Hello everyone, welcome to our November newsletter!
We are excited to continue sharing information about the programs and grantees included in our new Five-Year State Plan this month. The Arc of Washington State has been awarded the grant to run our Legislative Engagement, Information and Tools (LEIT) program, as well as the grant to continue supporting Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL).
You can learn more about these programs and what they offer the community, along with our third grant for support of the Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC), by reading the announcement article on the DDC's website.
The values behind our new five-year State Plan and the programs that will help us reach our goals are focused on accessibility, equity, collaboration and feedback. We are working to connect with more people across Washington and support them in understanding and participating in this work.
Through these efforts, we want to strengthen community voices, make a bigger impact and improve opportunities for people with disabilities and their families across our state. If you are new to advocacy for the developmental disabilities community or want to learn more about getting involved, please reach out and get connected! Our programs and community support are here for you. We need everyone’s contributions to do this work and reach the DDC’s goals.
Brandi Monts, WADDC Executive Director
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Public Policy Corner
During the October 2026 quarterly Washinton State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) meeting, Council members voted and approved the DDC's 2027 Legislative Agenda.
The four priorities in this year's agenda include:
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Protect and Strengthen Medicaid: Medicaid is essential for people to live in the community successfully.
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Ensure Access to Services Across Washington: Where a person lives should not determine whether they can receive the services they need to live safely, independently, and as part of their community.
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Recognize and Support Family Caregivers: Family caregivers are a critical part of the supports that people with disabilities rely on to live in the community.
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Build a Stable and Sustainable Disability Workforce: A service system cannot fulfill its promise if there is no workforce available to provide the service.
During the vote on the 2027 legislative agenda, members discussed the proposed priorities, with much of the conversation focused on the “Recognize and Support Family Caregivers” section. Following the discussion, the group agreed to make changes that prioritize access to practical, accessible, and relevant paid training for all family caregivers based on the needs of the people they support.
We invite you to read the Council's full 2027 legislative agenda to learn more about the priorities and policy recommendations that will guide the Council's advocacy efforts in the coming year. You can also watch our new video for an overview of the legislative agenda and its key priorities.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Council Member Spotlight: De Anna Winterrose
Meet Council member De Anna Winterrose, a longtime advocate whose personal and professional experiences have shaped her commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
In our latest Council Member Spotlight, De Anna shares what brought her to advocacy, what she values about serving on the Council and why family caregivers, connection and belonging are important to the work ahead.
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Upcoming Council Events
January 2027 Quarterly DD Council Meeting
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.
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Date & Time: January 21st, 2027 from 9 am to 4 pm
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Location: Online only meeting, held via Zoom
2027 DD Advocates Legislative Preview (Formerly the Notebook Meeting)
Dec. 7, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Virtual
Join The Arc of Washington State for a free virtual event to prepare for the 2027 legislative session. Learn about current developmental disability services, proposed legislation and statewide advocacy priorities. This event is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and allies.
2027 Advocacy Days
Jan. 13-May 5, 2027 | Mix of in person and virtual sessions
Join The Arc of Washington State for Advocacy Days 2027! Advocacy Days give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and service providers opportunities to connect with lawmakers and speak up about issues that matter to them.
Sessions begin Jan. 13, with a mix of virtual and in-person events, including evening options. Virtual sessions will offer Spanish interpretation. Advocacy Days are funded by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council through its Legislative Education, Information and Tools program.
Operation Connection: Building Safer Emergency Responses
Nov. 18 | 9 a.m. to noon | Virtual
The Washington State Independent Living Council (WASILC) invites community members and first responders to a virtual webinar focused on improving emergency planning and disaster response for people with disabilities. Learn how collaboration, lived experiences and accessible communication can help build safer communities.
Organization Spotlight: Foothill Partners
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) recently selected Foothill Partners to support the Developmental Disabilities Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC). Founded by Sue and Todd Mountin, Foothill Partners brings nearly 40 years of combined professional experience and a personal connection to the developmental disabilities community. Learn more about the people behind the organization and how they plan to support statewide advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
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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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