Executive Director update
Hello everyone, thank you for stopping by to see what is happening at the DDC.
We are focused on local and federal issues as we continue to see big changes impacting our community. You can see more about the direction that work is taking in Washington by checking out our Council Legislative Priorities and our October Council Meeting materials, including the State Plan development work we are engaged in. We have also been tracking activity in Washington D.C. where we continue to see important Federal changes to programs such as special education, vocational rehabilitation and food assistance programs. We know that several of our community members are facing extremely hard times right now, and we are working to get and share information as we can find it. Please check out our Informing Families SNAP page to learn about resources and information around that vital benefit.
Finally, as we head into the holidays, we want to bring back a video that was made a while back, the Guiding Values video. The Council collaborated with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), now called the Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) to pull this video together a couple of years ago. It’s a great reminder of what we are working to build together, a community that provides Inclusion, Status and Contribution, Power and Choice, Health and Safety, and Competence for our community members with developmental disabilities.
Please take good care out there and be in touch if you have questions or suggestions for the DDC.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
|
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council has approved its legislative priorities for 2026 after a multistep review process over the spring and summer. At the October meeting, Council members also recorded a video highlighting the priorities and why they matter.
Now is a great time to connect with legislators before session begins, they have more time right now to hear your perspectives. The Session coming up will be challenging, we have lots of work to do together!
2026 Legislative Priorities:
- The DDC will continue to take on a leadership role in our efforts to provide education and information about Medicaid.
- The DDC opposes cuts that limit access to disability supports and services.
- The DDC supports efforts to mitigate the Caregiver Provider Shortage.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Noah Seidel serves as an agency representative on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, representing Disability Rights Washington. In addition to his Council role, Noah works as the Region 3 Ombuds for the Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds, working to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A longtime advocate and University of Washington graduate in Disability Studies, Noah has championed efforts to ensure fair compensation for members with lived experience, advance the Nothing About Us Without Us bill, and contribute to collaboration across the Washington Developmental Disabilities Network—a partnership among the DD Council, Disability Rights Washington, and the UW Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
|
Advocacy Days
The Council will be attending an in-person Advocacy Days event hosted by the Arc of Washington, Self Advocates In Leadership (SAIL) and Community Residential Services Association (CRSA) on January 21, 2026. The day will include an information session and rally on the capital steps. Please visit the Arc of WA Advocacy Day page for more information to come soon.
-
Date: January 21, 2026
-
Schedule:
- 10:00–11:30 AM – Advocacy Days: Protect Our Right to Community Living (United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave SE)
- 1:00 PM – CRSA/SAIL Rally (Capitol)
2026 Legislative Notebook meeting
Learn what to expect in the upcoming legislative session for individuals with developmental disabilities. Organization will share their priority issues, and you have access to important data and information to help you with your advocacy.
December 1, 2025
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Meeting is virtual via Zoom
Legislative receptions
King County Developmental Disabilities and Delays Legislative Forum
11/13/25 - 6 to 8:30 pm
Kelso’s Lexington Avenue home sets a new standard for accessible housing
 Housing and disability advocates gather for the grand opening of a new home on Lexington Avenue in Kelso, developed and operated by Options for Supported Housing, on June 30. (Jenica Lemmons / Lemondrops Photography)
A new home in Kelso is meeting a critical need for people with developmental disabilities. Built by Options for Supported Housing with support from the Department of Commerce, the four-bedroom, fully accessible house offers affordable, independent living with on-site support services. DDC Public Policy Director Emily Rogers was featured in the article, emphasizing that “few homes are designed to accommodate people with mobility challenges—there are so many houses that just have steps.”
Advancing accessible public health communication through collaboration
 Kevin Vargas (DDC), Sacha Coughran, Nicole Thomsen, and Kari Bray (Snohomish County Public Health) attend the Washington State Public Health Association Conference in October 2025.
The DDC collaborated with the Snohomish County Health Department to present the Public Health Communications Guide at the 2025 Washington State Public Health Association Conference in Yakima last month. The Guide was funded by the Council in 2024 to help local public health agencies make their materials more accessible to the developmental disabilities community.
ABLE and DDETF Governing Boards seeking new members
Both the Washington Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Plan and the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (DDETF) boards are recruiting new members! These volunteer boards help guide programs that expand financial independence and community inclusion for people with disabilities. If you’re passionate about advancing opportunity and equity, consider lending your voice and expertise.
Sign up for Informing Families new GovDelivery newsletter
The Informing Families Quarterly Newsletter has moved to GovDelivery! Informing Families newsletter provides information and resources for people with IDD and their families in Washington State. Sign up today to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
 Tierra Learning Center in Leavenworth empowers people of all abilities to lead meaningful lives through housing, employment and education. With support from the Dan Thompson Grant, Tierra expanded its Trails Day Program, added accessible recreation areas, and purchased a 14-passenger bus—leading to a 45% increase in participation. One participant shared her favorite part of the day: “The entire day! I get to see my friends and try new things!”
|
