Advocacy is the foundation of Quality Trust’s mission and the work we do for people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Washington, DC metropolitan region.
Quality Trust’s advocates help people with developmental disabilities and their families navigate service systems and solve problems with their services and supports. Our advocacy approach is unique! Quality Trust’s professional staff, known as Quality Services Navigators, take the lead from the person when determining what to focus on to meet their needs and objectives. Our Navigators meet with the people they support as often as necessary to get to know them, their preferences, and desired outcomes. They work with the family, government agencies, and other stakeholders to keep the focus on the person and what they want. We support the person to tell their story, empowering them to speak up and share their concerns. We also empower them to stop advocacy support at any point.
With generous support from the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs, Quality Trust also provides advocacy to the District’s Spanish-speaking community. We help youth and adults with developmental disabilities connect to postsecondary education, employment, and adult services, as well as other essential resources, so that they experience full inclusion in the community.
Our advocacy work allows us to learn more about the experiences of people with developmental disabilities and identify systemic issues in the District of Columbia that need to be addressed, such as healthcare education, supported decision-making, and life-planning guidance.
Success Highlight
“James” was attempting to receive DDS services through the support of his grandmother. In preparing the application James and his grandmother took pride in and focused on his abilities rather than his needs related to his disability. When DDS had doubts about his eligibility, Quality Trust stepped in and supported the family in gathering essential documentation from doctors and schools to substantiate his diagnosis and his long-term support needs related to his disability. Within two months of QT intervention, James was approved for the Individual and Family Support (IFS) Waiver and is now receiving in-home support services.
Advocacy Requests
To request an advocate, fill out our online intake form or call us at 202-448-1450.
