 Planning Director Update
Welcome to Fall, what a summer it’s been!
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is excited to share that the Bridge Forward webpage is live! Here, you can find session recordings, reports, speaker information, and resources from the 2025 Bridge Forward Conference. This collection is designed to keep the conversation and collaboration going long after the event, please check it out!
October 2025 marks the 80th year of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This event is an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. NDEAM 2025 will recognize the value and talent American workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy and highlight their achievements both past and present. Watch the 2025 NDEAM video to learn more about it.
And don’t forget—our next meeting is in Port Angeles, October 16–17, 2026. On the evening of the 16th, Clallam Mosaic will host a community event to introduce the Council. If you’re in Clallam County, we’d love to see you there. Look for details from Clallam Mosaic or on our website.
Brian Dahl, WADDC Planning Director
 DD Council Member Julie Clark, 39th District Representative Sam Low, and Allies in Advocacy Executive Director Shawn Latham
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
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, 2025
- 9 am to 4 pm (Breakfast 8-9 am) - Day 1 Council Meeting with breakout Committees from 2:15 pm to 4 pm (Membership and Governance Zoom link)
- 5:30 pm-7:30 pm - Clallam Mosaic/DDC Film Screening Event - 129 West 1st Street- Port Angeles, WA (In person only)
October 17th, 2025
- 9 am to 12 pm (Breakfast 8-9 am) – 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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From game nights to Challenger sports, the Walla Walla Valley Disability Network is helping families build friendships and memories. Their SOAR program is growing, thanks to Dan Thompson funding, and bringing even more opportunities for inclusion. |
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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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