Executive Director Update
Hello, and thank you for reading the June DDC newsletter.
Your voices, stories and advocacy continue to be needed this month! As you may be aware, Congress is making big decisions about several programs our community relies on. Significant cuts are being considered to programs including Medicaid, which would affect developmental disabilities waiver services and Apple Health, University of Washington programs such as autism screening and early interventions, Disability Rights Washington programs focused on voter rights and supports to people with both developmental and behavioral health disabilities, and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation programs (DVR) that help people find and keep jobs.
Now is a very important time, so reach out to your elected officials and share your thoughts, concerns and questions about these potential changes as they get finalized over the next several weeks. You can also email the DDC if you have questions or are looking for information about potential changes.
Your advocacy is working so please keep showing up and sharing your perspective!
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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Public Policy Corner
Summer is a great time to connect with your legislators — schedules are more open, and they're back in their local districts. In this short article, Emily Rogers, WADDC Director of Public Policy, shares five reasons to reach out now and offers support if you need help getting started.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Council Member Spotlight: Alex Koval
Alex brings focus, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility to the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. He is a committed member who takes initiative and follows through, helping to move the Council’s work forward in meaningful ways.
As Chair of the Membership and Governance Committee, Alex helped to direct membership activities, contribute to State Plan goals, and support the development of key internal policies. He modeled effective leadership by creating space for all committee members to be heard and included in the Council’s work.
When asked about his role, Alex said “I’ll participate as best as I can to get the work of the Council done.” That commitment shows up in every meeting he attends and every task he takes on. His contributions continue to make a strong and lasting impact.
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Upcoming Council Events
July 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 10: Full Council from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Committees from 1-4 p.m.
- July 11: Full Council from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Save the Date: Bridge Forward Virtual Conference
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is partnering with the National Leadership Consortium to host a free virtual conference focused on behavioral health and developmental disabilities.
Conference Dates: July 24-25 and an extra day on July 31 or Aug. 1 (you’ll choose your preferred day when you register).
Registration opens in June — stay tuned!
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Upcoming Community Events
Youth Empowerment Summit
People First of Washington State Convention
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The 47th People First of Washington State Convention is Oct. 28-30 at the Centennial Hotel in Spokane.
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What should the WADDC focus on for the next five years?
If you haven't taken our short, anonymous survey yet, now's the time! It only takes about 10 minutes, and your input helps shape our future work to support people with developmental disabilities and their families in Washington. Survey closes July 21.
Transition Needs Assessment Survey
The Washington State Department of Health and the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) team are seeking input on the transition from pediatric to adult health care for youth with special health care needs in Washington.
Youth, caregivers, and providers are invited to share their experiences to help improve future programs and resources. The survey takes about 15 minutes and responses are confidential.
Disability Justice Court User Survey
The Disability Justice Task Force re-launched its Court User Survey on a more secure platform after detecting bot responses. The Task Force is now inviting people with disabilities who have interacted with Washington’s courts, as well as family members, caregivers, legal advocates and service providers, to share their experiences. If you completed the earlier version, please take a few minutes to resubmit your responses. The survey closes June 13.
Central Washington Disability Resources (CWDR) is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities in rural communities through advocacy, peer mentoring and skill-building. CWDR offers free services like Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, and Youth Transition Services in five central Washington counties. With a strong commitment to inclusion, empathy, and equity, CWDR helps people overcome barriers and thrive.
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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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