The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is excited to spotlight Riley Daugherty, one of our newest members. Riley joined the DDC in fall 2024, bringing their passion for advocacy and a strong commitment to supporting people with disabilities. As a dedicated advocate for education equity, Riley is particularly focused on ensuring that children and youth of all ages receive the academic supports they need to succeed. Their personal experiences have inspired a deep desire to improve educational opportunities, especially in secondary education, for individuals with disabilities.

Reflecting on their motivation and early experiences with the Council, Riley said: "I joined the Developmental Disability Council because I wanted to be involved in making decisions that impact people positively and to support the autonomy of people living with disabilities, and because I believe that representation matters. On attending my first quarterly meeting in October, I felt empowered and grateful for the opportunity to participate and feel included in the discussion. My favorite part was seeing the duality of diverse ideas unified by common goals. I personally did not receive adequate support in my high school years, therefore, I look forward to working to ensure that academic supports are available to kids of all ages, including the often-overlooked need for support in secondary education. Over the next year, I intend to advocate for the educational needs of people with varied disabilities and to consistently and resolutely call their interests into consideration."

We are grateful for Riley’s dedication and look forward to the positive impact their advocacy will have on the lives of individuals with disabilities across Washington.