Executive Director Update
Welcome to 2025, everyone! DDC members and staff are gearing up to meet in Olympia this month for our first Quarterly Council Meeting of the year. Some of us will also attend an in-person Advocacy Day event, meet with legislators, and tour Rainier School in Buckley. These activities, alongside important programs put on by some of our partners like the Arc of Washington, Self Advocates In Leadership (SAIL) and Open Doors for Multicultural Families, help our community participate in legislative session and improve the lives of folks with developmental disabilities across the state. There’s more information about our activities and how to get involved in this newsletter. Contact us
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
|
Public Policy Corner
Happy New Year! As I write this, the 2025 Legislative Session is just a few days away.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Meet your legislator to let them know what is important to you.
- Get familiar with the new Washington State Legislature website. Contact information for new legislators will be posted by Jan. 15, 2025.
- Advocacy Day is one way you can get involved! Most of the Advocacy Days will be virtual this year, with a couple of rallies. Check the link below for details. Each week you need to register to receive the link for Advocacy Day. Visit the Advocacy Day webpage to register for all of the events!
- The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council priorities are available online: 2025 DDC Legislative Priorities
We are looking forward to working with all of you!
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Meet Your Council Members: Stories of advocacy and impact
Meet Melissa Dodge, one of the newest members of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. Melissa brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advocacy to the Council. As a mother of a child diagnosed with autism, Melissa turned her personal journey into a mission to help others. Twelve years ago, she founded an Autism Mom's Support Group, which has grown to support over 1,500 local autism families. Building on this foundation, in December 2024, Melissa launched a non-profit organization called Pacific Northwest Family Navigation. The organization aims to empower families of individuals with disabilities by providing essential resources, inclusive events, and compassionate support. Melissa and her team are dedicated to fostering a connected, informed and supported community, and offering guidance, education and activities that promote well-being, independence, and inclusion for people of all abilities.
“I decided to join the Council because there is an overwhelming need for help in Clark County,” Melissa explains. “There is a huge lack of services, advocacy, and assistance in our community, and we need attention brought to our community. What better way to do that than by joining a council full of amazing people?” Melissa’s first impression of the Council has been overwhelmingly positive. “I have only been to one Council meeting so far, and I was surprised at how welcoming everyone was. They really seemed interested in getting to know me and learning about the things I could bring to the table.”
While Melissa is still getting started with her work on the Council, she is eager to dive into advocacy efforts.
“The challenging part is deciding what is most important as everything is important, and it depends on which age group we want to target,” she notes. “Personally, I feel the state of Washington is in a state of emergency when it comes to services or lack of. So many families are trapped in their homes because they don't know where to go or who to ask for help. When they do find services, the wait list seems to be months out.”
Melissa’s concerns extend across critical systems, including schools, health care, child protective services, and the judicial system. “Our school system is failing our children. Our judicial system is failing our children and families. Our health care system is failing our children and families. Child protective services are failing our children. The lists go on and on.”
Despite these challenges, Melissa remains steadfast in her commitment to making a difference. “My heart hurts seeing families struggle day in and day out. I want to make a difference. I want to see change. For me, joining the Council is a step in the right direction.”
With her dedication and drive, Melissa Dodge is sure to be a powerful voice for families and individuals with developmental disabilities across Washington.
|
DDA News: 2022-2024 Dan Thompson Memorial Fund Impact Report
We are excited to provide the latest update on the Dan Thompson Memorial Account, which continues to make significant positive impacts on the lives of people with developmental disabilities across our state.
In November 2024, the Dan Thompson Account received an award from the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities (NASDDD) for its public-private partnership. This is a great accomplishment and speaks to the impact The Dan Thompson Memorial Account has had in helping community members and government agencies collaborate on solutions for our population. More information can be found on the DSHS Medium page.
From 2022-24, the fund awarded $51,620,425 and served about 61,000 people.
To learn more, please review the 2022-24 Dan Thompson Account Impact Report, which outlines the program's outcomes. You can access the report at the link below.
Informing Families
Informing Families is hiring!
Informing Families is looking for a passionate advocate to join their team as a Coordinator in Northeast Washington, which includes Ferry, Stevens, Lincoln and Pend Orielle counties! This role offers the opportunity to empower families with valuable resources and Life Course Planning tools in both online and community settings.
Contribute to the Informing Families resource list
Informing Families is collecting information on groups, organizations and resources that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within diverse multicultural communities across Washington. Their goal is to compile this information into a comprehensive resource list on the Informing Families website, providing families with easy access to valuable support options.
Informing Families invites community members to help by sharing local organizations across the state that serve multicultural groups and individuals with I/DD!
To share your information please email InformingFamilies@ddc.wa.gov, or fill out our information request form linked below.
Upcoming Council events
January 2025 DD Council Meeting – Olympia
- 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Jan. 15: In-person Advocacy Days at United Churches in Olympia
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 16: Hybrid Council meeting at the DoubleTree in Olympia, with Committees from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Jan. 15 Advocacy Days meeting is in-person only at the United Churches at 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501.
The Council meeting on Jan. 16 will be hybrid. You can join via Zoom by using the link provided on the webpage (accessible through the link below) or attend in-person at the DoubleTree in Olympia, located at 415 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501.
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, 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 are from 10 a.m. to 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: Jan. 15, 2025 Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Location: United Churches - 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Rallies
- Noon Feb. 5: Community Residential Services Association (CRSA)
- 1 p.m. Feb. 19: The Community Employment Alliance (CEA)
- 1 p.m. March 5: Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)
For more information and event updates, check out The Arc Washington's Advocacy Day’s page at the link below.
Open Doors for Multicultural Families Legislative Advocacy Virtual Information Session
Join Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF) for an inspiring one-hour session designed to empower you to advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This impactful event takes place on January 14th at 9:00 AM, just in time to kick off the legislative session. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can help create meaningful change!
Agency spotlight: Disability Rights Washington
Disability Rights Washington (DRW) is a private non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities across the state. Its mission is to advance the dignity, equality and self-determination of people with disabilities by pursuing justice on matters related to human and legal rights. As Washington's designated protection and advocacy agency, DRW offers free services, including legal representation, advocacy and information resources, to empower individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves and navigate various systems effectively.
DRW's work encompasses a broad range of initiatives aimed at systemic change. Their programs address issues such as community inclusion, transportation accessibility, and the rights of incarcerated individuals with disabilities. Notably, DRW's Disability Mobility Initiative is actively championing legislation to include transit rider representation on transit agency boards, ensuring that the voices of those who rely on public transportation are heard in decision-making processes. Additionally, DRW's Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds works to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing oversight and advocating for systemic reforms.
|
Washington State 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.
|
