Executive Director update
Hello everyone, thank you for taking time out of your schedule to hear what’s happening here at the DDC and in the DD community. There is a lot going on and we want to make sure you are aware of what is happening and know how to participate.
First, March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and we are rolling out a social media campaign in alignment with the other DD Councils across the country. Please follow us and share that campaign with your networks on Facebook and Linked In.
Also, as the legislature winds down, we are working to ensure people with developmental disabilities are heard and understood. One great example of that work in action is the letter that the Community Advocacy Coalition sent to legislative leadership regarding potential cuts to services earlier this month.
Finally, there are a handful of events coming up in the next few months to connect with other folks in our community, learn about our history, shape our future and have your voice heard. The DDC’s History and Visioning event, the Transition Collaboration’s listening sessions and the Community Summit are all great ways to get involved. Please keep on reading to learn more about those opportunities and reach out if you are looking for information or support.
Please take good care of yourselves and the ones you care about. We will see you back here in April.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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As the legislative session winds down, there are still decisions being made about the Dan Thompson Memorial Account. This innovative program has awarded about $45.7 million in grants since 2005, supporting community organizations that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills, connect with others and gain new experiences. The article also shares stories from people with IDD, families and providers about the real impact these grants have had across Washington.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
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The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is proud to share our Community Impact 2026 highlights, showing how our programs supported thousands of families, strengthened advocacy across the state, and helped move key disability legislation forward in 2025. From expanded Informing Families coordinators serving 30 counties to powerful statewide advocacy efforts and community-driven events like the Bridge Forward Conference, this snapshot reflects the real impact of our work together.
 Council members (Left to right) Katie Nash, Sydney Krebsbach, and Leigh Spruce stand in front of Port Angeles mural at October 2025 DDC quarterly meeting
Council membership brings together people with developmental disabilities, family members and community leaders to shape the future of supports across Washington. Members use their voices and experiences to guide the Council's Five-Year State Plan, collaborating with other agencies and taking part in projects and activities across the state.
By listening to communities and lifting up what matters most, Council members help create opportunities for people to live, work and thrive in their communities with dignity, choice and belonging.
April 2026 Quarterly Council Meeting
Dates:
April 16, 2026, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
April 17, 2026: 9 a.m. - Noon
Location:
Hybrid in Olympia, WA (Hampton Inn & Suites, Olympia, WA) and Zoom
WADDC Community History and Visioning event
When: April 15, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: South Puget Sound Community College – Lacey Campus Event Center
Who: Council members, partners and members of the disability community on a first come first served basis
Registration: Required
The History and Visioning Project honors the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council’s 50-year journey by uplifting the stories, leadership and partnerships that have shaped disability advocacy across Washington State. This work is not only about looking back. It is about using what we have learned from the past to help guide the Council’s future direction.
As part of this project, the Council will host an afternoon event featuring a large-scale commemorative mural created through graphic facilitation by Tim Corey of Colibri Facilitation. The event will include visual storytelling and reflections from community members, past and present. Participants will gather to recognize key moments in the Council’s history, learn about major milestones and share ideas about the future of the developmental disabilities movement in Washington. Light refreshments will be provided.
Space is limited and registration is required to attend. Please use the link below to register. If you have questions, need help registering or need assistance with accessibility or accommodations, please contact the Council at info@ddc.wa.gov or 360-586-3540.
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Transition Collaborative listening sessions
The Transition Collaborative is hosting two virtual listening sessions to gather input on how to improve transition services for students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs) as they move from school to adult life. This effort follows recently passed legislation directing several state agencies to update Washington’s transition plan, with a report due to the Legislature in October 2026.
- Community Session: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Students, family members and advocates)
- Educator Session: Wednesday, April 23, 2026, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Educators, school staff and administrators)
Both sessions will be held online via Zoom, and each has a separate registration link. Accommodation and translation requests must be submitted by March 22. Confirmation emails with participation details will be sent closer to the event. For help registering or questions, call 1-800-634-4473 or email info@ddc.wa.gov.
Save the date for the 2026 Virtual Community Summit on June 3, 2026
The 2026 Community Summit is an annual one-day virtual conference bringing together self-advocates, families, friends, partners and allies to collaborate in building more inclusive communities. This year’s conference will be on June 3, 2026, please save the date!
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Skills Empowerment and Advocacy Training (SEAT)
SEAT is a free virtual training series led by people with developmental disabilities focused on board service, advocacy skills and public speaking. Live virtual sessions with on-demand options are available.
- March 13 - SEAT at the Table: Board Service on Your Terms (with Daman Wandke)
- March 20 - SEAT at the Table: How Boards Work and How to Participate (with Taylor Crisp)
- March 27 - SEAT at the Table: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What Comes Next (panel session)
Investing in Student Potential is a statewide advocacy coalition working to ensure that every learner in Washington public schools is safe, supported, included and equipped with what they need to thrive. The coalition focuses on improving systems and policies so schools are truly accessible and inclusive—especially for students with disabilities—by advocating for equitable funding, inclusive practices and resources that meet diverse student needs. They also center student voices through initiatives like the Student Potential Youth Advisory Council (SPYAC), which brings together young leaders with lived experience in special education to help shape policy and advocacy efforts. Learn more about their vision, priorities and resources on their website.
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