Executive Director Update
Fall is just around the corner, and we’re closing out summer with fresh energy and a clear focus on the future. September is a great time to reach out—connect with people in your community and share your perspective and lived experience. We have new leaders in Washington state and in Washington, D.C., and new advocates joining our local network who need to hear from you. The partners you already work with also rely on your voice to keep our movement strong.
If you’re wondering where to start, take a look at what the Developmental Disabilities Community Advocacy Coalition prioritized during our July planning session. Then choose one or two ways you’ll connect this month to lift up the concerns and priorities of our developmental disabilities community.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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The Public Policy Committee is a group of Council members that develops and recommends the Council’s annual legislative priorities. The committee recently met to continue its discussion of Legislative Priorities for 2026. The group agreed on Medicaid as the overarching topic, with Access to Disability Services and Supports and Caregiver Provider Shortage and Training as additional priorities. Descriptions are now being drafted. The goal is to complete them and hold a vote by October 2025. We also plan to record our annual Legislative Priorities video at our October meeting. Keep an eye on our Public Policy News page for updates.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Council Member Spotlight: Katie Nash
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Katie Nash is the First Vice Chair of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. She joined after seeing the Council treat everyone with respect and give people a voice.
Now in her second term (formerly Second Vice Chair), she enjoys traveling, meeting people, and building friendships. For the Council’s next Five Year State Plan, she wants “input from everyone—even the shy, quiet ones like me.”
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 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.
October 2025 Quarterly Council Meeting
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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 For 25 years, the University of Washington Autism Center has supported autistic individuals, families, and providers statewide through clinical care, training, and research. Its free platform, AS360.org, strengthened “Resources Near Me” and added a statewide recreation database with Dan Thompson funding—and is expanding adult-focused tools for transition, independent living, employment, and connection.
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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