My time on the Council has been very rich – the years truly have flown by. I joined the Council in December of 2020. We were deep into the pandemic and were holding all of our meetings over Zoom. I was immediately impressed by how the Council staff, at the time, were so thoughtful about finding ways to help people feel connected in a virtual setting. Navigating uncertainty and transition was a big theme throughout my Council service. In my four years, we’ve had two executive directors (and an interim executive director), we’ve transitioned from online meetings to hybrid meetings, and had the usual changes in leadership as Council members move in and out of their co-chair and vice-chair roles.
When I reflect on my Council service, the most valuable parts are the relationships that have grown along the way, but there are also specific experiences and achievements that stand out. I will never forget visiting the Yakima Valley School and the deep conversations we had as a Council following that visit. Much of our work can feel theoretical and experiences like visiting the Yakima Valley School are a crucial reminder that the DDC exists to serve real people who need consistent and respectful support and who deserve to be treated like valued members of our community. One way that I’ve been able to help the Council in making that support a reality is by advocating for changes to our contracting and RFP processes. As the organizations that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities become more diverse with new emerging groups, it’s crucial that the Council has ways of advertising and distributing funding that are fair and accessible. It’s been exciting to see the Council contracting with new organizations who reflect the diversity of our vibrant intellectual and developmental community.
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for the DDC and I’m leaving the Council feeling grateful for the experience and energized for what’s ahead. I’ll be rooting for you!
Photo: Adana, left, and her son Langston.
