New Council Chair Appointed
The Governor has appointed Diana Zottman of Seattle as the new Chair of the DD Council. Diana is a sibling who served on the DD Council between 1999 and 2007. Ms. Zottman is the sibling of a brother with disabilities and knows firsthand the challenges faced by people with disabilities and their families. Zottman spent her time on the Council serving on committees and workgroups, eventually chairing the Public Policy Committee. She currently serves on the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities, the Life Opportunities Foundation, and the Junior League of Seattle. She previously served on the St. Joseph Parish Pastoral Council and Parent Board. Ms. Zottman is an attorney at Keller Rohrback L.L.P. She and her husband live in Seattle with their two children.
2013 Legislative Session and DD Budget Items
The House, the Senate and the Governor have drawn up their budgets. A hand-out completed by the Arc of Washington highlights some of the budget items included in each of their budgets.
Council Announces RFQQ for Community Inclusion Projects
Through the Department of Commerce, the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council has issued a Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) No. 13-47390-003 to support a Real Community Initiative. Personal relationships and community networks are often the place to start when looking for a job or ways to better connect with neighbors and others in our communities. This Initiative is to help people with DD be more involved in, and included in, community activities resulting in relationships with other people who share common interests. In turn, communities will learn to utlilize the gifts, talents, and skills of all citizens. The RFQQ was issued on May 1, 2013. Bidder responses are due by July 2, 2013, by or before 4 PM, local time, in Olympia, WA.
Two proposal conferences will be held. One from 9:00 AM until noon at the SeaTac International Airport Conference Center on May 17th and a second from 9:00 am until noon at the Spokane Red Lion Inn on May 20th. Contact Ed Holen, the RFQQ Coordinator by email or by phone call to 800-634-4473. The required legal notice, RFQQ and any amendments will be posted at the DES Washington Business Solution site at WEBS. It can also be accessed via the Department of Commerce' Bids and Contracts page.
Employing People with Disabilities Focus of National Governors Association
The National Governor's Association has selected employment for people with disabilities as its initiative for 2012-2013. Learn more about what they plan on doing to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. (Report)
Council Member Recruiting for New Members
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is currently recruiting for new members. More information about the application process and how to apply is on our Become a Member page.
New Study Highlights the Experiences of Siblings of Individals with DD
A new report released by Easter Seals highlights the experiences of siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities. The report's Executive Summary details the joys and challenges of siblings. For more information, and to download the entire report, go to Easter's Seals website.
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