Executive Director update
The Council is nearing our 50th Anniversary and we have launched our DDC History and Visioning: 50 Years of Advocacy project as a result. We hope to accomplish several goals with this project that include gathering a larger online presence and following, connecting with past Council members who want to be informed about our work and continue to help us accomplish our goals, and help the community better understand and align with the Council’s work and the Developmental Disabilities Movement here in Washington.
Over the next several months you’ll see some of our amazing leaders tell their stories and share their perspectives on their personal and collective journeys. We will also have the chance to consider where we want and need to head in the future. All of this is being captured on our website and shared on our social media sites. Please join us and help more folks across Washington understand the Developmental Disabilities Movement and how they can join us.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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The Community Advocacy Coalition for Developmental Disabilities has released its 2026 priorities, highlighting the most urgent policy needs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington. The agenda focuses on protecting essential services, strengthening community-based supports, reducing reliance on institutional care, and advancing equitable, person-centered policies. Read and share the full priorities to support your advocacy this session.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
The Council's Public Policy Director, Emily Rogers, recently gave a presentation at the 2025 Pacific Northwest Employment Forum in Oregon.
Learn more about the Council, our current projects, and how you can get involved!
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January 2026 Quarterly Council Meeting
Date: January 15, 2026
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Advocacy Days
Advocacy Days, part of our Advocacy Partnership Project, are held during each legislative session to involve individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), their families and their service providers in the legislative process, giving them opportunities to make their voices heard by their legislators and to have an impact on policy and budget legislation that affects the services and supports available to them.
Protect Our Right to Community Living - Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- 10:00 – 11:30 AM – Advocacy Days: Protect Our Right to Community Living (United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave SE)
- 12:00 PM – CRSA/SAIL Rally (Capitol)
Protect Our Right to Employment - Wednesday, January 28, 2026
People First of Washington Advocacy Trainings
People First is hosting a series of advocacy trainings on Zoom. To join, simply visit the People First Zoom Room at the scheduled date and time of each session.
- December 18th, 2025 – How to speak with your legislator
- January 8, 2026 – Knowing the issues
- January 15, 2026 – Practice your message
Share Your Story: WASILC Panel Opportunity
The Washington Statewide Independent Living Council (WASILC) is seeking speakers from the cross-disability community (physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, and developmental disabilities) for an upcoming panel to share stories, experiences, and ideas for more inclusive communities. If you are interested or want to recommend someone, please email Courtney Williams at courtney.williams@dshs.wa.gov by January 30, 2026.
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Roots of Inclusion works to ensure that people of all abilities — especially youth with disabilities — experience belonging, dignity, and equitable access in schools and communities. Based in Bellevue, Washington, they support parents, families, educators, and districts through training, technical assistance, policy-advocacy, and tools to build inclusive practices and systems. |
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