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Kitsap County Community Resource Guide
The Kitsap County Community Resource Guide lists the essential services for people with developmental disabilities in Kitsap County. It includes information ranging from Advocacy to Volunteering as well as an acronym listing and glossary.
Informing Families
Informing Families is a website arranged by stages of the child’s life with resources, links, and videos. Content can also be found by topics ranging from advocacy through transportation.
Arc of the Peninsulas Kitsap Services – Advocacy, community engagement & inclusion, Friday night social, lifelong learning & empowerment training, specialized habilitation, representative payee, and Stephen’s Neighborhood
Bainbridge Island Volunteer Caregivers works within community to support life-enriching connections between caring people and the elderly and persons with disabilities to enable their independence, dignity, health, and well-being.
Consumer Direct Washington – CDWA is Washington’s Consumer Directed Employer (CDE.) As the CDE, CDWA is part of the Home Care Workers Purpose Trust. The trust promotes good working conditions, economic security for workers, and worker voice and influence in the home care industry. Please follow the Getting Started instructions to complete the hiring process.
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates – Protecting the Legal and Civil Rights of Students with Disabilities and their Families
Gather Together Grow Together (G2) is a locally run non-profit organization whose mission is to serve our community through transportation, food service, job readiness, and mentorship.
Kitsap Community Resources is a nonprofit social services agency. We are committed to creating hope and opportunity for all low-income Kitsap County residents by providing resources that promote self-sufficiency and stability. We exist with a clear vision of creating a community where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
Kitsap County Parent Advocacy – Their mission is to provide support to parents/caregivers whose child is diagnosed/pending a diagnosis of an Intellectual/Developmental Disability.
Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds (DD Ombuds) is a private independent offfice focused on improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities through referrals, complaint resolution and monitoring
PAVE serves Washington families who have children or youth with special health care needs. Our Parent Training and Information (PTI) program helps families navigate the special education system, and our Family to Family Health & Information Center (F2F) provides medical and healthcare information to families and young adults.
People First (Washington | Kitsap) The purpose and mission of People First of Washington is to assist all people to realize and appreciate that we are PEOPLE FIRST and our disabilities are secondary. We are equal citizens in our communities.
Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) – Coalition of advocates involved in Legislative advocacy. SAIL meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month over zoom to discuss legislative bills of interest and other public policies
Special Education Advocacy – When you realize the complexity of the IEP, 504 Plan, or Evaluation process requires expertise beyond your experience.
Washington Autism Alliance (WAA) – extends access to healthcare, education and services for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s) & related intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Washington State
Autism | Informing Families – extensive resources and fact sheets
Autism Guidebook for Washington State: A Resource for Individuals, Families, and Professionals
Autism Navigator is a unique collection of web-based tools and courses using extensive video footage to bring science to communities.
Kitsap Autsim Support | Facebook – A forum for parents to talk in general, but more specifically towards autism and how it affects our lives. Any questions you might have or information or just to vent.
Down Syndrome | Informing Families – free booklet and extensive resources
UPSIDE Down syndrome group of Kitsap County – UPSIDE is our local Down syndrome support community. This page will be a place to share information, ideas, events, stories, and accomplishments.
Able Opportunities – Job Placement and Coaching in Competitive Employment, Consulting, Non-Linguistic Communication, Training/Consult, Person Driven, low and high Technology Accommodation Tools.
Cares of Washington – Independent Employment (IE) –this program focuses on individuals seeking employment. It includes job search, job placement, carved positions, training, and retention in that position once employment is achieved. Community Inclusion (CI) – this program focuses on individuals who desire to become part of their community engaging in activities or hobbies that interest them. It includes exploring different activities, and outings that provide the individual opportunities to meet other community members with “same” interests. Joining groups or clubs that provide a path to participate and make new friends. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) – Cares partners with DVR in providing people with disabilities the tools and supports needed for successful employment. Individuals seeking assistance from DVR for employment services can have a dual partnership with Cares. Cares provides intensive job search and placement services for the individual while DVR provides extra support and some financial services.
Easterseals Washington Workforce Development Program – We work with transition students and adults of any age who have any disability to assess their skills, prepare for employment, and secure paid community-based jobs. Our Community Inclusion program assists customers who require additional support in order to be most involved and included in their communities. Community Inclusion plans include volunteerism, club membership, and relationship building. Our Workforce Development program is accredited, our employees are well-trained, and we have strong community connections. Our office is in Silverdale, and we cover the entire Kitsap County area and beyond.
Holly Ridge Center – Professional supported employment agency providing Pre- graduation assessment & employment based opportunities to high school students with disabilities and community-based employment services to adults with (remove differing) disabilities. We are recognized for service in our community since 1963, with a reputation for providing quality customer service to those seeking employment as well as to our community partners who employ local adults.
Peninsula Services – Employment services for adults with all types of disabilities.
Trillium Employment Services is a nonprofit organization committed to integrating people with intellectual disabilities into the workforce since 1983. We are one of the pioneering support employment agencies in the United States. Our staff of skilled professionals works closely with businesses and applicants to ensure a quality match and long-term success. Trillium also provides assessments that identify marketable skills; on-the-job coaching, and ongoing employment supports. Trillium serves individuals who are 21+ and/or in their final years of transition.
Vadis – Supported Employment, School to Work, Job Foundations, Community Inclusion
WorkSource is a career one-stop designed to provide a variety of services, to help customers become job-ready. We provide assistance with resume review, interviewing techniques, job search strategies, etc., as well as, assistance with training needs. Our goal is to empower customers to overcome unique barriers for employment, and to achieve their career goals.
ABLE Savings Plan – A Washington State ABLE Savings Plan is a flexible and convenient way for people living with disabilities to invest in their quality of life.
BenefitU offers benefits planning services and resources to people in Kitsap County aged 14 and older who access services through DDA and have goals or questions about their disability related benefits. Initial intakes can be scheduled online via BenefitU Service Eligibility. Following intake, qualified individuals who have additional needs or goals will be connected with a Certified Benefits Planner to assist them with navigating their current situation and plan for the future. In addition to benefits planning services, BenefitU is available to all individuals, families, and support professionals and provides a variety of resources and information to help create a better understand of disability related benefits.
Ben’s Fund helps people with autism reach their full potential through financial aid and access to support services
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (DDETF) is a supplemental special needs trust program created in 1999 by the Washington State Legislature. The program allows individuals with developmental disabilities, or their families and friends, to establish a special needs trust without impacting their eligibility for services and benefits.
Division of Vociational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps individuals with disabilities and mental health concerns find and keep employment.
Department of Social and Health Services Bremerton CSO – Cash, Food Assistance and Classic Medicaid for individuals and families in need.
Health Care Authority (HCA)/Apple Health (Medicaid) In Washington State, Medicaid is called Apple Health. Apple Health provides free or low-cost coverage to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements. Eligibility is based on age, household income, and citizenship or immigration status. Some programs have more eligibility requirements than others.
Kitsap County Aging and Long Term Care – Free information and referrals about community services for people age 60+ and support for family/friend caregivers helping another adult of any age (not enrolled in DSHS Medicaid Long Term Care or DDA programs) in Kitsap County. A free consultation with a Dementia Specialist for family/friend caregivers and professionals helping an adult with memory impairment is also available (regardless of Medicaid or DDA enrollment).
Developmental Disabilities Administration – For individuals who meet income and eligibility requirements services include case management services; Community First Choice (personal care); Waiver services which can include respite, specialized medical equipment, community engagement, specialized habilitation, employment supports, and residential support such as adult family homes. There are no age restrictions on eligibility.
Kitsap County Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) supports individuals who experience a developmental disability and their families to lead full, integrated, active, and productive lives in Kitsap County. KCDD develops programs, provides funding and administers contracts with local organizations for the provision of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, aged birth the three; high school transition service coordination for youth, ages 19-21, employment and community inclusion services for adults 21 and older. KCDD facilitates community planning, information, and education activities relating to services for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Why and How to Apply (Spanish) DDA Eligibility is based ONLY on disability, NOT on income. This can help families who can’t afford the care their kids need, but are over income limits for other help
Social Security Administration serves all ages, helping with disabilities for adults and children. We also provide financial support with Retirement, Survivor, and Medicare benefits.
Our Creative Minds is a licensed vendor with DDA. Clients can use their waiver funding to purchase items approved by DDA but not covered by insurance. We can purchase through any catalog. We help clients purchase incontinence supplies, assistive technology, sensory items, adaptive clothing, adaptive bikes, and more.
Peninsula Community Health Services was founded in 1987 as a community clinic in downtown Bremerton and became a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in 1995. PCHS includes primary medical, dental, behavioral health counseling, substance use treatment, pharmacy services, and health education and promotion activities for all stages of life. Services are provided to all patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. PCHS patients may qualify for a sliding fee discount based on their household income and family size. PCHS delivers a comprehensive and integrated approach to health care services and has many sites accredited as a Patient-Centered Medical and Dental Home by the Accreditation for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Wheel to Walk Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps children with disabilities, 20 years and younger, obtain medical & adaptive equipment or therapy services not provided by insurance.
Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) provides high-quality, stable and sustainable housing and related services to people who have limited financial means. Their work is to help clients to become economically self-sufficient, while at the same time strengthen communities.
Communitas – community residential services
Housing Solutions Center serves the needs of families and individuals in Kitsap County who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We provide services that can help you prevent eviction; find affordable housing options; and we work to help stabilize families who are in crisis situations.
Kitsap Residences provides residential care services to adults with intellectual disabilities.
Kitsap Tenant Support Services provides habilitative services, caregiving, training, support, and supervision to persons with developmental disabilities and special needs.
Olympic Neighbors serves people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing safe, affordable housing and staff support so our residents can thrive in the local community
Washington State Community Living Connections is part of a national collaborative effort of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Veterans Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services designed to help individuals of all ages, disabilities and income levels, their caregivers, legal representatives and families get the right home and community-based supports and services at the right time, in the right place.
Cascade Legal – Social Security Disability law
Disability Rights Washington is a private non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Their mission is to advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities. We work to pursue justice on matters related to human and legal rights.
Kitsap Immigration Assistance Center (KIAC) works for the well-being and empowerment of immigrants through education, advocacy and social justice.
Northwest ADA Center provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Northwest Justice Project provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs such as housing, family safety, income security, health care, education, and more.
Washington Law Help is a library of free “know your rights” articles, videos, court forms and do-it-yourself packets covering many common legal issues such as family law, eviction/housing, public benefits and money/debt problems. Washington Forms Online provides do-it-yourself court forms on a variety of non-criminal legal issues. This site also includes a directory of legal aid programs in Washington state.
Alternatives to Guardianship: Supported Decision Making (SDM) Agreements – An SDM Agreement helps people with disabilities without limiting their rights.
Timothy E Williams – He is experienced at guardianships and special needs trusts for the elderly disabled, the mentally ill, and those with developmental disabilities
Washington Office of Public Guardianship contracts with Certified Professional Guardians (CPGs) to provide guardianship and other decision making support for low income clients who need them and for whom adequate services may otherwise be unavailable.Individuals accepted into the program must also be experiencing imminent danger from loss of resources, at risk of harm and/or are homeless.
Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) – The TRICARE ACD covers applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. Under the ACD, ABA services are authorized to target the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Easterseals Military & Veterans Services By engaging local organizations and communities, Easterseals has worked to connect veterans and military families with what they need for meaningful employment, education and overall wellness since World War II. Our grassroots outreach – through several affiliate locations in communities nationwide– provide unmatched, accessible, and indispensable resources and support for veterans and military families. Kitsap Easterseals
Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) – ECHO may help some military families who have a family member with special needs. ECHO focuses on integrated sets of services and supplies beyond those available through TRICARE programs. Services are intended to reduce the disabling effects of a beneficiary’s condition. ECHO is only available as a supplement to TRICARE programs. If services or supplies are available through a beneficiary’s TRICARE plan, they won’t be covered under ECHO.
Kitsap Fleet & Family Support Program is organized into four functional areas critical to mission success: Core Family Readiness. The programs are Work and Family Life (WFL), Counseling, Advocacy, and Prevention (CAP), Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR), and the Navy Gold Star Program (NGSP). (Kitsap Support Centers Blue | Gold)
Military Family Respite Care Program Exceptional Family Member (EFM) Respite Care helps military families who have children with special needs by providing a few hours of respite care per month.
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission addresses key educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation.
Military OneSource is a Department of Defense funded program that operates as both a call center and website, providing resources to the entire military community anywhere in the world at no cost.
Naval Base Kitsap School Liaison is the primary point of contact between the military installation, the local schools and school districts, transitioning families and the community at large.
Navy Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) serves military families with special needs. The EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program for sponsors with qualifying family members. Special needs include any special medical, dental, mental health, developmental or educational requirement, wheelchair accessibility, adaptive equipment or assistive technology devices and services. Northwest (Bremerton) EFMP Lead [email protected]
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Visiting Nurse Program – The mission of the NMCRS Visiting Nurse Program is to improve the quality of life for Navy and Marine Corps active duty, retirees, and family members by providing health education and resource referral to promote health maintenance and continuity of care. Bangor | Bremerton
Operation Home Front builds strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive — not simply struggle to get by — in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) offers virtual workshops across multiple days, two-day in-person workshops and 90-minute webinars throughout the United States and overseas for military families and military personnel of all branches of service. STOMP workshops and webinars are funded by the Army, Navy, and Air Force who determine location and topics per installation.
All Ways Caring HomeCare – our home care is always designed around an individual’s needs in their own living space. From short-term and transitional to life-long complex care, All Ways Caring ensures that individuals can continue to live independently with dignity in familiar surroundings, while receiving expert, compassionate care.
Alta Vista Integrated Life Services provides a wide variety of service to our clients. Including, but not limited to: Traditional Mental Health Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis, Marriage and Family Therapy, Early childhood education, Early childhood education with behavioral support, Elementary education support, Elementary education support with behavioral support, Social groups, and Respite care. We serve all ages and abilities.
Apple Tree Therapy LLC provides revolutionary occupational therapy treatments for children with special needs (autism, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental delays and more). It empowers parents with knowledge, training and tools that bring peace of mind. They work with children birth to 18.
Aubin Aphasia Speech and Language Center offers speech therapy for all ages. Telehealth services as well as in person sessions are available.
Carina is a free, care matching service where care professionals (IPs) can match with those seeking home care and child care.
Catholic Community Services – Employees and volunteers serve and support poor and vulnerable people through the provision of quality, integrated services and housing. Focus is on those individuals, children, families, and communities struggling with poverty and the effects of intolerance and racism. Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services offer a variety of programs and services to assist children, youth and families in need. Several programs offer housing for families with children.
Childcare Aware of Washington | Families seeks to help every child receive high-quality child care. Everything you need to find quality child care.
Consumer Direct Care Network of Washington specializes in solutions that make it easier for Clients to get the care they need. Our services and supports help people and families of all ages including children, older adults and people with disabilities, remain safe, healthy and independent in their own homes.
Harbor Speech Pathology treats patients of all ages with various speech, language, cognitive, swallowing, and voice disorders.
Kitsap Home Care Services is an established and well-respected, locally owned agency providing quality home care services at an affordable price! We are a division of Kitsap Tenant Services, which has been serving the community since the 1970’s.
Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) WISe Services is designed to surround at risk kids and their families with the intensive mental health assistance they need. WISe is highly customized for each individual and is available in home, and in convenient community settings. Families participating in WISe work with trained professionals to help guide and drive all aspects of care, following a plan that builds on the kid’s and family’s strengths. WISe team members may include natural supports (such as family and friends) and professionals including school counselors. Referrals for participation in the WISe program can be made by youth and their families, and from providers and community members. To refer or to request WISe services, please call the WISe Team at 360-404-4010 and request a “screen”.
Lutheran Community Services offers parenting education, child development activities, support groups, resource fairs, community referrals and connections to basic needs like food, clothing, health care, housing and employment. Caring and committed staff represent the communities and cultures they serve. A respite program for military families who have children with special needs is offered in the South Puget Sound district.
Miles ABA provides ABA services to those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, PDD-NOS, and other areas of need.
Move Play Thrive – Powerful Help, Massive Transformation for Sensory Processing and Learning Challenges with innate rhythmic and primitive reflex integration movements.
Olympic Peninsula Autism Center (OPAC) (Easterseals Washington) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children of all ages who have an autism diagnosis. Our services are center-based in Silverdale and home-based, and we will likely be expanding to provide other types of therapy in the future.
Arc of the Peninsulas Kitsap Services – Advocacy, community engagement & inclusion, Friday night social, lifelong learning & empowerment training, specialized habilitation, representative payee, and Stephen’s Neighborhood
BKATS Sports is a local organization that works in conjunction with Special Olympics Washington.
Camp Stand By Me (Easterseals Washington) – Week-long and weekend sessions for children (ages 7 and up) and adults who have any disability at our 17-acre accessible camp in Vaughn, WA.
Kitsap Sensory Friendly Events/Movies – Want to know about Sensory Friendly Events in Kitsap County? Look no further. We offer events for families dealing with ongoing educational/medical needs.
Stephens House is a community-based organization that provides activities to help guide individuals with intellectual disabilities (i.e. learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, etc) towards meaningful relationships within their community while building upon each individual’s unique strengths.
Summer Events – events in and around the county including a curated event list by the Kitsap Regional Library, accessible parks, and summer camp
Trips Inc. Special Adventures has all-inclusive vacation tours for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities ages 18+.
All Ways Caring Respite Care – our home care is always designed around an individual’s needs in their own living space. From short-term and transitional to life-long complex care, All Ways Caring ensures that individuals can continue to live independently with dignity in familiar surroundings, while receiving expert, compassionate care.
Camp Stand By Me – Week-long and weekend sessions for children (ages 7 and up) and adults who have any disability at our 17-acre accessible camp in Vaughn, WA. Camp operates year-round.
Gateway Adult Services (Easterseals Washington) provides center-based adult health & recreation services in East Bremerton. Services include health monitoring, exercise programs, assistive technology and digital literacy, nutrition, transportation coordination, and more.
Lutheran Community Services offers parenting education, child development activities, support groups, resource fairs, community referrals and connections to basic needs like food, clothing, health care, housing and employment. Caring and committed staff represent the communities and cultures they serve. A respite program for military families who have children with special needs is offered in the South Puget Sound district.
Stephens House is a community-based organization that provides activities to help guide individuals with intellectual disabilities (i.e. learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, etc) towards meaningful relationships within their community while building upon each individual’s unique strengths.
Summer Camps – See camps in Kitsap, Washington, and nationwide
Kitsap Autsim Support | Facebook – A forum for parents to talk in general, but more specifically towards autism and how it affects our lives. Any questions you might have or information or just to vent.
Kitsap County Parent Coalition’s purpose is to provide information & resources for children & adults with developmental disabilities living in Kitsap County.
Kitsap Supported Employment Connections – A group to connect the different supported employment organizations and affiliates throughout Kitsap County
UPSIDE Down syndrome group of Kitsap County – UPSIDE is our local Down syndrome support community. This page will be a place to share information, ideas, events, stories, and accomplishments.
Bainbridge Island Volunteer Caregivers works within community to support life-enriching connections between caring people and the elderly and persons with disabilities to enable their independence, dignity, health, and well-being.
Catholic Community Services Volunteer Services began in 1981 in response to cuts in services for elders by the state legislature. The program currently works with thousands of elders and adults with disabilities statewide. VS is committed to helping elders and adults with disabilities remain independent in their own homes through a network of caring community members. The services are provided at no charge and serve as a safety net for those individuals who cannot afford to pay for assistance and do not qualify for other assistance. Volunteers generally provide 2-8 hours per month assisting their neighbors depending on their schedules and availability.
Gather Together Grow Together (G2) is a locally run non-profit organization whose mission is to serve our community through transportation, food service, job readiness, and mentorship.
ACCESS buses provide transportation for seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to use Kitsap Transit regular routed buses some or all of the time. It is a shared ride paratransit service within Kitsap County, in compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act. The service is open to qualified riders and eligible visitors.
BI Ride is a shared-ride service that operates by both rider request and by serving scheduled stops. Scheduled stops: Ferry Terminal, Bloedel Reserve, and Lynwood Center. BI Ride/Kitsap Transit provides free transportation to any vaccine clinic in Kitsap County, M-F and Saturdays all day. One day advance notice is required. Driver will tell person how to schedule return ride when on board.
Paratransit – Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is a federally-mandated program managed in the State of Washington by the State Health Care Authority. It is a program that provides transportation to and from Medicaid-covered appointments for Medicaid clients. It also provides transportation assistance in the form of bus passes and fuel vouchers.
Smart Commuter Option Of Today (SCOOT) is a car sharing program for commuters who travel by foot, bike, bus, carpool or vanpool to work in certain areas of Kitsap County.
VanLink is designed to enhance mobility for people who qualify as low-income, disabled, veterans or seniors. With VanLink, your agency can provide transportation for grocery trips, work programs, scheduled client outings and more. VanLink is a shared-cost program that enhances mobility for your clients by giving them more transportation options.