Disability Information (Washington State)
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
People with developmental disabilities and their families are valued citizens of the state of Washington. The Developmental Disabilities Administration strives to develop and implement public policies that will promote individual worth, self-respect, and dignity such that each individual is valued as a contributing member of the community.
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind provides job counseling and teach adaptive skills to people who are blind or have low vision and serves children and youth who are blind or have low vision from birth through high school graduation.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
The Department of Social and Health Services is an integrated organization of high-performing programs working in partnership for statewide impact to help transform lives.
Whatcom County Health Department – Developmental Disabilities Program
Whatcom county Health Department’s Developmental Disabilities program contracts with organizations throughout Whatcom County to provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Vocational Resources (Washington State)
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps individuals with disabilities to participate fully in their communities and become employed.
Lummi Vocational Rehabilitation – LVR
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program is designed to provide comprehensive vocational and rehabilitative services to Lummi Tribal Member and Native Americans living on the reservation who have a medical, physical, emotional or cognitive condition which interferes with their success in employment.
WorkSource Washington
State of Washington’s official site for online employment services. Find a job, get job search help, locate workforce services in your area, access career information and more.
Senior Resources (Washington State)
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA)
The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) promotes choice, independence, and safety through innovative services and partnerships with tribes, advocates, providers and caregivers to support seniors and people with disabilities so they can live with good health, independence, dignity and control over decisions that affect their lives.
Bellingham Senior Activity Center
Bellingham Senior Activity Center coordinates wellness programs for seniors including strength and balance classes for fall prevention, strength training classes, Tai Chi, dancing, walking and hiking groups, flu shot clinics, and a variety of other classes and activities. Whether you’re interested in art, health & wellness, computer skills, current events, dancing or socializing with friends, you’ll find a wealth of fun-filled activities to educate, stimulate and entertain you at the Center.
Dementia Support Northwest
Dementia Support Northwest provides professional education and training to those likely to engage with those living with dementia through our partnership with our local Area Agency on Aging, the Northwest Regional Council in Bellingham. Trainings for community groups and professionals alike promote our vision for a more understanding, accepting, and supportive community for those affected by cognitive decline.
Meals on Wheels and More
Serving Whatcom County and San Juan Counties – Meals and Wheels and More supports the health and independence of the older adult populations of Whatcom and San Juan Counties by providing nutritious food, social connection, and nutrition education.
Northwest Regional Council
Northwest Regional Council (
Vibrant Senior Options
Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide is published twice per year in April and October. The guide includes user-friendly directories of information related to housing, healthcare, and other professionals that serve seniors. The Guide is free and can be picked up at over 300 locations throughout Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and N. Snohomish Counties, have them deliver to your house, or read it online.
The Whatcom Council on Aging (WCOA)
The Whatcom Council on Aging is an independent non-profit organization supported by donations from local businesses and community members, limited federal funding and grants.
Whatcom County Parks and Recreation – Senior Services
There are eight senior centers located throughout Whatcom County. The centers provide a place where senior citizens can come together and enjoy a variety of social activities, have a nutritious meal, and take classes.
Housing And Transportation (Whatcom County, Washington State)
Bellingham Housing Authority
Bellingham Housing Authority is a local government agency that serves approximately 3,000 homes housing over 7,000 residents in Whatcom County. The Bellingham Housing Authority and the Whatcom County Housing Authority work together to provide needed housing in our community.
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA)
Serving Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Advocacy Groups (Washington State)
Community Residential Services Association of Washington (CRSA)
Community Residential Services Association of Washington (CRSA) advocates for improvements to Washington State’s DD service delivery system through our lobbying and grassroots efforts.
DSP Crisis Washington State
Supported Living programs throughout Washington are 99% funded by the state and federal government. With the current funding, Supported Living Programs are unable to pay their employees (known as Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs) a living wage. This has led to very high turnover rates, and has made it difficult to expand and fulfill the needs of the community. If you are a Direct Support Professional, or if you or a family member is supported by one, please consider sharing your story at the DSP Crisis Washington State website about how you have been affected by the DSP crisis. You can also contact your legislators and ask them to support funding for supported living programs. A full list of legislators and their contact information is available at the DSP Crisis Washington State website.
Other Agencies in Washington State
Arc of Whatcom County
The Arc of Whatcom County exists to improve the quality of live, increase the independence and assure the full inclusion in the community of all persons with developmental disabilities.
Chuckanut Health Foundation
Chuckanut Health Foundation was originally St. Luke’s Foundation. They are committed to improving the health of all who live in Whatcom County by investing in health services where they are most needed and have the greatest collective impact.
City of Bellingham – Parks and Recreation Department
The Parks and Recreation Department supports a healthy community by providing high quality parks and recreation services.
Compass Health
Compass Health is a private, non-profit, state licensed organization providing mental health and chemical dependency services. They provide services in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties.
Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center
Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center (LWC), located in Bellingham, Washington, is a DSHS licensed not-for-profit organization providing an array of residential and community mental health services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Whatcom and surrounding counties.
LAW Advocates
LAW Advocates provides free legal help – including advice, representation and other assistance – for low-income individuals and families facing urgent non-criminal legal problems.
Max Higbee Center
Max Higbee Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides recreation programs for teens and adults (ages 14+) with developmental disabilities.
NAMI Whatcom
NAMI Whatcom is an affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. They provide free support groups, educational classes, and education forums to the community.
Opportunity Council
The Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving homeless and low-income families and individuals.
The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County
The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County mobilizes volunteers to meet community needs, builds capacities of organizations to effectively engage volunteers, and inspires support for community service.