Executive Director Update
Hello everyone, and welcome to August.
You may have heard that the DD Council’s current Five Year State Plan is focused on improving the lives of people who experience both a developmental and behavioral health disabilities. One way we are working toward these goals is through the Bridge Forward Conference, which we hosted late last month. We are really hopeful about the outcomes of that event and what we can accomplish moving forward.
With over 500 attendees, it’s clear that many people in our community care deeply, want to learn, and are ready to act to improve the lives of those who rely on our developmental disabilities and behavioral health systems. We’re sending a huge thank you to all the speakers who shared their stories, their work, and their visions for this part of our community.
Please stay tuned—recordings, follow-up information, and a final report will be posted on our website in the coming months.
As always, we’re here if you have questions, are looking for information or resources, or want to connect. Thank you for taking the time to read the rest of our newsletter and for your commitment to our community. Take good care, everyone.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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 The Developmental Disability Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC) recently held an in-person planning retreat, bringing together about 50 advocates from across Washington. The day focused on reflection, collaboration, and visioning for the future of our collective work.
Participants shared ideas and discussed how we’ll set our legislative priorities for the upcoming session. Representative Jamila Taylor joined us as a special guest and offered valuable insights into the legislative landscape ahead — thank you, Representative Taylor!
In small group discussions, participants explored how each team can contribute to the coalition’s broader goals. It was a productive and energizing day, filled with shared purpose and momentum. A visual summary of the day’s activities and ideas will be shared soon — please stay tuned!
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Informing Families Launches Redesigned Website
The Informing Families team is excited to announce the rollout of their newly updated website over the next few weeks!
Originally built with input from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and professionals across the state, the site has been a trusted resource for many years. As technology has advanced, the team has redesigned the site to improve accessibility and make it easier for families to find the information they need.
Some content is still being transferred from the original site. If you need help locating anything during the transition, please reach out to informingfamilies@ddc.wa.gov.
Explore Our New “Council Activities” & “Grantees” Pages
Check out two new additions to the DDC website:
- The Council Activities page provides an overview of the Council’s current projects and initiatives aligned with our 5 Year State Plan—featuring work like the Advocacy Leadership Development Cohort, the Community Advocacy Coalition, the Incarceration Research Project, and more.
- The Council Grantees page showcases organizations currently partnering with DDC to advance our State Plan goals. Learn about funded groups such as Allies in Advocacy, SAIL, the Arc of Washington, Informing Families, Open Doors for Multicultural Families, the National Leadership Consortium, and others
New Report Highlights Justice System Barriers for People with IDD
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is proud to share a new report we commissioned with the University of Washington Institute on Human Development and Disability on how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are impacted by the criminal justice system in Washington State and nationally.
What the New Federal Budget Could Mean for Apple Health in Washington
A new federal budget passed by Congress on July 3rd, 2025, will bring major changes to Apple Health (Medicaid) in Washington State. This slide deck from Governor Ferguson’s office offers a first look at how the bill could affect access to health care, coverage, and funding. While there are still many unknowns, this summary may help answer some early questions and ease confusion. The Developmental Disabilities Council will continue to follow developments and share updates that matter to our community.
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Gabriela Mendoza-Ewing
After serving on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council from 2018 to 2025, including time as co-chair, Gabriela Mendoza-Ewing shares a heartfelt reflection on her years of advocacy, collaboration, and community. From shaping policy to building lifelong friendships, Gabriela highlights the power of collective action in advancing inclusion and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities.
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Teresa Martin
After serving on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council as the agency representative for DDCS, Theresa Martin shares a heartfelt reflection on her time with the Council. From her beginnings as a direct support professional to nearly three decades of leadership in the field, Theresa describes her Council experience as one of the highlights of her career. She reflects on the power of collaboration, the inspiration she drew from self-advocates in leadership, and the shared commitment to driving meaningful change.
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Princess Klus
After six years of service as a community representative, Princess Klus reflects on the honor of representing rural Pacific County and the growth she experienced as a parent advocate. As the mother of two adult children with developmental disabilities, Princess brought powerful lived experience and deep commitment to the Council’s mission. She shares: “My advocacy has grown immensely—I’m able to teach parents and self-advocates to be heard and know they matter.” Princess played an important role in shaping the Council’s 5-Year State Plan and leaves with gratitude for the connections, learning, and impact made along the way.
Our quarterly Council meetings are open to the public and are hybrid. Join the October 2025 meeting in person at the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor hotel at 221 N. Lincoln St., Port Angeles, WA 98362 or online via Zoom.
October 16th – 9 am to 4 pm - Day 1 Council Meeting
October 17th – 9 am to 12 pm – Day 2 Council meeting
People First of Washington State Convention
The 47th annual People First of Washington State convention takes place Tuesday–Thursday, October 28–30, 2025, at the Centennial Hotel in Spokane.
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ASPE Pacific Northwest Employment Forum
Registration is now open for the Pacific NW Employment Forum, taking place September 29–October 1, 2025, at the Holiday Inn Columbia Riverfront in Portland, Oregon. This year’s theme, Rooted in Resilience: Nurturing Growth through Supported Employment, highlights the strength and innovation within the supported employment community. Early bird rates are available through August 15, 2025—$250 for APSE members and $310 for non-members.
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Agency Spotlight: The Washington State Rehabilitation Council
The WSRC is working alongside the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and key partners to strengthen employment services for people with disabilities—especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From public listening sessions to new tools like the Transition Map, the Council is driving real change.
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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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