The DDC works with people with developmental disabilities, family members, service providers, state agencies, policy makers, and other community members across Washington State to fulfill our mission.
The DDC leads a variety of activities to help us meet the goals and objectives in our 5-Year State Plan. You can learn more about some of those activities below.
Transition Collaborative Project
This project is a collaboration of several partners to improve transition planning for special education students who qualify for services offered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
Our work has three main goals:
- To review and recommend existing resources for school districts to improve transition planning for all students with disabilities in Washington State
- To minimize gaps in transition services from school to post-school life for students with disabilities
- To develop recommendations to support students with disabilities and their families, stakeholders, and service providers in successfully navigating the transition process in Washington State
All Council Activities:
Advocacy Partnership Project
The Advocacy Partnership Project supports advocacy efforts that provide opportunities for self-advocates, family members, and other advocates to effectively participate in advocacy efforts, especially during the legislative session.
Dan Thompson Advisory Committee
The Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account was created in 2005 after the death of Dan Thompson. He was an advocate, a Microsoft employee, and a person with a developmental disability. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to get recommendations from the Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) on how to spend the funding. The DDC created the Dan Thompson Advisory Committee to identify priorities and create an application process.
Home & Community-Based Services QA Advisory Committee
The purpose of the Home and Community Based Services Quality Assurance Advisory Committee is to provide oversight and guidance for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) administered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
Informing Families
Informing Families is a resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, in collaboration with the Developmental Disabilities Administration and other partners throughout the state. Informing Families provides trusted news and information to individuals and families that empowers them to be active participants in planning and building a network of support and opportunities.
Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)
The Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) project brings self-advocates together to identify the issues that are important to them and to take leadership roles in developing their own legislative agenda and policy that improves quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
