BILL REQ. #:  S-4502.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/03/12.   

     AN ACT Relating to ensuring that persons with developmental disabilities be given the opportunity to transition to a community access program after enrollment in an employment program; and adding a new section to chapter 71A.12 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 71A.12 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Clients age twenty-one and older who are receiving employment services must be offered the choice to transition to a community access program after nine months of enrollment in an employment program, and the option to transition from a community access program to an employment program at any time. The department shall inform clients and their legal representatives of all available options for employment and day services. Information provided to the client and the client's legal representative must include the types of activities each service option provides, and the amount, scope, and duration of service for which the client would be eligible under each service option. An individual client may be authorized for only one service option, either employment services or community access services. Clients may not participate in more than one of these services at any given time.
     (2) The department shall work with counties and stakeholders to strengthen and expand the existing community access program. The program must emphasize support for the client so they are able to participate in activities that integrate them into their community and support independent living and skills.