Executive Director Update
Hello everyone, we hope you are doing as well as possible this month. We have seen a lot of change and uncertainty here at the Council and in the community the past few weeks. From new leaders in state government to new directions at the federal level, we are practicing how to ride the consistent and sometimes intense wave of change. With all of this happening, please know that your voice, your perspective and your action are needed now! Our elected officials need to hear from you. They need to understand what’s important to you. They need to remember that they represent you. Here at the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, we are busy planning and preparing ways to help you understand what is happening and take action. In the coming weeks, we will run a Medicaid Matters campaign to help you get involved. Please follow us to get that information as it comes out on our website news webpage, Facebook, LinkedIn, and our Informing Families News List. We are here if you need assistance. Please remember that your voice is vital to our Washington community and to people across our country who have disabilities. Take good care of yourselves and the folks around you.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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 DDC 5 Year State Plan Survey
The DDC is gathering feedback to better understand the barriers and challenges faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families in Washington State. This input will directly influence our The Council’s 5 Year State Plan, which guides our work.
We need your help to ensure voices from all communities are heard, especially those in underserved or underrepresented areas. Here’s how you can support this effort:
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Take the survey – Share your own insights and experiences by completing the survey online
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Share the survey – Help spread the word by sharing our posts on Facebook and LinkedIn with your networks
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Distribute the flyer – Share the PDF flyer in your newsletters, social media pages, or community meetings
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Direct people to our website – More information is available at DDC 5 Year State Plan Survey
The survey closes July 21 and is available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for diverse communities. We encourage you to share it widely, so all voices can contribute to shaping the future of IDD services and advocacy in Washington State.
Your outreach is vital in reaching individuals who may not otherwise have access to this survey. Together, we can ensure that all voices are heard and represented in our work to build a more inclusive and supportive Washington.
If you have any questions or would like additional materials, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to our shared mission.
Policy News
The legislative session is in full swing now! Making your voice heard is key to our success!
You can do this by:
- 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 is available there. Check out the new Legislative Advocacy Tips video for a tutorial on using the Legislature’s website.
- Sign up to testify on bills that are important to you! Stay up to date on bills and hearings that are happening at the Arc Washington’s bill tracker
- Sign up and attend Advocacy Days! You will need to register each week to receive the link for Advocacy Days. Visit the Advocacy Day webpage to register for all of the events!
The DDC is creating short session update videos weekly to help keep you informed. You can find links to these videos and more on our Public Policy News page.
We are looking forward to working with all of you and don’t forget: Change is made by those who show up!
Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint. Please take care of yourself.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Meet Our Council Members: Stories of Advocacy and Impact
Dana Floyd brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. As the parent of a neurodiverse child who has grown into an amazing adult, Dana has firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. Her professional background in special education, combined with her role as Executive Director of Special Services at ESD 105 in southcentral Washington, equips her with the expertise to advocate for meaningful change in education and support services. Dana’s dedication to advocacy is rooted in a strong belief that individuals with disabilities deserve the agency to contribute fully to their communities.
She says: “I decided to join the Council to harness my personal experience as a parent of a neurodiverse child, along with my professional background in special education and my current role at ESD 105. My favorite part of working on the Council has been the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people who are equally passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This collaboration has been incredibly enriching and has allowed me to learn from others' perspectives and experiences. I cherish the new friendships I have gained during my time on the Council.
The most rewarding aspect of my work on the Council has been seeing the tangible impacts of our advocacy on policy and practice. Knowing that our efforts are helping to improve the lives of many people provides a deep sense of fulfillment and motivates me to continue pushing for change.
Looking ahead, I am excited to work on initiatives that further enhance the educational opportunities and support services available to individuals with disabilities. Whether it's through developing new programs or refining existing ones, I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies and practices that empower and support the disability community.”
Dana’s leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact, and the Council is grateful for her commitment to advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Washington.
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Informing Families Winter Newsletter
The Informing Families 2024/2025 Winter Newsletter is here! In this special edition, we hear from Partners4Housing, Legislative Advocacy, and updates on resources such as LIHEAP, winter safety, and more.
Upcoming Community Events
The Arc of Washington – Advocacy Days
Advocacy Days, part of The Arc’s Advocacy Partnership Project, are held during the 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 are from 10-11:30 a.m.
Rallies
Rallies are held at the Capitol in Olympia from 1-2:30 p.m.
For more information and event updates, check out The Arc Washington's Advocacy Day’s page at the link.
Agency spotlight: e-Buddies
Looking for a way to make meaningful connections online? The Best Buddies e-Buddies program fosters friendships between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities through virtual platforms. Participants can join one-to-one matches, attend monthly events like trivia and paint parties, and engage in a vibrant online community. Open to those 13 and older, e-Buddies creates a safe, inclusive space where friendships flourish while improving technology and communication skills.
About the Washington State DD Council
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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