Executive Director update
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
We hope your fall is off to a great start. Here at the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), we're beginning a new fiscal year, as most of our funding comes from the federal government. Its fiscal year starts on October 1. Over the past month, we have been busy wrapping up several programs and preparing for a new round of work focused on the goals outlined in our Five-Year State Plan.
We’re highlighting the Advocacy Leadership Development Cohort in this newsletter. Recently, participants, trainers, staff, and stakeholders gathered in Olympia for a day of learning and sharing. You can view the final presentations from that day at the link below.
In October, we will gather in Walla Walla for our Quarterly Council Meeting. While there, we will also help host a conversation at the Walla Walla County Transition Fair. We are asking community members to share their thoughts on what resources would be most helpful as young people transition from school to adult life. Learn more about these efforts and much more in the sections below. Thank you for joining us, and please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Enjoy the autumn season!
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Upcoming Council events
Washington DD Council Quarterly Meeting
Oct. 17 and 18
Walla Walla | Courtyard Marriot Hotel
Employment first, employment for all: WADDC Presents at the Pacific Northwest Employment Forum
 From left to right: Sydney Krebsbach, John Lemus and Emily Rogers, along with Emily’s service dog Raleigh.
Emily Rogers, ASPE.png
At the end of September, some of us attended the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)/Pacific Northwest Employment Forum Conference. What a fantastic event. It was a great to see people in person! There were many excellent workshops that touched on many of the important topics around employment.
Gabriela Ewing, Sydney Krebsbach, John Lemus and Emily Rogers presented on providing support to people with disabilities on boards and commissions. It was a very rich conversation! The group talked about topics to help people with disabilities have more meaningful access to and participation in boards and commissions. There were many topics discussed, including the need for transportation to the event, the importance of good supports to make sure that people with disabilities can have meaningful participation as a full member of the board or commissions, and ways to make the meetings more accessible.
Our community needs to continue to prioritize these types of conversations so we can continue to strive for Nothing about us without us.
A new journey: Melanie Baker’s experience on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
Melanie Baker, appointed to the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) in 2023, represents Washington’s seventh legislative district. As an advocate for people with disabilities, Melanie is dedicated to improving access to services and resources across the state. Her passion for advocacy and commitment to her community have shaped her work on the Council.
“One of the things I’ve really enjoyed is working on the Dan Thompson Advisory Committee. I got to be part of a team that reviewed and scored applications to help decide how to spend money to support people with disabilities. It felt good to do something new and to know that I was making a difference. In April 2024, I went to Washington, D.C., with other Council members. It was exciting to be in the nation’s capital, and while we were there, I got to meet with Senator Maria Cantwell. We talked to her about important issues for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It made me proud to share our work and help make sure our voices are heard.”
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WADDC wraps up Advocacy Development Leadership Cohort
The Advocacy Leadership Development Cohort (ALDC) project, initiated by the DDC, aimed to empower communities across the state to tackle barriers affecting individuals with developmental disabilities. This initiative supported nine Community Teams that focused on advocacy efforts, developed innovative solutions, and left the project with plans to drive meaningful policy changes. Through structured training and support, the ALDC helped to build the capacity of these teams, enabling them to navigate challenges and advocate for sustainable, impactful changes within their communities.
Informing Families Fall Newsletter
The Informing Families Fall Newsletter is here! In this edition, we hear from PROVAIL on Community Inclusion Services, the Olympics Unified Schools, the DSHS’ DDA, and more.
Agency spotlight: Washington Service Corps, strengthening communities together
For over 40 years, Washington Service Corps (WSC) has partnered with organizations to meet community needs and offer life-changing AmeriCorps opportunities. Members gain valuable career skills, earn a stipend, and receive an education award while making a direct impact.
DDC: Who we are and what we do
Who we are: The Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) advocates for better services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families in Washington.
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. 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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