Hello everyone, we hope your end of summer is going smoothly.
As you may know, the DDC recently submitted the draft of our next five-year state plan to our federal partners for review and approval. You can learn more about the plan on the 2027–2031 State Plan Draft and Update page.
Preparation for our new plan included three new contracting opportunities to help us reach the goals the Council has set. Thanks to everyone who helped share or apply for those funding opportunities released earlier this summer. Many new ideas, organizations and collaborators were involved in that process, and we will be able to announce more soon.
Our goal is to continue offering the information, education and advocacy opportunities our community has come to rely on. We also want to create new ways to collaborate and make needed change happen across the state. Follow our newsletter, Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as this work unfolds.
Another important opportunity to help strengthen the developmental disabilities community is happening through a 10-year state planning process funded by the Dan Thompson account and being conducted through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The project, called “A Path Forward: Transforming Developmental Disabilities Services in Washington,” is underway now.
The project’s steering committee is working with an outside company to establish how the community can share feedback and ideas. Read more about A Path Forward and how to get involved.
Please reach out if you would like additional information about any of these topics. Thanks for your attention and ongoing interest in the DDC!
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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Public Policy Corner
Keeping your Apple Health coverage means staying on top of notices, paperwork and deadlines. The DDC is sharing practical steps to help you apply, complete renewals, keep your information current and find free help when you need it.
— Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Council Member Spotlight: Experience That Shapes Our Work
 WA DD Council members from left to right. Back row: Melanie Baker, Bridget Parkhill, De Anna Winterrose, Melissa Dodge, Riley Daugherty, Alex Koval, Sandi Gruberg, Sydney Krebsbach, Angela Randal. Front row: Robert Wardell, Leigh Spruce, Katie Nash, Letha Fernandez, Connor Casseday.
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council brings together self-advocates, family members, state agency representatives and community organizations from across Washington. Members bring a wide range of lived experiences, professional knowledge and perspectives from urban, rural and tribal communities.
Lived experience is an important part of the Council’s work. Self-advocates and families share their experiences with services, barriers and building inclusive communities. Agency and organization representatives bring expertise in policy, services, funding and programs.
Together, these perspectives help the Council understand community needs and make recommendations to improve opportunities and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Learn more about current Council members on the Council membership page.
Upcoming Council Events
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council's Quarterly Meeting held in October
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. During these meetings, Council members receive updates, discuss issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and their families, and make decisions that guide the Council’s work.
Dates & Times:
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Development Day: Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Meeting Day 1: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Meeting Day 2: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Hybrid - In person in Shelton, WA and remote via Zoom
In person: Little Creek Casino Little Creek Casino Resort, 91 West State Route 108, Shelton, WA 98584
2026 WA APSE Employment Conference
Sept. 28-30, 2026 | Tukwila, Wash.
Connect with professionals, self-advocates, families and community partners to learn and share ideas about advancing supported employment.
The Arc's National Convention 2026
Nov. 18-20, 2026 | Portland, Ore.
Hosted by The Arc of the United States, this national convention brings together people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, advocates and professionals for learning, networking and collaboration
2026 TASH Conference — Liberty and Justice for All
Dec. 3-5, 2026 | Philadelphia, Pa.
Join people with disabilities, families, advocates, educators and professionals to share resources, learn and build connections.
Organization Spotlight: The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) provides resources and services to persons who face challenges related to disability and aging to help in the selection and use of assistive technology, also known as AT. AT helps make tasks easier or possible in school, at work, at home, and in the community. WATAP serves seniors and persons with disabilities, and their circle of support, including family members, caregivers, employers, service provider professionals, educators, and others seeking AT expertise.
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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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