Executive Director Update
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Hello everyone, I hope December is going well for you all. The DDC is closing out the 2024 calendar year and gearing up for 2025. We expect January to be the beginning of a very important legislative session. With new administrations in both our state and federal governments, our voices are extremely important and need to be part of the conversations and decision-making. We hope you will share your perspectives and help shape the future of our community. Please see below for different ways to get involved and join us!
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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Public Policy Corner
Countdown to the 2025 Legislative Session: Insights from Emily Rogers, DDC Policy Director
As December begins it is hard to believe that we are just a few short weeks away from the 2025 legislative session starting.
Here are a few things you can do:
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Schedule a meeting with your legislator: Reach out to introduce yourself or discuss the issues that matter most to you.
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Explore the new Washington State Legislature website: Visit the website to access legislative information, track bills, and find your legislators.
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Review the Community Advocacy Coalition’s Notebook: Use this resource to gain valuable insights and information to support your advocacy efforts.
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Familiarize yourself with the WA DDC's 2025 Legislative Priorities: Read the priorities linked below to understand the focus areas for the upcoming session.
We are looking forward to working with all of you!
 Gov. Jay Inslee, labor, and agency representatives hold the newly signed Executive Orders 24–04 and 24–05, advancing competency-based hiring and improving recruitment of Washingtonians with disabilities to state employment.
Governor Inslee signs executive orders to promote inclusive hiring in Washington government
Gov. Jay Inslee issued Executive Orders 24-04 and 24-05 to make hiring in Washington government more inclusive and equitable. These orders emphasize hiring based on skills and experience, not just degrees, and aim to enhance job opportunities for people with disabilities. Executive Order 24-04 directs state agencies to reduce hiring bias, prevent discrimination and ensure equal pay, fostering a diverse workforce reflective of the state’s population. Executive Order 24-05 sets a goal for at least 5% of state workers to have disabilities by 2026, requiring agencies to implement accessibility and inclusion measures while providing reasonable accommodations. These changes are particularly significant for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as they create greater access to state jobs and more inclusive workplaces.
Meet Your Council Members: Stories of advocacy and impact
Advocacy in action: Riley Daugherty’s commitment to educational equity
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is excited to spotlight Riley Daugherty, one of our newest members. Riley joined the DDC in fall 2024, bringing their passion for advocacy and a strong commitment to supporting people with disabilities. As a dedicated advocate for education equity, Riley is particularly focused on ensuring that children and youth of all ages receive the academic supports they need to succeed. Their personal experiences have inspired a deep desire to improve educational opportunities, especially in secondary education, for individuals with disabilities.
Reflecting on their motivation and early experiences with the Council, Riley said: "I joined the Developmental Disability Council because I wanted to be involved in making decisions that impact people positively and to support the autonomy of people living with disabilities, and because I believe that representation matters. On attending my first quarterly meeting in October, I felt empowered and grateful for the opportunity to participate and feel included in the discussion. My favorite part was seeing the duality of diverse ideas unified by common goals. I personally did not receive adequate support in my high school years, therefore, I look forward to working to ensure that academic supports are available to kids of all ages, including the often-overlooked need for support in secondary education. Over the next year, I intend to advocate for the educational needs of people with varied disabilities and to consistently and resolutely call their interests into consideration."
We are grateful for Riley’s dedication and look forward to the positive impact their advocacy will have on the lives of individuals with disabilities across Washington.
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Spotlight on service: DD Council Member Gabriela’s community impact
By Gabriela Mendoza Ewing
In addition to leading Hispanic Disability Support SWWA (Pasitos Gigantes), I collaborate with the City of Vancouver and Clark County on various projects that support our vulnerable communities with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These initiatives address critical issues such as language access, housing, income disparities, citizenship status, and health disparities, among others.
At the end of October, we wrapped up the Mercado Fresco, a food giveaway organized in a market style for the community. In November, we transitioned to distributing 700 food boxes every other Friday in a drive-through setup at a church parking lot. We primarily serve the Fourth Plain Corridor neighborhood, which is characterized by its diversity and economic need. The communities we assist include Black, Native, Hispanic, Chuukese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Ukrainian, white, and many others.
During November, we also supported several initiatives aimed at feeding individuals in need for Thanksgiving in the Fourth Plain Corridor. One notable event took place Nov. 23 at Living Hope Church. Dream For Life, led by Donnie Vercher, smoked turkeys to help serve 7,000 meals, ensuring no one was turned away. On Nov. 25, we co-hosted a Soul Food Fiesta at The Fourth Plain Commons, where several non-profit organizations and local restaurants came together to prepare and serve culturally specific food for approximately 300 people.
On Nov. 26, Hispanic Disability Support SWWA distributed culturally relevant Thanksgiving food baskets to families with children with disabilities in need, offering both turkey and pozole baskets. On Nov. 28, we collaborated for the fifth consecutive year on a culturally specific Thanksgiving brunch at River City Church, where we served over 600 community members a feast that included Mexican tamales, rice, beans, chips, salsa, and pumpkin empanadas.
All of these activities occurred while we continued to address the ongoing needs of our IDD community through collaborative work attending workshops, IEP meetings, etc. I am incredibly grateful for the support we receive from the community, which enables us to serve those in need.
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DDA News
Dan Thompson Account Update
The next round of Dan Thompson Memorial Account grant opportunities, known as Round 3, is unfortunately postponed. The decision is being made in order to allow the Legislature to provide direction on the account in the 2025 session. Please check back on our Dan Thompson Memorial Fund webpage for updates in 2025.
Changes to DDA enrollment criteria
By Informing Families
Chapter 277, Laws of 2022 (House Bill 2008) requires the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Developmental Disabilities Administration to stop using intelligent quotients, better known as IQ, to determine DDA enrollment. Beginning Oct. 7, 2024, they no longer use IQ to determine enrollment. DDA will rely on diagnosis and adaptive functioning only for enrollment eligibility.
Important update: 2025 Community Summit
Since 2013, the Community Summit has been a vital gathering for self-advocates, families, allies, and organizations dedicated to fostering inclusive communities across Washington. However, due to budget constraints, the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has announced the cancellation of the in-person 2025 Community Summit originally planned for June 3-4 at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
DDA is exploring options to hold the Summit as a virtual event, as successfully done from 2020-2022. Stay tuned for updates on the Summit’s format and opportunities for involvement. Questions or concerns? Contact Ronald Bryan, Community Summit Steering Committee Coordinator, at ronald.bryan@dshs.wa.gov.
Upcoming Council Events
January 2025 DD Council Meeting – Olympia
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- January 15, 10-11:30 a.m.: In-person Advocacy Days at United Churches in Olympia
- January 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Hybrid full Council meeting at the Doubletree in Olympia, with Committees from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
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The January 15 Advocacy Days meeting is in-person only at the United Churches at 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501 from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
The full Council meeting January 16 will be held in a hybrid format. You can join via Zoom by using the link provided on the webpage (accessible through the button below) or attend in person at the DoubleTree in Olympia, at 415 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501.
Upcoming Community Events
The Arc of Washington – Advocacy Days
Advocacy Days, part of The Arc’s Advocacy Partnership Project, are held during each legislative session to engage individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and their service providers in the legislative process. These events provide opportunities for participants to make their voices heard by legislators and influence policy and budget decisions that impact the services and supports available to them.
In 2025, Advocacy Days will offer a mix of participation options. All sessions will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. On January 15, a live Advocacy Day event will be held at United Churches in Olympia, with the program starting at 10:00 a.m. The morning program will also be live-streamed. Subsequent Advocacy Days will be held virtually to increase accessibility for individuals across the state.
Additionally, coordination is planned with several organizations hosting live rallies.
In-person Advocacy Day
- Date: January 15
- Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
- Location: United Churches, Olympia (110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501)
Rallies
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Community Residential Services Association (CRSA): Noon, Feb. 5
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The Community Employment Alliance (CEA): 1 p.m., February 19:
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Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL): 1 p.m., March 5
For more information and event updates, check out The Arc Washington's Advocacy Day’s page at the link below.
The Legislative Notebook meeting
The Legislative Notebook is your resource for advocacy. It includes public policy ideas that community members are working on and information to help you understand how health, education and social services affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
If you were unable to attend the Notebook meeting, the recording is available on YouTube.
The Notebook materials are available online.
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Agency Spotlight: Attorney General's Office Youth Program
If you or a friend are experiencing stress, anxiety, violent threats, sexual abuse — or anything that makes life hard — HearMeWA can help. Get secure, free support any time from professionals who are ready to listen. Call us or send a tip now.
- Serves youth up to 25 years old
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
- Connect via call, text, chat and app
- This program is informed by a youth-centered, trauma-informed, and antiracist lens
Online: www.HearMeWa.org
Phone: 888-537-1634
Text: HearMeWa to 73847
Snohomish Communication Guide
Check out this guide created by the Snohomish County Health Department to help increase and improve public health communication and supports with our IDD community members. This project was funded in part by our federal partner the Administration on Community Living (ACL). The guide has the potential to help other public health systems improve how they serve our community on a daily and emergency basis.
Washington State DD Council: 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 statewide 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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