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18 <br /> <br />ASSETS, GAPS, OPPORTUNTIES, CHALLENGES <br />The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee has conducted an analysis of services in Kittitas <br />County based on available information. Assets are strengths in our community that may be able to be <br />built upon. Gaps are areas where the county is not meeting the need of people with developmental <br />disabilities. Opportunities are potential actions that could be taken to improve services. Finally, <br />challenges are areas that may need additional resources to solve. <br /> <br />ASSETS <br />• Dedicated and committed DDAC <br />• A community that cares about and embraces people with developmental disabilities <br />• Professionals with valuable training and people with lived experience <br />• Local policy makers who value community input <br />• A strong network of social support for parents of people with disabilities <br /> <br />GAPS <br />• Few qualified service providers <br />• Lack of vocational/trade education and job training programs that align with area employers <br />• Limited number of continuous community employment and transition placements <br />• Social skills curriculum for students in special education does not address sex education, <br />dating, bullying, social anxiety, depression, and substance abuse <br />• No mental health court program <br />• No one tenth of one percent sales tax for mental health and substance use disorder treatments <br />• Limited opportunities for respite care <br />• Lack of awareness about the issues faced by people with developmental disabilities by policy <br />makers, law enforcement, and the public <br />• Services that are culturally appropriate <br />• Lack of adequate transportation to access services, jobs, and the community <br /> <br />OPPORTUNITIES <br />• Resources and opportunities for joint programs with Central Washington University and their <br />students <br />• Central Washington University and the agriculture industry are underutilized for employment <br />opportunities. <br />• Increased momentum to pass the one tenth of one percent sales tax for mental health and <br />substance use disorder treatments <br />• Building alliances between existing nonprofit agencies and private citizens to create more <br />housing options <br />• Involve people with developmental disabilities in DDAC and other related activities <br />• Increase awareness and opportunities for advocacy <br />• Improve how people with disabilities can access information about services <br />• Build momentum for a mental health court program <br />• Increase engagement and education with law enforcement agencies <br />