Washington Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in Washington. They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in Washington and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Washington, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The Washington state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is Disability Rights Washington (DRW). DRW is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in Washington to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. DRW is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
Legal Services Organizations
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
- Legal Foundation of Washington
- Office of Civil Legal Aid
- Northwest Justice Project
- Washington Access to Justice Board
- WashingtonLawHelp.org
Other Disability Advocacy Organizations
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
- Washington State Senior Citizens' Lobby
- The Arc of Washington State
- Washington State Rehabilitation Council
State Medicaid Agency
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Washington.
- Washington Apple Health
- Washington Health Plan Finder (Apply for Medicaid)
- Medicaid.gov Washington page
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Other State and Non-Profit Agencies
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
- Washington Disability Support
- Access Washington
- Washington State Department of Health
- Community Living Connections
- PAVE
- Washington Children's Administration
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Free assistance with transitioning from a nursing facility or institutional care to the community.
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- Washington Recovery Help Line
- Crisis Clinic
- Washington Suicide Hotlines
- Seattle Foundation Crisis Clinic
- Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Services for Senior Citizens
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging (W4A)
- Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
- Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
- Senior Services
- Washington State Association of Senior Centers
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Illinois disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
Developmental Disabilities Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Washington disability services.
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (information from The Arc of Washington State)
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (information from the Developmental Disabilities Administration)
- Washington Disability Support
- The Arc of Washington State
- Washington State Life Opportunities Trust
- GoWise - Washington Initiative for Supported Employment
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
- Washington Access Fund
Mental Health Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Washington Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
- Washington State Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Behavioral Health Administration
- NAMI Washington
Physical Disabilities Services
Free or low-cost Washington disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
- Washington Disability Support
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
- Washington Access Fund
- Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
- Brain Injury Alliance of Washington (BIAWA)
- Washington Disability Support
- Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
- Washington Access Fund
Addiction and Substance Abuse Services
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
- Washington State Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Substance Use Treatment Services
- Substance Abuse Resources - Washington Recovery Help Line
Low-Income Housing Services
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
- Low Income Housing Search - Tenants Union of Washington State
- aptfinder.org (Affordable apartment communities)
- Section 8 Housing Voucher Program
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help
- Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA) of Washington
- Low Income Housing Institute