In 1993, Washington State took important steps in supporting people with developmental disabilities.

That year, the state decided to close Interlake School, a large residential center in Medical Lake that had been serving people with very high support needs. The decision was part of a budget and policy action by the Legislature that year, and the closure was carried out in 1994. Residents were moved either into community programs or to other state facilities based on their needs and preferences.

At the same time, the state continued to rely on State-Operated Living Alternatives (SOLAs), a type of small, community-based residence that had been created earlier (in 1989) to help people leave institutions and live in regular neighborhood homes with 24/7 support. These homes help people live in their communities rather than in large facilities.

In 1993, Washington wasn’t just talking about community living — it was putting plans into action by closing a large institution and supporting people to live in community-based homes.