Yakima Health District works in partnership with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Developmental Disabilities Administration to administer a range of specific programs by subcontracting with local agencies to provide support and services, birth through life, to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Yakima County's Developmental Disabilities program provides:
-  Child development services for children ages birth to three years old with developmental delays or disabilities
-  School Transition Support to students with developmental disabilities, in their last eligible year of high school
-  Adult services to assist adults with developmental disabilities find and maintain employment and live full participating and contributing lives within the community
-  Community education and information services designed to increase public awareness and build community capacity for including people with developmental disabilities

Developmental Disabilities Program offered by Yakima Health District at Developmental Disabilities Administration

Administers a range of specific programs by subcontracting with local agencies to provide support and services, birth through life, to people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Programs that identify infants, toddlers and in some cases, preschoolers who show evidence of or are at risk for lags in physical development, cognitive development, language and speech development, psychosocial development or self-help skills, and provide or coordinate the delivery of an enrichment program in order to minimize the potential for a developmental delay and to meet their current developmental needs. The program may include early identification activities (child find); a developmental evaluation; a review of family concerns, priorities and resources; meetings with the family to develop an individualized family service plan; service coordination to ensure that the individual and his or her family receive needed services which may include but are not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, health/medical services, nursing services, nutrition services, psychological services including specialized play groups or therapy sessions, counseling, speech and language assistance, special instructional services, transportation, and parenting skills development; and ongoing evaluation of the child's progress and his or her changing enrichment needs. Included are "birth to three" programs and federal, state or local programs that address the needs of slightly older children or children not otherwise eligible for "birth to three" programs.

Early Intervention for Children With Disabilities/Delays

Programs that seek out and create job opportunities in various fields for individuals with special needs, limitations and abilities. Activities may include development of jobs that can be done in a home setting; development of markets for crafts and other items produced in the home; and identification of other work projects of benefit to the community that individuals with special needs, limitations and abilities are uniquely qualified to pursue.

Special Needs Job Development

Programs that develop plans for the evaluation, treatment and/or care of individuals who, because of age, illness, disability or other difficulties, need assistance in planning and arranging for services; which assess the individual's needs; coordinate the delivery of needed services; ensure that services are obtained in accordance with the case plan; and follow up and monitor progress to ensure that services are having a beneficial impact on the individual. Case management is a collaborative process characterized by communication, advocacy and resource management to promote high quality, cost-effective interventions and outcomes.