Hello everyone, thank you for checking in with the DDC this month.
We are excited to announce that our new Five-Year State Plan has been provisionally approved by our federal partners at the Administration for Community Living. The new plan has several focus areas, including helping people avoid crisis and incarceration, planning for people who depend on aging caregivers and building more supports around sexual health. Please learn more about the DDC’s goals on our State Plan webpage, and check back for updates as we get to work.
Along with our new State Plan come new programs and grants to help us reach the Council’s goals. We are excited to announce that Foothill Partners has been awarded a grant to host the Community Advocacy Coalition. We are currently signing agreements with other organizations and will formally announce the programs and organizations as agreements are finalized. Watch for these announcements and feature articles on social media and through our email distribution lists in the coming months.
We are honored to continue providing the community with the information, education and support you have come to rely on. We are hopeful that this new State Plan will expand opportunities, strengthen connections and build support within the developmental disability community as we work toward our goals.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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Public Policy Corner
With elections coming up, we are offering a resource to help people think about the issues that matter most to them. This guide includes questions and ideas to consider when evaluating candidates and lawmakers on issues affecting people with disabilities and families.
Explore the Questions to Ask This Election Season resource
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Election Day is coming up. There are a couple of things you can do to help make sure your ballot is ready to be counted.
- Vote as soon as your ballot comes.
- Drop your ballot in a designated drop box. Find ballot drop box locations
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Stay informed with important news, updates and developments affecting the disability community.
Apple Health Changes Coming
House Resolution 1 (H.R. 1), signed into law in July 2025, includes significant changes to Washington's Medicaid program, called Apple Health. Some changes are taking effect now, with others coming in the months ahead. Learn more about these changes and how they may affect Apple Health coverage on the Washington State Health Care Authority's website.
Proposed Changes to DDA Eligibility
As part of the state budget development process, the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has proposed changes to its eligibility criteria. If approved, the proposal could result in approximately 2,500 DDA clients losing their Medicaid waiver services. This proposal is just the first step in a longer budget process that will not be finalized until next spring. In the meantime, our community is working to understand what these proposed changes could mean for people and families. You can read DDA's proposal to learn more.
Recent Actions on Community Living Rights
There have also been several recent actions at the federal and state levels concerning the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities. You may have seen information about a lawsuit focused on this issue, Texas v. Kennedy. In September, Gov. Bob Ferguson joined 17 other governors in signing a letter urging the federal government to continue protecting the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities. You can read the governors' letter and learn more about the issue.
A Path Forward: Share Your Input
The Washington State Legislature has asked community members to help create a long-term plan for developmental disability services and supports. The A Path Forward project will gather community experiences and identify priorities to help shape the plan.
Complete a short survey by Oct. 30, 2026, to share what matters to you. Visit the A Path Forward webpage to take the survey, learn more about the project and find other ways to get involved.
Council Member Spotlight: Letha Fernandez
Meet Council member Letha Fernandez, an agency representative from Sound Behavioral Health who brings 23 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In our latest Council Member Spotlight, Letha shares how her background in behavioral health connects with the Council’s work, why advocacy and self-advocate voices matter, and what she hopes to contribute as she works to address barriers, strengthen systems and improve access to person-centered care. |
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Upcoming Council Events
WADDC's Quarterly Meeting - October 2026
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
Washington State Fathers Network Annual Conference
Nov. 7, 2026 | SeaTac, Wash.
Join the Washington State Fathers Network for a day focused on advocacy, education and connection. The conference will feature a dads panel, a keynote on fierce advocacy and opportunities to connect with other fathers and caregivers supporting loved ones with disabilities. Scholarships are available for those who need help covering the $50 registration cost.
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.
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month
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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