What Does DDA Stand For? Washington's Developmental Disabilities Administration
DDA stands for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, the Washington State agency that funds and oversees services for adults with developmental disabilities. Here's what it does and how it relates to residential care.
What DDA Is
DDA stands for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, part of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DDA determines eligibility, authorizes services, and funds care for individuals with developmental disabilities such as intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, and related conditions.
A DDA-certified adult family home is a residential provider that DDA has approved to serve individuals enrolled in its waiver programs.
Who DDA Serves
DDA serves individuals whose developmental disability manifested before age 18 and is expected to continue indefinitely, creating substantial limitations in daily functioning. Eligibility is determined through a formal DDA assessment.
Once eligible, individuals may receive services through DDA waivers - the Core, IFS, and Basic Plus programs - depending on assessed need and available enrollment.
How DDA Relates to Residential Care
DDA case managers coordinate each eligible individual's services, including residential placement in a certified adult family home. DDA waiver funding pays for the care, and the case manager oversees the placement and ongoing service plan.
Avenue Home works directly with DDA case managers on referrals, assessments, placement, and ongoing documentation.
About the author
The Avenue Home Care Team includes licensed adult family home administrators, trained direct support professionals, and a contracted Registered Nurse with combined experience in DDA residential care, ABA-informed behavioral support, and RN delegation in Washington State.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between DDA and DSHS?+
DDA is a division within DSHS. DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) is the broader state agency; DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration) is the specific division that serves individuals with developmental disabilities and administers their waiver programs.
Have questions about placement at Avenue Home?
Our intake team responds to DDA referrals within 24 business hours.
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