Employment
Having a job is one of the best ways for adults with developmental disabilities to stay engaged and grow economically, intellectually and socially. As a parent, be willing to think "outside the box" about your son or daughter's capacity for work. For decades, people with developmental disabilities have proven themselves capable, dedicated employees when given the chance. And the benefits of employment are many. In addition to a steady income, greater independence, and increased confidence in themselves, your son or daughter will become an important part of their workplace community.
To help people with developmental disabilities succeed in the workplace, the State of Washington provides funding for employment programs that can help your son or daughter develop marketable job skills, find a job that suits their needs and abilities and maintain a productive relationship with their employer. To learn if your son or daughter qualifies for employment support, contact his or her caseworker at the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Spokane County Community Services also provides employment support for qualifying people in Spokane County. Click the link for more information.
Education
An education should not end after high school. Through PACE (People Accessing Careers and Education), a program of Spokane Community College's Institute for Extended Learning, adults with developmental disabilitis in Spokane can continue learning and growing as individuals after high school. Classes offer instruction in job skill development, health and safety, computer skills, reading, physical fitness, sign language, creating writing and more. Click here to learn more about the PACE program at SCC, or call (509) 279-6033.
Wills, Guardianship and Trusts
As an adult, your child will face important decisions about the future which you need to be a part of now. How and where will he or she live? What are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming your child's guardian? How can you provide financially for him or her when you are gone? Each familiy will have a unique answer to each of these important questions, so watch for workshops from The Arc of Spokane's Spokane County Parent Coalition or other organizations that can help you and your child make informed decisions. Contact Gregg Osborne for more information at (509) 328-6326 or gosborne@arc-spokane.org.
Long-term Living
Long-term care is one of the most important issues for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Until only a few decades ago, people with developmental disabilities were completely excluded from society. Many were sent to institutions far from their homes, where they had little autonomy and almost no contact with the outside world. Chapters of The Arc across the country have worked for decades to establish community living as an alternative model for long-term care for people with 
developmental disabilities. Community living offers people a home of their own in the community, where they can pursue employment, education and recreational opportunities, and where they can win the respect and love of their neighbors. By pooling their resources, people can live together as housemates or roommates. Funding that once paid for the state to maintain institutions now goes to providing skilled, in-house caregivers who ensure the health, safety and happiness of everyone in the home.
Experience has proven community living to be an effective model for long-term care for adults with developmental disabilities. Although most children born today with developmental disabilities are not sent to institutions, parents eventually find themselves unable to meet the needs of their adult son or daughter. In addition, your child may one day want to move away from home. Independence is an important part of growing up for everyone, and parents are often surprised to see their child thriving in a community living environment. Strict oversight by the Washington Division of Social and Health Services (DSHS) ensures the health and safety of participants, and qualified caregivers encourage unity, independence and growth. Funding for community living programs is available through DSHS. Contact your case worker for information about funding. Click here for a list of organizations that provide long-term living accommodations.
Recreation and Socialization
Everyone likes to have fun, meet new friends and experience new things. Fortunately, Spokane offers numerous programs that provide opportunities for adults to explore new horizons and grow physically, socially and intellectually. Parents are encouraged to investigate each program to ensure a comfortable fit for the needs and abilities of their son or daughter. Some programs that serve people with developmental disabilities specifically include:
The Arc Community Center, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane / (509) 328-6326
Center Pointe, 1408 N. Washington St., Spokane / (509) 325-5451
East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone, Spokane / (509) 625-6693
Free Reign Therapeutic Riding, PO Box 30893, Spokane / (509) 979-1498
Peaceful Valley Community Center, 214 N. Cedar St., Spokane. / (509) 624-8634
Special Olympics Washington, 8911 W. Grandridge Blvd., #P, Kennewick 99337 / (800) 442-2508
Therapeutic Recreation Services (City of Spokane), 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane / (509) 625-6245 / TTY (509) 625-6679
West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt, Spokane / (509) 323-7517
