Who do I call first for disability services in District Of Columbia, District of Columbia?

Start with early intervention (children under 3), your school district's special education office (ages 3–21), and District of Columbia vocational rehabilitation for employment. This guide points to the right front door for District Of Columbia.

Is help available in Spanish in District Of Columbia?

Yes. This District Of Columbia guide includes Spanish-language support, and most District of Columbia agencies provide interpretation on request.

What should I do in a disability-related crisis in District Of Columbia?

For an immediate emergency call 911. For mental health crisis support call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. This page also lists local crisis resources where available.

Disability Services in District Of Columbia, District of Columbia

A free, plain-language guide to disability services in District Of Columbia, District of Columbia. Find who to call first for early intervention, special education, Medicaid waivers, transition planning, employment supports, and crisis help — with Spanish-language support. Always call to confirm details, which can change.

Services covered in District Of Columbia

Early intervention (under 3) and special education / IEPs (ages 3–21)
Medicaid waivers and home- and community-based services
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
Transition planning, guardianship, and benefits
Crisis support — 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crisis

Key contacts in District Of Columbia

District of Columbia, DC DDS/DDA (your front door) — Your front door for developmental-disability services in the District of Columbia is DC DDS, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Contact: 202-730-1700 (DDS/DDA IEDU) · dds.dc.gov.
DC Center for Independent Living (DCCIL) — The District of Columbia's Center for Independent Living: information and referral, independent-living skills, peer support, benefits and housing advocacy, ass… Contact: 202-388-0033 · dccil.org.
DC Aging & Disability Resource Center (Dept. of Aging & Community Living) — The District's aging & disability one-stop (DACL / ADRC): information and assistance, options counseling, Medicaid long-term-care and waiver help, family-careg… Contact: 202-724-5626 · DACL.
DBH Access HelpLine & 988, District of Columbia (24/7) — Free, confidential 24/7 mental-health, substance-use, and suicide crisis support for District residents through the DC Department of Behavioral Health Access H… Contact: 988 · 1-888-793-4357 · 24/7.
The Arc of the District of Columbia — The District's community organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families (since 1950): advocacy, family support, em… Contact: 202-636-2950 · arcdc.net.
DC DDS, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) — DC's front door for developmental-disability services. Contact: 202-730-1700 · dds.dc.gov/page/eligibility-and-intake-process.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Free, confidential crisis support 24/7 for mental health and substance use crises. Contact: 988 · DC Access HelpLine 1-888-793-4357.
Strong Start (DC Early Intervention Program) — Citywide early-intervention program for babies and toddlers (birth–3) with delays or disabilities: free evaluation and services. Contact: 202-727-3665 · osse.dc.gov (Strong Start).
DC RSA, Rehabilitation Services Administration — Helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep a job: counseling, training, assistive technology, job placement, and student transition services. Contact: 202-730-1700 · dds.dc.gov/service/vocational-rehabilitation-services.
University Legal Services (Disability Rights DC) — DC's federally designated protection and advocacy agency. Contact: 202-547-0198 · uls-dc.org.

These listings are a navigation aid, not endorsements — always call first to confirm current details. The full interactive District Of Columbia directory on this page lists 11 local and statewide resources with filters by category, age, and payer, plus registry-listed providers nearby.

See more District of Columbia disability resources or browse other counties from the District of Columbia portal.