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Your Employment Connection for People with Disabilities

Since 1973 Asotin County Community Services (ACCS) has provided pathways to employment for people with disabilities. The job search is led by the job seeker based on the individual’s aptitude and abilities, with the goal of finding the best employee/employer match. In Asotin County, supported employment services are mainly funded through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

For information about how we partner with these agencies, contact Eric Boggan, Asotin County Vocational Program Manager, at (509) 758-8349.

Connect with Us to Get Started Today

Open Request for Qualifications to Provide Employment Support and Community Inclusion Support Services for Individuals in Washington with Developmental Disabilities

Asotin County is soliciting interested applicants to provide employment support services and Community Inclusion Support Services for individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in the State of Washington. Any qualified agency wishing to participate in the Request for Qualifications process, should forward a letter of interest by email, fax, or U.S. Mail to:

Cynthia Tierney, Asotin County Coordinator
Asotin County Community Services
549 5th Street, Suite A
Clarkston, WA 99403

(509) 758-8349 office
(509) 758-6557 fax
ctierney@co.asotin.wa.us email

Upon receipt of the letter of interest, the formal Request for Qualifications packet will be provided.

Email Cynthia

Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps adults with disabilities find and secure stable employment.

DVR services are not long-term. Their purpose is to provide the necessary tools and assistance for initial job placement and (if needed) to aid transition to long-term supports outside DVR (such as DDA).

Services may include: counseling & guidance; trial work experience; community-based assessment; benefits planning; assistive technology; job-related services such as completing applications, developing a resume, practicing interview skills, conducting a job search, gaining job skills; and transition to DDA long-term supports.

Washington State DVR-Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) partners with school districts to help students receiving high school transition services prepare for and find employment.

Learn More at DVR

asotin-county-community-services-disability-employment-connection-DVR

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Development Disabilities Administration

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provides long-term employment/day services to eligible individuals age 21 and over.

Services may include:

Individual Supported Employment: discovery (identifying interests, strengths, needs), assessment, job preparation, job placement & coaching;

Group Supported Employment: supervised employment for groups of no more than 8 workers with disabilities in the same setting;

Community Inclusion: participation in activities that promote individualized skill development, independent living and community integration.

If your high school student experiences a developmental disability, defined as a disability that originates before the age of eighteen, and which constitutes a substantial limitation to activities of daily living, please reach out for assistance with the process of determining eligibility for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) support services by calling Asotin County Community Services at (509) 758-8349 (Eric or Cynthia) or your local DDA office at (509) 329-2900 (Asotin/Garfield) or (509) 397-5053 (Whitman County). Determining DDA eligibility before your child graduates from high school opens up many options for the transition to adulthood, including assistance with finding and retaining a job, housing options, and inclusion in community activities. Avoid a graduation to the couch-determine your child’s DDA eligibility for DDA services today!

Learn More at DDA

DDA Employment and Day Services Providers

DDA Eligibility and Services Guide

Foundational Community Supports

Foundation Community Supports (FCS) helps our most vulnerable beneficiaries get and keep stable housing and employment, in support of their broader health needs.

FCS is also referred to as Initiative 3 of the Healthier Washington Medicaid Transformation. Local providers of supported employment include Asotin County Community Services and Quality Behavioral Health (QBH). QBH also offers housing supports through FCS. Asotin County Community Services is working with individuals referred by FCS right now!

Who is eligible for Foundation Community Supports?

Individuals who qualify for Medicaid and individuals who meet the requirements for complex needs including traumatic brain injuries, chronic homelessness, diagnosis of disability after age 18, enrolled in the state housing and essential needs (HEN) or aged, blind or disabled (ABD) program, single mental health diagnosis

Learn More at HCA

Washington DVR Pre-Transition Services

Preparing Students for Entering the World of Work and Independent Living

Any student currently attending or enrolled in an education program, ages 14-21, with an IEP, a 504 plan, or a documented disability, may participate in Group Pre-ETS Services. Group Pre-ETS Services include self-advocacy training, counseling of post-secondary education, work place readiness training, and work based learning experiences. The goal is to prepare students for entering the world of work and living independently after they graduate. Students 16-21 may be referred for Individual Pre-ETS services which include authorization for paid work experiences. Connect with Washington Pre-Employment Transition Group Services at 1-800-363-4700.

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)

DSB provides services for people of all ages who are blind or have low vision in the state of Washington. The agency works with providers to deliver services to more than 2,800 Washington State residents to help them gain or retain employment.

Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI)

ICBVI works with providers to assist blind and visually impaired persons to achieve independence by providing education, developing work skills, increasing self-confidence and helping them remain employed or prepare for employment.

Partner Agencies

For assistance navigating the eligibility process, please contact the state agencies below directly, or let Asotin County Community Services assist you with the process.

Benefit U

How work affects your disability benefits planning information for families and individuals.

COAST Transportation

The Dan Thompson Memorial Grant provides special funding to COAST Public Transportation to provide rides for individuals with disabilities, in Whitman, Garfield and Asotin Counties anytime, anywhere for any reason. (COAST also offers rides to all people regardless of ability through other funding sources.) A 2-day notice to schedule rides is required in most cases. Call 1-800-967-2899.