Narrative: l. 9.

Association of County Human Services - Developmental Disabilities: The Association of County Human Services - Developmental Disabilities (ACHS-DD) is a nonprofit, non-partisan membership organization of the thirty-nine County Developmental Disabilities (CDD) Coordinators across the state who contract with DSHS/DDA to deliver residential, employment and other services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.  

Centers for Independent Living: DSHS/DVR currently contracts Title VII, Part B funds to four independent living centers statewide. These centers use Part B funds to enhance and expand core independent living services with a focus on youth with significant disabilities. In addition to core services, independent living centers have been focusing on outreach to increase services in unserved or underserved geographic areas. Additional outreach efforts include targeted disability groups, minority groups, and urban or rural populations with the focus on youth with significant disabilities and 504 plans. The goal is to create a safe environment for youth with disabilities in which youth feel comfortable and confident when talking to allies. This goal will be accomplished by enhancing youth understanding of independent living philosophy, successful self-advocacy, and ways to engage with legislators about disability issues. The independent living centers’ Title VII, Part B contracts are aligned with and can be amended to meet the goals set forth by the State Plan for Independent Living, the strategic plan developed by the Washington State Independent Living Council.  

Community Employment Alliance: The Community Employment Alliance (CEA) is statewide membership organization comprised of Community Rehabilitation Programs. CEA provides advocacy, education, and partnering opportunities to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities. DSHS/DVR and CEA leadership meet quarterly to share information, hear concerns and collaborate on issues and special projects affecting employment services. 

Disability Inclusion Network (DIN): The DIN is a business resource group for members of the Disabled Community and their allies in Washington State service.  The DIN’s mission is to engage in the experience, values, and knowledge of people with disabilities in state government, promote universal access, and create an environment where people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of the workplace. THE DIN’s vision is to see Washington State as an Employer of Choice ensuring people with disabilities have equitable access and resources through recruitment, hiring, training, development, retention, and promotion. 

Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council: In the late 1990s, DSHS/DVR was the primary sponsor of a demonstration grant to identify gaps in providing services to individuals who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). DSHS/DVR continues to be a represented member of the TBI Strategic Partnership Advisory Council. This group discusses TBI-related policy issues, system development, and the need for services to meet the needs of TBI survivors, family members, prospective employers, and community members. The TBI Strategic Partnership Advisory Council has identified gaps in housing, a lack of resources, and a need for support group facilitator training. This Council has successfully encouraged the Washington State Legislature to pass legislation that adds fees to specific traffic violations (e.g., negligent driving and speeding) which correlate with increased risk of injury accidents and TBIs. These collected fees are used to help fund TBI-related programs and resources. DSHS/DVR continues to be an active partner in addressing the needs of individuals who have been, or will be affected by, traumatic brain injuries. 

Washington Workforce Association: The Washington Workforce Association (WWA) is a nonprofit, non-partisan membership organization comprised of Washington’s twelve Workforce Development Councils (WDCs). The WWA partners with state, regional, and national organizations advocating for a coordinated and fully funded workforce development system focused on the needs of job seekers and businesses. To coordinate and align workforce development services at the local level, DSHS/DVR and the WWA have created and signed a Shared Vision, Values, & Principles of Collaboration document which outlines how DSHS/DVR and WDCs will provide integrated services to individuals with disabilities in Washington’s One-Stop Centers.