Developmental Disabilities Council members are appointed by the Governor to plan comprehensive services for the State of Washington's citizens with developmental disabilities.

At least 60% of the 33-member Council must consist of persons with developmental disabilities, their parents, guardians, or family members. The balance consists of representatives from local service- providing agencies and ex-officio members from state government agencies. Members serve a three year term. Persons who are interested in being a council member are encouraged to submit an application.

What We Do
In keeping with the council's mission and Vision Statement, the Council:

• Works to develop public policy recommendations which promote the values of self-determination, independence, inclusion, integration, and productivity for people with with developmental disabilities.
• Develops and implements a five year State Plan which contains goals and objectives to meet identified gaps in services for persons with developmental disabilities.
• Builds coalitions with constituent groups within the developmental disability community to promote more effective public advocacy.
• Tests new services and supports ideas by funding demonstration projects.
• Advocates for the needs of persons with developmental disabilities.
• Reports progress toward its Five Year Plan goals in its annual report.
• Hosts and participates in events which foster better service provision for those with developmental disabilities.
• Advises the Governor and members of the state Legislature regarding issues of concern for those with developmental disabilities.
• Negotiates with state agencies.
• Build bridges between public and private sectors to provide better services.

Council Vision and Mission Statement
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council holds that individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with the most severe disabilities, have the right to achieve independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into the community.

People with developmental disabilities must be afforded the opportunity to exercise their individual and civil rights in order to obtain their personal goals. These opportunities include participation in community life, having interdependent relationships, living in homes and communities, and making contributions to their families, communities, state and nation.

Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families or significant partners are the primary decision makers regarding the types of supports they require. Supports must be provided in a manner that demonstrates respect for individual dignity, personal preference and cultural differences.

The Council regards community as the basic environment where individuals use health care, housing, education, transportation, employment and recreation to find interest, activity, and purpose in the company of friends and family.

Local communities must achieve the capacity to accept and support individuals with developmental disabilities. In turn, communities will be enriched by the active contribution to community life made by people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Therefore, it is the mission of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council to work collaboratively with people with developmental disabilities, families and guardians, service providers, advocates and policy makers to:

• assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have access to culturally competent, consumer/family-centered supports and other assistance that promote independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into the community of their choice; and to
• promote this vision in the public policy and planning arena through system change, community capacity building and advocacy at the local, state and national level.

Adopted June 17, 1994