Celebrating National Developmental Disabilities Month
ID: A blue ribbon on a white background. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
This month we celebrate National Developmental Disabilities month, a campaign to celebrate the contributions of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in our communities, the importance of full inclusion and elimination of discrimination and barriers too often faced by the individuals we serve. Our administration is honored to continue this push for full inclusion and recognition of the gift each person brings to our lives and our communities. I’m proud to say that Washington state leads the country in the employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our workforce, demonstrating that everyone benefits when everyone is included.
The“Nothing About Us Without Us Act” signed into law two years ago mandates our responsibility to a value we strongly believe in which is to include people with lived experience in shaping our programs and policies. This legislation is one example of community voices coming together to inform change in state government. As part of this effort, our Developmental Disabilities Community Services division is working closely with self-advocates, families, Tribal Governments and community partners to improve our service delivery with regional forums and monthly advisory meetings. And, in a strong show of support for community collaboration, the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account received additional funding towards new grant opportunities during the 2025-2027 biennium. Since 2005, this fund has awarded $51 million to projects that increase the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
Community organizations like The Arc of Washington and The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and our State Developmental Disabilities Council are collaborating to highlight how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities in the We’re Here: Then, Now, Always campaign that recognizes “a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be.”
This month is a reminder to reaffirm our commitment to support the dignity and worth of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I invite you to join me in celebrating our colleagues, family members and neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you for working side by side with those we serve to help people create the lives they want in communities where everyone is welcome.
Thank you,
Bea Rector
Assistant Secretary
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Home & Community Living Administration
Resources to get involved:
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