The Arc of Washington and The Developmental Disability Council are inviting you to the Annual Legislative Notebook Meeting on December 2nd, 2025. This is an opportunity to hear about important issues for the 2025 Legislative Session that impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. You will also hear from key legislators about their perspectives on the session and what to expect.
Read MoreCheck out this guide created by Snohomish County Health Department to help increase and improve public health communication and supports with our IDD community members. This project was funded, in part by our federal partner, the Administration on Community Living. The guide has the potential to help other public health systems improve how they serve our community on a daily and emergency basis.
Read MoreDiscover how the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is shaping a more inclusive future for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its 2025 Legislative Priorities focused on equitable access, workforce solutions, and the protection of civil rights.
Read MoreCheck out the latest October updates on the Dan Thompson Account, including details on Round 1 and 2 Awards, round 3 Solicitation, and an Awardee Showcase featuring the Outdoors for All Foundation.
Read MoreCome join the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) in a discussion about supports and services young adults need to be independent. The DDC will host a breakout room discussion with fair participants to discuss important topics for students preparing to leave the education systems. Learn about groups focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities in Washington State, including the DDC, and share your ideas for what would be helpful as you transition from school to adult life.
Read MoreExciting updates on new grants and upcoming opportunities from the Dan Thompson Memorial Account! Share your input and help shape future projects. Keep reading to learn more and get involved!
Read MoreHave you ever thought about becoming a Washington State DD Council member?
Read MoreIn July 2024, CAC members developed a strategic plan focusing on collaboration, inclusivity, and accessibility. View the post to learn more about the meeting and the CAC's strategic plan.
Read MoreWe are pleased to announce that the RFP # 23-47830220-400, titled "Intersection of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health Research Project," has been awarded to the National Leadership Consortium.
Read MoreThe National Leadership Consortium, in partnership with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (WADDC), is conducting a statewide survey and interviews in Washington state investigating the practices, needs, and experiences of people with co-occurring developmental disabilities AND mental and/or behavioral health support needs and hopes to hear from people with lived experience!
Read MoreCheck out the notes from the 2024 Community Summit workshop hosted by DDC Public Policy Director Emily Rogers.
Read MoreThe Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is excited to be launching a new monthly email newsletter! Our newsletter will be sent through the GovDelivery email system. Sign up today to learn more about the Council, upcoming events, and much more!
Read MoreCheck out the meeting notes from the CAC planning session at the Community Summit.
Read MoreRead about the DD Council's recent trip to Washington DC for the Disability Policy Seminar and some tips for advocacy during the summer season. Check out our slide show!
Read MoreThe Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) announces the release of a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify and report on challenges and evidence-based practices that are focused on helping individuals and families access services for co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental illness or other mental/behavioral health challenges within the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community in Washington State. Qualified applicants are invited to submit their proposals for consideration.
Read MoreThe Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit Proposals from those qualified and interested in participating in a project that is focused on what is currently happening nationally and in Washington State around this topic, that provides suggestions on how to reduce the number of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) living in most restrictive settings such as jails, prisons and hospitals.
Read MoreThe council is soliciting proposals to organizations and community members to pursue leadership activities in their communities.
Read MoreJoin the DDC for a Town Hall meeting on April 24, 2024 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Heathman Lodge – General Howard Ballroom, 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver, WA 98662.
Read MoreJoin us in welcoming new Informing Families coordinators!
Read MoreJoin the DDC's Public Policy Director Emily Rogers for video updates on the 2024 Legislative session.
Read MoreAfter years of working with community partners to develop Guiding Values for supporting people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, DDA handed the mic to people who matter the most—those with lived experience. DDA asked them what these values mean to them, and this is what they had to say.
Read MoreYou're invited! Join the Developmental Disabilities Council for our 2024 Legislative Kickoff on January 17th, 2024 from 4-5:30 pm.
Read MoreThe Community Advocacy Coalition's 2024 Survey on IDD Support and Advocacy collected data about the needs of people with IDD and their families in Washington State. Check out the survey results to learn more about legislative issues, how people are accessing support, what the current needs of people with IDD and their families are, and much more!
Read MoreThe Department of Social and Health Services’ Developmental Disabilities Administration's Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account Funding Application Updates - Round 2
Read MoreThe Washington State DD Council is announcing a Request for Proposals to assist us in strengthening our knowledge and creating strategies to embed principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our Council structure.
Read MoreDSHS' Developmental Disabilities Administration plans to award $4.5 million in grants to organizations supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in community settings.
Read MoreThe Developmental Disabilities Council is excited to introduce two new team members that came on November 1st!
Read MoreThe Dan Thompson Account is closing out it's first round of applications. With input from the community through multiple listening sessions and online surveys, a new application for round two funding will be launching on Dec. 1, 2023.
Read MoreThe legislative season is quickly approaching. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council has created our 2024 Legislative Agenda to guide our work and advocacy over the coming months. You can find it by clicking on the link below.
Read MoreThe Arc of Washington State through funding provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is soliciting proposals that will result in a contract forservices to provide technical assistance and strategic planning activities for the Community Advocacy Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (CAC). Please click on the link below for more information. Please click in the link below for information and how to apply.
Read MoreThe Equity in Education Coalition, in collaboration with the Northwest Center was awarded a contract to develop a report on the barriers to accessing services for people from BIPOC, rural and other communities farthest from access. The report is now available in Spanish. Please select "Full Post" to access the full report.
Read MoreDan Thompson Memorial Account is seeking feedback. Please click the button below to learn more.
Read MoreThe Council is seeking applicants for the new Commerce Specialist 3 position. Please click then button below for more information and to apply.
Read MoreThe Equity in Education Coalition, in collaboration with the Northwest Center was awarded a contract to develop the Diversity, Equity and Education Report as requested by the legislature in 2022. Please click the "Full Post" button below to access the report.
Read MoreThe Council received money from the Administration on Community Living (ACL) to expand the public health workforce. We are looking for creative and innovative proposals to expand and prepare for future health challenges that our community with developmental disabilities may face. Applications will include a Scope of Work detailing how the funds will be spent to support the costs of including wages and benefits for a range of public health professionals including but not limited to: Community health worker; program manager public health nurse communication and policy experts; case investigator; contact tracer; social support specialist; disease intervention specialist; epidemiologist; laboratory personnel; Information specialists; and other positions required to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. A link the application may be found by clicking the "Full Post" button below or on by accessing the Washington Electronic Business (WEBS) website.
Read MoreSelf-Advocacy Leadership Training by Open Doors for Multicultural Families
Read MoreDSHS’ Developmental Disabilities Administration is excited to provide an update regarding projects funded by the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account. DDA has received over 100 recommended project proposals from the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. Of these, more than 50% are now fully executed contracts with the remainder being finalized in the coming months. Since our last update, we have fully executed an additional 18 contracts to a value of $11,386,181 bringing the total number of contracts in effect to 51 and awarded amount thus far to more than $18.5 million. Please click on Full Post for link and more information.
Read MoreOn 11/1/22, the Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) sent 24 proposals to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) requesting funding from the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account.
Read MoreThe Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is looking for new members to fill open positions. Learn more about who qualifies and how to apply.
Read MoreThe Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is inviting non-profits, with a preference for or organizations run by and for people with developmental disabilities, to provide administrative support and technical assistance to Self-Advocates In Leadership (SAIL).
Read MoreOn July 19, 2022, the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council forwarded new recommended applications to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) for funding through the Dan Thompson Memorial Community Services Account.
Read MoreThe DD Council is seeking public input on changes to our 2022-2026 State Plan. Please review the document below and submit responses on or before July 7, 2022 to brian.dahl@ddc.wa.gov
Read MoreThe DDC is looking for new Governor-appointed members to serve on the Council.
Read More2022 Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council Legislative agenda was approved by the DDC council in October 2021 and will guide our efforts during the upcoming legislative session.
Read MoreWe are very excited to announce the release of the funding application for the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account! Here are some important details about the application.
Read MoreA two-day virtual conference promoting the growth of dementia-friendly communities in our state.
Read MoreIn response to the hardship that COVID-19 has placed on people’s ability to stay connected and engaged, the Washington State DD Council invested $25,000 to help increase the ability of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis
Read MoreA two-day virtual conference promoting the growth of dementia-friendly communities in our state.
Read MoreJoin us in celebrating 30 years of progress for all!
Read MorePlease join us for a virtual Advocacy Day, hosted by The Arc Washington State, Self Advocates in Leadership and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council.
Read MoreWe should also remember that racism is a disability issue. Because of the intersectionality of race and disability, many black people with developmental disabilities experience discrimination based on each identity.
Read MoreGiven the unprecedented budget shortfall, the Developmental Disabilities Council, along with 22 other organizations, sent a letter to Washington State budget writers asking them to consider six guiding principles as they face very difficult decisions.
Read MoreA purposeful gathering filled with updates, inspiration, and the motivation to work together!
Read MoreThe Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased that the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) heard our concerns about the possibility of healthcare discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreThese minutes are from a call that happened with the Department of Health and disability advocates to clear up confusion about rationing health care for people with disabilities.
Read MoreThe Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration are hosting virtual town hall meetings this week to talk about the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak on the developmental disabilities community, and what is being done to meet the needs of people across the state.
Read MoreLet’s Talk COVID-19 is one page guide for families, friends and care providers of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, recently published by Informing Families, a resource of the Washington State DD Council.
Read MoreInforming Families (a resource of the Washington State DD Council) recently released a plain talk guide to COVID-19.
Read MorePlease join the Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration for a virtual town hall to talk about the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak on the developmental disabilities community, and what is being done to meet the needs of people across the state.
Read MoreWe’ve compiled a list of official and informal resources for news and information on COVID-19, Services, Education, Health Care, Financial Resources, Activities for School Age Children, Support for Families, and Social Outlets. This list is being updated daily.
Read MoreThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally published a final rule to ban electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) used for self-injurious or aggressive behavior.
Read MoreCelebrating National DD Awareness Month with Informing Families’ video, I Dream of a World, featuring the shared hopes and dreams for all people to live, love, learn, and belong.
Read MoreThe Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking a public policy director to conduct advocacy, capacity building, and systems change activities.
Read MorePierce and King Counties legislative forums are coming up. These are great opportunities for everyone to meet and hear from state elected officials.
Read MoreDSHS is working to implement Consumer Directed Employers (CDEs) for Individual Providers (IPs) of in-home personal care and respite in Washington state.
Read MoreThe November 18th meeting of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee (JLEC) on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues will include a discussion about the overwhelming number of DDA clients who are receiving no paid services.
Read More“TASP: A Chance to Parent” Conference is coming to Seattle October 28-29 at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront.
Read MoreDisability Rights Washington and dozens of co-signing national and local organizations and legal partners submitted comments to the Attorney General’s Office. The letter sends a clear message to the Attorney General, the legislature, local governments, and the general public that people with mental health disabilities and their allies and advocates will not stand for discriminatory efforts to exclude them from our communities and that efforts to do so will be swiftly met with strong advocacy.
Read MoreIt’s a sunny day on the shores of Olympia’s Budd Inlet as Ivanova Smith talks policy, advocacy and life in the Pacific Northwest with Washington State DD Council’s new Executive Director, Jeremy Norden-Paul.
Read Moref you or someone you know is a youth or emerging leader, concerned with the rights of people with a disability, and involved in the self-advocacy civil rights movement, Allies in Advocacy invites you to join a free all day leadership forum at the SeaTac Airport Conference Center on Tuesday, August 20th from 9 am to 4 pm.
Read MoreDid you know that there are nearly 30 million people with disabilities eligible to vote when registered? This number does not even include “the ripple effect” of family, friends, and service professionals who will vote in-line with disability interests.
Read MoreThe Washington Developmental Disabilities Council is very pleased to announce that Jeremy Norden-Paul will be assuming the position of Executive Director for the Council, effective July 1, 2019.
Read MoreThis year’s family caregiver conference, Giving Care Taking Care, is coming up June 3, 2019 in Tukwila, WA. The conference is designed for family and community caregivers and offers practical, up-to-date resources and information to help you in your caregiving responsibilities.
Read MoreA new video by Informing Families, in collaboration with People First of Thurston County, explains what to look for and how to respond if you or someone you know is being exploited financially.
Read MoreThe Developmental Disabilities Respite Survey is an opportunity to tell us about your respite needs, as well as help you identify options you may not even know about.
Read MoreThe Northwest Access Fund is hosting a free workshop about ABLE accounts in Spokane on May 17th. ABLE accounts present an exciting opportunity for people with disabilities to save without the fear of losing state and federal benefits.
Read MoreThe DD Council is now accepting submissions for Developmental Disabilities Local Leadership.
Read MorePeople First of Washington is hiring for two positions: Program Administrator and Office Administrator.
Read MoreThe Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council will soon be accepting applications by individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to fill open positions on the Governor-appointed Council.
Read MoreThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notified the state that it is decertifying one of three facilities at Rainier School residential habilitation center in Buckley.
Read MoreThe WA State Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking an Executive Director with demonstrated interest, leadership and experience in directing advocacy and systemic change activities that impact and improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Read MoreRooted in Rights is joining Transportation Choices Coalition to support legislation to allow traffic enforcement cameras.
Read MoreAre you caring for someone with Down Syndrome who exhibits memory loss? The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to participate in a new support group
Read MoreDo you provide or receive personal care from an Individual Provider, or know someone who does? Beginning the summer of 2020, a new entity called the Consumer Director Employer (CDE) will assume administrative functions of the Individual Provider workforce.
Read MoreThis Council meeting is being held for members to vote on the proposed budget.
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