Hello everyone,
We hope September is starting well for you all! We are approaching the end of summer and gearing up for legislative session. One of our core programs here at the DDC is called Advocacy Partnership Project. The Arc of Washington contracts with us to do several things before, during and after legislative session for this project. For example, to prepare for session, they ask the community about your priorities. This helps to shape the focus and work of the program going into session. They have a survey out to collect your feedback. Please let us know what you want the focus to be this year by taking the survey linked below and share it with your networks. Please stay tuned for more to come from this program and others we are working on here at the Council. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns or suggestions.
Thanks very much!
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October 2024 Washington DD Council Quarterly Meeting
Oct. 17 9 am – 4 pm and Oct.18 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Walla Walla | Courtyard Marriot Hotel
Learn more and join the meeting - No registration required
People First Convention
October 11 - 13, 2024
Bremerton | Kitsap Convention Center
Learn more about People First of Washington - Conference registration is closed
Employ Ability Career Fair - Seattle
Join Washington's Department of Services for the Blind and Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for a day of networking and job opportunities at the Grand Hyatt Seattle.
The Employ Ability Career Fair is designed to showcase and connect job seekers with disabilities to employers that value diversity and inclusion. Employability focuses on abilities and allows space for direct interactions with employers, across various industries who are actively seeking to hire talented people with disabilities. Come and share what unique skills you can bring to the table.
This event is open to everyone, we are just reserving the first hour for people with disabilities and veterans.
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Dedicated time for people with disabilities and veterans: 10-11 a.m.
Open to all job seekers: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Seattle, WA | Grand Hyatt Seattle
721 Pine Street (7th floor)
Seattle, WA 98101
WADDC Welcomes Five New Council Members
We are thrilled to announce that Governor Inslee has recently appointed five new members to the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. These appointments fill the vacancies created by outgoing members whose terms ended earlier this year. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is comprised of 27 Governor-appointed members, including individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, state agency representatives, and community partners. Each member plays a pivotal role in planning, implementing, and monitoring State Plan activities, all with the shared goal of enhancing comprehensive supports and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest members: Bridget Parkhill, Ken Larson, Melissa Dodge, Riley Daugherty, and Robert Wardell. We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the fresh perspectives and energy they will bring to the Council. We still have one open seat to fill, click the button below if you are interested in learning more about Council membership and how to apply.
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New from Informing Families
DDA Home Visits: What to Expect, Purpose, and More
This informative article from Informing Families provides valuable insights into what to expect during DDA home visits. If your loved one is receiving or planning to receive DDA-paid services, understanding the purpose and process of these visits is essential. The article covers everything from what a case resource manager will assess to the difference between home and in-person visits. For a detailed overview and tips on preparing for these visits, click below to read more.
2025 CAC Survey on IDD Concerns and Advocacy in Washington state
The Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC) is seeking input from Washington's IDD community through a new survey. This survey is designed to identify the support needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. The feedback gathered will help The Arc of Washington State and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council plan the 2025 Advocacy Days and develop the 2025 Legislative Notebook for IDD. Advocacy Days provide an opportunity to educate state lawmakers and advocates about the most pressing issues, while the Legislative Notebook is a vital resource for those dedicated to improving IDD services and supports. Please take a few moments to complete the survey by Monday, September 16th, so the CAC can ensure your concerns and priorities are addressed. Your input is crucial in shaping effective advocacy efforts!
ALDC Training Team Spotlight
ALDC Training Team Spotlight - The Arc of Snohomish County The Arc of Snohomish County has played an active role as a key training team in the DDC's Advocacy Leadership Development Cohort (ALDC) project, working closely with Community Teams to provide guidance and leadership in advocacy efforts. Through their involvement in the ALDC, they have helped community teams gain valuable insights and skills, empowering them to effectively advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and influence positive change in their communities. The Arc of Snohomish County empowers community members with the tools and resources to engage in the legislative process, drive grassroots change, participate on local boards and committees, share disability rights messages, and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in myriad ways. The Arc teaches foundational leadership skills through Transition Clubs, online self-paced Leadership Training, in-person Leadership and Advocacy Workshops, and individualized trainings. The Arc follows up with ongoing personalized coaching to support community members in reaching their leadership and advocacy goals. Whether serving on an advisory board, meeting with elected officials, or testifying before the Washington State Legislature on a bill impacting the IDD community, The Arc of Snohomish County's leadership development programming is designed to build knowledge and confidence for disability rights advocacy.
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Washington DD Council - Who We Are and What We Do
Who we are: The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) advocates for better services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families in Washington state.
What we do: The DDC advocates for improved services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, guided by our core values including self-determination and inclusion. Collaborating with various agencies and organizations, we train leaders, promote better policies, and coordinate efforts towards enhancing the lives of those with developmental disabilities. Our Five-Year State Plan guides our work, ensuring we address critical community needs and uphold specific goals. Through public policy advocacy and active participation in state-wide activities we strive to enact positive change and foster inclusivity for all.
Council Membership: Council members are appointed by the Governor to serve three-year terms. At least 60% of our members are required to be people with developmental disabilities and family members of people with developmental disabilities. Other members are representatives from state agencies and other organizations we work with. Council membership must reflect the diversity of communities across Washington State. This includes geographic location, disability identity, and racial/ethnic identity. Each year there are openings on the Council, and we are always accepting applications.
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