Hello everyone, and welcome to Developmental Disabilities Month! Celebrating and raising awareness around the developmental disabilities (DD) community is always important — especially right now. This month’s newsletter includes several ways to stay informed and engaged as our community faces both challenges and opportunities to grow stronger.
For example, the Medicaid Matters Campaign is designed to help you and your networks understand what is happening federally, craft your story or message, and share it with the people who represent you. Advocacy Days provides information about decisions our state legislature is considering and how you can participate in the legislative process. Our 5-Year State Plan Survey is an opportunity for council members to hear what you want, need, and imagine for your best life. You can learn more about these opportunities in the sections below.
All of these efforts — and more — are built on the belief that people with developmental disabilities should have what they need to live and thrive in their local communities. The DDC sets goals based on this belief, and we need your help to raise awareness in your communities.
Finally, we are seeking new Council members to fill positions opening on July 1st. If you’re interested, please take a look at what council membership involves and consider applying by the April 11th deadline. We’re happy to answer any questions and assist with the application process. Learn more about becoming a Council member on our website.
Thank you for your attention and collaboration. Take care of yourselves and each other!
Brandi Monts, WADDC executive director
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The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State, and Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) have launched a campaign to help people understand and participate in potential Medicaid changes. We’ve created a webpage and video series explaining Medicaid’s role, who it serves, and why it matters. You can also share your Medicaid story through video, photo, or written statement, and we offer support to help set up meetings with your elected officials.
Click the Visit our Medicaid Information Page button for full details and resources!
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The WADDC Community Impact 2025 one-pager highlights the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council’s (DDC) ongoing efforts to connect families, strengthen advocacy, and improve services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This report showcases the impact of key initiatives such as Informing Families, the Advocacy Partnership Project, and research on IDD and behavioral health needs. It also outlines upcoming projects, including a national event on IDD and behavioral health, the release of a report on IDD and incarceration, and expanded outreach efforts to ensure more inclusive and accessible resources.
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is creating its next 5-year State Plan — and we want to hear from you! If you are a person with a developmental disability, a family member, or a community stakeholder, please take our anonymous survey to share what matters most to you. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
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We are now halfway through the legislative session! Here are a few important updates and reminders:
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Advocacy Days takes place every Wednesday through March. Join us to learn about key policy topics and make your voice heard. The details for virtual Advocacy Days and the in-person rallies are below.
- Medicaid is at risk at the federal level. Help protect this essential program by sharing your story through our Medicaid Matters Campaign (mentioned above). Every story strengthens our collective advocacy.
- Make your voice heard on legislation. You can easily share your position on a bill by visiting the Washington State Legislature’s website. Simply enter your address to verify your district, choose whom you’d like to contact, and submit your comments. It’s a quick and effective way to communicate with your legislators.
- We are creating video updates each week to share tips and information during the legislative session. You can view the full video series by clicking the button below.
As always, take care and thank you for your advocacy.
Emily Rogers, WADDC public policy director
The Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC) for Developmental Disabilities has released a legislative priority agenda to inform Washington State Legislators on our collective positions about vital issues facing the IDD community. Please check out the top priorities our Coalition voted to support this session, as well as issues our members are currently working on.
Tayshia Farra brings passion and determination to the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. As a mother raising a neurodiverse son with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), she joined the Council to educate herself, identify gaps in the system, and turn her fear into action.
“The best part of being on the Council is the community,” Tayshia shares. “I’ve connected with parents, staff, agencies, and self-advocates who inspire me. They show me there are no limits—my son Jack can have a great job, live independently, and find love. I joined for Jack, but I advocate for all who need support.”
Tayshia believes in the power of personal stories. “As a Parent Advocate, I use my ‘Mom Voice.’ When I meet with legislators, I start with, ‘Let me tell you what keeps me up at night.’ Personal stories drive change. I tell them, ‘Not good enough. Do better. We need more funding for resources.’”
One of her most impactful experiences on the Council was the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Train-the-Trainer program. “It made me more self-aware and changed how I navigate diverse spaces. It made me a better mom, employee, and Council member.”
Tayshia’s journey is just beginning, but her impact is already profound. She continues to advocate, educate, and push for a more inclusive world for individuals with IDD and their families.
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Informing Families is gathering information on organizations and resources that support individuals with I/DD in diverse multicultural communities across Washington state to create a resource list on their website. Community members can contribute by sharing relevant organizations via email at informingfamilies@ddc.wa.gov or by completing the information request form below. Please note that these resources will not be vetted by Informing Families and are for informational purposes only.
April 2025 Quarterly Council Meeting - Tri-Cities, Washington
April 23, 2025 - April 25, 2025
Our hybrid meetings are open to the public. Click the April Meeting Details button to learn more.
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. All sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. over Zoom.
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March 19th: Workforce- How do we ensure there is a quality workforce available to care for our loved ones?
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March 26th: Budget - What can you do now?
For further information and event updates, check out The Arc Washington's Advocacy Day’s page by clicking the Learn More button.
2025 Virtual Community Summit – Save the date
DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration is thrilled to announce the 2025 Virtual Community Summit! The theme for the Summit is ‘Uniting for Impact: Engaging for Change.’ This year’s summit will be completely virtual, bringing together self-advocates, families, friends, partners, and allies to collaborate in creating more inclusive communities.
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Date: June 4, 2025
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Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Registration will open in early April - and it’s FREE!
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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 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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