Executive Director Update
Hello everyone,
We hope your May is off to a great start. I’ve been feeling grateful and proud of our developmental disabilities community and all the powerful advocacy and action we’ve seen over the past few months. The hard work many of you have put in IS making an impact! We have lots of proof of that so far in 2025.
For example, The Washington State Legislature preserved most of our services and systems as they worked through bills and budget this session. I think most of us agree that our service systems did not feel the impacts we could have potentially faced.
At the national level, our Medicaid Matters Campaign is helping inform Congress about the supports people with disabilities need to live in our communities, attend school, work, and thrive. We’re seeing signs of progress in both the federal budget and in broader public understanding.
While the state legislative session has ended, there are still important ways to take action:
Please join us and thank you for the many ways you continue to show up and speak out.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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 Public Policy Corner
It’s been a busy legislative session, with the Council focused on two main priorities: Workforce and Restraint & Isolation.
- Restraint and Isolation - HB 1795: Although this bill did not pass, the budget includes funding for a new training initiative—Reducing Restraints and Eliminating Isolation—to support teachers and school districts. (See the Arc of Washington’s Budget Side by Side)
- Workforce: A 2% wage increase is proposed by the Legislature for Supported Living providers. The Governor has until May 20 to sign the budget.
Thank you all for your hard work! After a short break, we’ll begin looking ahead to 2026 and identifying the focus areas Council Members want to prioritize for next session.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Current and Past Council Member Video Showcase
Meet some of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council members and learn more about their stories in a new video series that highlights the diverse experiences, passions, and advocacy journeys of our community. This special showcase features four powerful videos—two from current Council members and two from former members—each offering a unique perspective on what it means to be a leader, self-advocate, and changemaker in Washington. Through these personal stories, you’ll hear firsthand how our members are working to create more inclusive communities and drive systems change. Don’t miss this opportunity to get inspired and see the Council’s mission in action.
Upcoming Council Events
July 2025 Quarterly Council Meeting
Our quarterly Council meetings are open to the public and are hybrid. Join the July meeting in person at the SeaTac Radisson or online via Zoom.
July 10th – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Full Council Meeting with Committees from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
July 11th – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Full Council meeting
Upcoming Community Events
APSE 2025 Conference
The National APSE Conference provides access to top-tier training and networking opportunities to Employment First professionals across the country. Bringing together the very individuals and organizations working toward and impacted by Employment First—people with disabilities and their families, service providers, universities, rehabilitation counselors, as well as state and federal agency representatives.
- Location: Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC
- Advocacy Day on the Hill & Employment First Gala: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
- Regular Conference: Thursday, June 12 – Saturday, June 14, 2025
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The Washington ABLE Savings Plan and the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (DDETF) are recruiting new governing board members. This is a great opportunity to support programs that empower individuals with disabilities to save for their futures while maintaining essential benefits. Board members serve four-year terms, meet quarterly, and receive stipends and travel reimbursement.
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Organization Spotlight: Pasitos Gigantes Southwest Washington
Pasitos Gigantes Southwest Washington provides support to parents and families with children with disabilities in Clark County, with a focus on BIPOC and Spanish-speaking communities. They offer culturally responsive guidance on special education, health services, DDA, SSI, employment, and more — empowering families to navigate systems and advocate for their loved ones.
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Washington State DD Council - Who We Are & 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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