HB 1535 - DIGEST

Finds that the public interest and the interest of individuals with developmental disabilities would best be served by a broad array of employment and day program services that: Promote active treatment; support these people in the community; include services provided by day training centers; and ensure autonomy, dignity, and choice.

Declares that services provided by a day training center are habilitative services for the purposes of Title 71A RCW regarding developmental disabilities, and may not be considered community access services nor be subject to the nine-month transition period.

Requires the secretary of the department of social and health services to ensure that the needs and choices of each individual receiving employment and day program services are being met through habilitative services, in an appropriate setting based upon the client's person-centered service plan, and appropriate to the client's needs.

Requires the department of social and health services to: (1) Work with counties and stakeholders to strengthen and expand services provided by day training centers which includes seeking funding from federal, local, and private sector sources; and

(2) Develop and administer a grant program to provide funding for counties that offer day training center services to eligible clients who are not currently receiving services in employment or day programs.