"Residential Services" are generally defined as services and supports that people receive either in their own homes (if the support is provided by a DDS contracted residential service provider), or in a home that they live in owned by someone else.  What residential services can look like varies depending on the type of program, the source of funding, and the individual needs and desires of the person with a disability and their support network.  Who provides and pays for these services can also depend on a variety of factors.

People with developmental disabilities who receive residential services from the Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) may live with several other people with disabilities, have one or two roommates or be married, or may live alone.

Residential services funded directly by Developmental Disabilities Services can include services provided by contracted (for-profit and non-profit) organizations such as:

• Group Homes

• Supported Living and Tenant Support

Residential services also includes both regular and "respite" (temporary or emergency) services provided at the state-run Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) such as Fircrest and Rainier Schools, or at the State Operated Living Arrangement (SOLA) programs.  Both the ICF/MR and SOLA's are both owned and operated by the State of Washington, rather than contracted to independent organizations.

Other types of residential supports not directly funded by DDD can include:

• Adult Family Homes

• Nursing Homes

For the purposes of this resource guide, "Residential Services" is differentiated from supports received by people who otherwise live independently and receive supports by paying someone privately to come into their homes ( Medicaid Personal Care , Copes, private insurance, etc.).  For information about Medicaid Personal Care, see Services > About > Medicaid Personal Care .

Funding

Adult residential services may have eligibility requirements or licensing restrictions. Programs through Developmental Disabilities Services do not have income requirements. However, a person is responsible for his/her own bills when residing in Supported Living. There is also a requirement within Group Homes and Adult Family Homes for the person to pay "participation" which helps to cover part of the cost of room and board. Paying participation is a requirement of Social Security and is calculated based on the person's income (typically Supplemental Security Income, Social Security, and wages).

Eligibility

Generally speaking, residential services are not an entitlement---that is, even if a person is eligible for services (they qualify as having a "developmental disability" and have been through the intake process at DDS), the State of Washington has no legal obligation to provide them.  While there are a number of residential options for people with developmental disabilities in the state of Washington, those options are not available to all who request them.  As a result, there are substantial waiting lists for residential services in Washington State.

Residential Guidelines

In the 1980's, the Washington State Division of Developmental Disabilities (now called Developmental Disabilities Services) in partnership with people with disabilities, family members, and other agencies and members of the community developed what is known as the "Residential Guidelines".  This statement of values is intended to provide a "map" to promote optimum quality of life for people with developmental disabilities receiving residential services in the state of Washington.  All state contracted residential service providers are required to provide services that conform to the fundamental concepts embodied in the Residential Guidelines, which include:

• Power and Choice
  Power and choice is each person having maximum control over his/her destiny. Supports should be offered in ways that provide encouragement to grow and develop. Positive action needs to be taken by individuals offering support in ways that promote the dignity, privacy, legal rights, autonomy, and individuality of each person receiving support.

• Relationships
  Relationships lead to a sense of belonging, love, Inclusion, continuity, and meaning in life. Sometimes people with developmental disabilities may need support to maintain and build relationships with family and friends as well as encouragement to develop new friendships and acquaintances.

• Competence
  Competence is the capacity to do what you need and want to do. You may, be self reliant and able to do things for yourself and/or have the power to identify and obtain the help you need from others. Sometimes people with developmental disabilities may need support to do what they need and want to do.

• Health and Safety
  Health is defined as a condition of well-being, a soundness of body and mind. Safety is the maintenance of that well-being. People should live and work safely in environments common to other citizens with reasonable supports offered to simultaneously protect their health and safety while promoting inclusion in the community.

• Integration
  Integration is being present and participating in the community using the same resources and doing the same activities as other citizens. Living in a community means experiencing diversity. The supports that are provided need to focus on inclusion into the community and into common, everyday activities and memberships.

• Status and Contribution
  Status is valued perception by self and others. Such positive recognition is important to all people. Support should be offered in ways that promote individual status, respect, and credibility, as well as, in the ways that are typical to all community citizens.

Alternatives

Given the limited availability of state-provided services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities, many individuals and families have found creative solutions to providing combined housing and supports for people who need them.  Sometimes this involves connecting and networking with other individuals and families and combining resources.  Sometimes this has meant partnering in new ways with government agencies, with property owners, and with communities.