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Committee hears bill to let Developmental Disabilities clients access employment and community inclusion services at 19 instead of 21
Summary
House Bill 1493 would allow clients of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to start supported employment and community inclusion waiver services at age 19 rather than 21. Families, providers and self‑advocates testified the change helps avoid a post‑school service "cliff."
House Bill 1493 would lower from 21 to 19 the age at which clients served through DDA waivers can access supported employment and community inclusion services.
Staff summarized that DDA home and community‑based services currently authorize supported employment and community inclusion for waiver recipients age 21 and older. Supported employment provides individualized ongoing assistance to gain and maintain work; community inclusion supports skill development and integration in community settings. Under the bill, DDA must provide employment services beginning at age 19 and determine service hours according to the assistance needed to reach employment outcomes.
Parents, self‑advocates and providers uniformly supported the change. Becky Bisbee described how earlier access to job development while in school helped her daughter move into part‑time employment and purchase personal items. "Early access to job development services through school to work was the key to her success," Bisbee said. Kathy Murahashi of The Arc of Washington said the bill addresses the post‑graduation "cliff" many families face and can shorten the nine‑month waiting rule when students transition out of school.
Agency and provider witnesses said the change aligns with best practices and that other states make similar adjustments. The Community Employment Alliance and other providers told the committee they contacted other states and confirmed federal matching funds are available for serving younger adults under the waivers. No formal committee vote was taken at the hearing; supporters urged lawmakers to include funding to implement the change.
