Understanding a better way to meet your unique needs in ways that you want and need them to;

• Utilizing equipment for communication and learning the best way to use your special equipment;

• Following a nutritional plan made by a dietician;

• Providing information and education- including understanding a diagnosis and common symptoms related to it;

• Finding ideas for the best way to work with and interact with you;

• Making it easier for you to get around in your home and use items in your home;

• Understanding and making a plan of care for you.

Specialized habilitation is a DDA program that offers teaching and training to learn or maintain skills in various areas. Areas are limited to:

• self-empowerment,

• safety awareness and self-advocacy,

• interpersonal skills and effective communication,

• coping strategies regarding typical life challenges, and

• learning how to manage daily tasks to gain adaptive skills. Examples of Specialized habilitation:

• Building self-esteem and confidence;

• Developing strengths and weaknesses to handle daily problems;

• Safely using social media or the internet;

• Receiving sexual education to promote healthy personal relationships;

• Learning how to problem-solve situations involving inappropriate peer pressure;

• Developing other social skills necessary to maximize integration into the community and/or home environment;

• How to handle missing the bus;

• Getting used to a new caregiver or medical professional, roommate or other staff;

• Learning how to use a vending machine or other nontraditional shopping method, or

• Ordering food in a restaurant, online or via phone.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement for a student eligible for special education that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with state and federal laws. The IEP guides your student's learning while in special education. It describes the amount of time that your student will spend receiving special education, any related services your student will receive, and the academic/behavioral goals and expectations for the year.

https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/family-engagement-and-guidance/individualized-education-program-iep

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly called "Section 504," is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. This law applies to all programs and activities that receive funding from the federal government-including Washington public schools. Under Section 504, students with disabilities can access the accommodations, aids, and services they need to access and benefit from education. Section 504 requires that public schools provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to every student with a disability - regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.

https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights/information-families-civil-rights-washington-schools/section-504-students-disabilities

Center of Excellence (COE) is any medical practice, psychology practice, multidisciplinary assessment team or individual health care provider that:

• has received the COE training authorized by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA)

• or has been judged by the HCA to be qualified to diagnose autism and write a prescription for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services if appropriate

There are many different ways for children and youth to get a diagnosis of autism. In order for a child or youth to be eligible for ABA therapy through Apple Health/Medicaid, a recognized COE must conduct a comprehensive evaluation, and write an order for Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, within the last two years.

Who Can Be a COE?

A hospital, medical center, or certain health care provider categories:

• Developmental pediatrician

• Neurologist

• Pediatric neurologist

• Pediatric psychiatrist

• Psychiatrist

• Psychologist

• A qualified medical provider who has been designated by the HCA as a COE. These include physicians, ARNPs, and pediatric primary care naturopaths. As of Jan 1, 2023 PA-Cs are also eligible if their supervising clinician is a COE.

https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/billers-and-providers/index-coe-applied-behavioral-analysis.pdf