In the 1960s, national exposure of civil rights abuses in institutions—including Willowbrook, Pennhurst, and the documentation in Christmas in Purgatory—helped launch the modern disability rights movement.

Diana reflects on her decades of work in Washington’s disability community, including supporting Advocacy Days and the Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) program. She shares why listening to self-advocates is essential, how stories from people who lived in institutions shaped change, and the progress she’s seen in moving toward true community inclusion.

Robert Wardell recounts his experience living in two of Washington State's residential habilitation centers (also known as RHC's or institutions) and his journey to living in the community. He also shares some tips for advocacy and his hope for future IDD advocates.

Together, these 1976 documents outline federal expectations, implementation steps, advocacy roles, and legislative context for the Education for All Handicapped Children Act as states prepared to ensure every child with a disability received a free, appropriate public education.

This 1976 article describes how special education programs in Washington pioneered accountability systems—using clear goals, measurable objectives, and progress tracking—that later influenced broader public school practices.

This agenda outlines the May 21, 1999 meeting of the Developmental Disabilities Council’s Planning & Public Policy Committee, covering legislative updates, budget review, policy decisions, and preparation for upcoming Council work.