Dana Floyd brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. As the parent of a neurodiverse child who has grown into an amazing adult, Dana has firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. Her professional background in special education, combined with her role as Executive Director of Special Services at ESD 105 in southcentral Washington, equips her with the expertise to advocate for meaningful change in education and support services. Dana’s dedication to advocacy is rooted in a strong belief that individuals with disabilities deserve the agency to contribute fully to their communities.
She says: “I decided to join the Council to harness my personal experience as a parent of a neurodiverse child, along with my professional background in special education and my current role at ESD 105. My favorite part of working on the Council has been the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people who are equally passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This collaboration has been incredibly enriching and has allowed me to learn from others' perspectives and experiences. I cherish the new friendships I have gained during my time on the Council.
The most rewarding aspect of my work on the Council has been seeing the tangible impacts of our advocacy on policy and practice. Knowing that our efforts are helping to improve the lives of many people provides a deep sense of fulfillment and motivates me to continue pushing for change.
Looking ahead, I am excited to work on initiatives that further enhance the educational opportunities and support services available to individuals with disabilities. Whether it's through developing new programs or refining existing ones, I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies and practices that empower and support the disability community.”
Dana’s leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact, and the Council is grateful for her commitment to advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Washington.