Hello, and thank you for checking in with the Developmental Disabilities Council as we move through June.
We are busy preparing for our next Five Year State Plan by reviewing public comments and getting ready for the next chapter of our work. This next plan will focus on the Council’s new goals.
We recently posted a Notice of Funding Opportunity for our Legislative Education, Information and Tools (LEIT) program. This program will support Washington’s disability community by providing education, information, and tools that help people understand issues and advocate for change. Please take a look to learn more about the vision for the program and share it with organizations that may be a good fit for this role.
We will soon post another Notice of Funding Opportunity to support the Developmental Disabilities Community Advocacy Coalition and host the Self Advocates in Leadership program. We appreciate your support and patience as we move through these processes and prepare for the next Five Year State Plan.
We also want to make sure you see the Vision Summary from our History and Visioning event on April 15. The summary includes thoughtful ideas about how to strengthen the future for people in Washington with developmental disabilities. These ideas come at an important time as the Department of Social and Health Services prepares to launch the developmental disabilities community’s 10-Year Plan Project and we all consider the best steps forward.
Please reach out if you have questions, need support or want to share your ideas about any of this information. Thank you for continuing to check in and support these efforts.
— Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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Public Policy Corner
The work we do in advocacy is seasonal. There is still so much to do!
In spring, consider which topics you want to work on during the next legislative session. When summer arrives, make plans to meet with your legislators for coffee, when they have more time to hear your perspective. When fall is in the air, continue to work with legislators and others on next steps and prepare for session. When the winter chill has set in and the holidays are over, get ready for session to begin!
There are things you can do each season to prepare. We created a helpful guide you can use to think about what actions you can take throughout each season.
— Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Council Member Spotlight: Cassie Martin
Cassie Martin, PhD, has served on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council for past two years, bringing more than 25 years of experience advancing inclusive education for students with disabilities. In this month’s Council Member Spotlight, Cassie shares how her work with OSPI connects with the Council’s mission and why partnerships with students, families, advocates and communities are essential to building more inclusive schools and systems.
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Upcoming Council Events
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council Quarterly Meeting
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 16
The WADDC will hold its July 2026 quarterly meeting remotely via Zoom. Visit the DDC website for the meeting link, agenda and details.
Upcoming Community Events
Allies in Advocacy: “Bringing our Community Together”
1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 7
Save the date for an Allies in Advocacy community meeting about building partnerships, strengthening advocacy and improving supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The meeting will include updates from Allies in Advocacy, information about the Developmental Disabilities Network Partnership, discussion about self-advocacy partnerships and work on federal issues, and ways to strengthen relationships with medical and first responder communities.
Please RSVP no later than Thursday, June 19. Questions and RSVPs can be sent by email to AlliesDirector@gmail.com or by phone at (253) 304-5762.
Agency Spotlight: Washington State Fathers Network
The Washington State Fathers Network supports fathers of children with disabilities and special health care needs through connection, advocacy and community. Fathers can access local chapter meetings, peer support, events, newsletters and resources designed to help families build relationships and navigate services. The network also encourages fathers to share their stories and promote inclusion in their communities.
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Washington State DD Council: Who we are and what we do
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 statewide 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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