ALTSA = Aging Long-Term Supports Administration. The part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) that administers general disability supports.
DDA = Developmental Disability Administration. The part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) that administers supports specific to certain developmental disabilities.
DD = Developmental disabilities. These are defined differently depending on the entity. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) uses a broad definition that captures a large group of disorders related to development delay in childhood; this definition represents 15 to 17 percent of the population. The federal DD Act uses a much narrower definition that limits the scope of “DD” to people with severe and chronic disabilities that start in childhood, continue indefinitely, and result in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more areas of major life activity; this captures 1 to 2 percent of the population. Washington state also defines developmental disabilities in its administrative code and uses this definition to determine who gets supports from DDA; fewer than 1 percent of Washington's population accesses services determined by its WAC definition.
DSHS = Department of Social and Health Services. Houses DDA, DVR and ALTSA - all agencies people with developmental disabilities often use
DVR = Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. A statewide resource assisting people with disabilities to prepare for, secure, maintain, advance in, or regain employment
HCBS waivers = Home- and community-based services (paid for by Medicaid) that people can access in lieu of institutionalization. Ones administered by DDA are also called "DD waivers." HCBS waivers are needed because federal law defaults to large institutional care. Access to respite, employment and residential supports, and other common services used by people with developmental disabilities often comes via HCBS waivers. These are funded by Medicaid, but they are not entitlement. Qualifying for a HCBS waiver does not automatically secure services. The state decides every year in its operating budget how many people to provide services to, and what level and type of services to offer. Washington does not forecast HCBS waiver services for people with developmental disabilities.
I/DD = Intellectual and/or developmental disability. Refers to people with an intellectual disability and potentially another type of developmental disability.
SSI = Supplemental Security Income. SSI is a means-tested program of the Social Security Administration. It is designed to meet the basic needs of elderly, blind and disabled individuals who would otherwise struggle to pay for food and shelter. It has a very strict set of financial requirements. Beneficiaries typically receive Medicaid.
SSDI – Social Security Disability Insurance. SSDI is an entitlement program, typically available to anyone who has paid into Social Security for at least 10 years. Younger beneficiaries and disabled adult children of retired or deceased workers may have to meet different requirements. SSDI provides access to Medicare.
- Ramona Hattendorf, Director of Advocacy
