Council News

Dan Thompson Account Update - 8/19/24

August 19, 2024

Exciting updates on new grants and upcoming opportunities from the Dan Thompson Memorial Account! Share your input and help shape future projects. Keep reading to learn more and get involved!

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Council News

Community Survey – Dan Thompson Round 3 Funding

August 5, 2024

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Council News

WA DD Council Membership Opening

August 1, 2024

Have you ever thought about becoming a Washington State DD Council member?

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Council News

Community Advocacy Coalition 2024 Strategic Planning Meeting

July 17, 2024

In July 2024, CAC members developed a strategic plan focusing on collaboration, inclusivity, and accessibility. View the post to learn more about the meeting and the CAC's strategic plan.

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Council News

Intersection of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health Research Project Award

July 10, 2024

We are pleased to announce that the RFP # 23-47830220-400, titled "Intersection of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health Research Project," has been awarded to the National Leadership Consortium.

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Council News

Statewide Survey on Co-Occurring IDD and Mental-Behavioral Health

July 10, 2024

The National Leadership Consortium, in partnership with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (WADDC), is conducting a statewide survey and interviews in Washington state investigating the practices, needs, and experiences of people with co-occurring developmental disabilities AND mental and/or behavioral health support needs and hopes to hear from people with lived experience!

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Public Policy

Community Summit DDC Workshop 2024

June 6, 2024

Check out the notes from the 2024 Community Summit workshop hosted by DDC Public Policy Director Emily Rogers.

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Council News

Sign up for the DDC's New Monthly Email Newsletter

June 4, 2024

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is excited to be launching a new monthly email newsletter! Our newsletter will be sent through the GovDelivery email system. Sign up today to learn more about the Council, upcoming events, and much more!

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Council News

CAC Community Summit Planning Session Meeting Notes

May 15, 2024

Check out the meeting notes from the CAC planning session at the Community Summit.

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Public Policy

2024 DC Disability Policy Seminar

May 14, 2024

Read about the DD Council's recent trip to Washington DC for the Disability Policy Seminar and some tips for advocacy during the summer season. Check out our slide show!

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Council News

Request for Proposals: Intersection of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health Research Project

April 4, 2024

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) announces the release of a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify and report on challenges and evidence-based practices that are focused on helping individuals and families access services for co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental illness or other mental/behavioral health challenges within the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community in Washington State. Qualified applicants are invited to submit their proposals for consideration.

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Request for Proposals: Incarceration Research Project

April 4, 2024

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit Proposals from those qualified and interested in participating in a project that is focused on what is currently happening nationally and in Washington State around this topic, that provides suggestions on how to reduce the number of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) living in most restrictive settings such as jails, prisons and hospitals.

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Council News

Advocacy Leadership Development Cohort Projects Request for Applications

March 22, 2024

The council is soliciting proposals to organizations and community members to pursue leadership activities in their communities.

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Council News

April 2024 DDC Town Hall

March 12, 2024

Join the DDC for a Town Hall meeting on April 24, 2024 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Heathman Lodge – General Howard Ballroom, 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver, WA 98662.

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Council News

New Informing Families Coordinators

February 21, 2024

Join us in welcoming new Informing Families coordinators!

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Public Policy

2024 Legislative Session Video Updates

January 30, 2024

Join the DDC's Public Policy Director Emily Rogers for video updates on the 2024 Legislative session.

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Council News

DDA Guiding Values Video

January 10, 2024

After years of working with community partners to develop Guiding Values for supporting people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, DDA handed the mic to people who matter the most—those with lived experience. DDA asked them what these values mean to them, and this is what they had to say.

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Council News

DDC 2024 Legislative Kickoff Event

December 15, 2023

You're invited! Join the Developmental Disabilities Council for our 2024 Legislative Kickoff on January 17th, 2024 from 4-5:30 pm.

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Public Policy

CAC IDD Support & Advocacy Survey Results

December 14, 2023

The Community Advocacy Coalition's 2024 Survey on IDD Support and Advocacy collected data about the needs of people with IDD and their families in Washington State. Check out the survey results to learn more about legislative issues, how people are accessing support, what the current needs of people with IDD and their families are, and much more!

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Council News

Application for the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account Funding - Updates

December 1, 2023

The Department of Social and Health Services’ Developmental Disabilities Administration's Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account Funding Application Updates - Round 2

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Council News

DEI Request for Proposals

November 21, 2023

The Washington State DD Council is announcing a Request for Proposals to assist us in strengthening our knowledge and creating strategies to embed principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our Council structure.

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Council News

Dan Thompson Memorial Community Services Account - Notice of Funding Opportunity - November 2023

November 17, 2023

DSHS' Developmental Disabilities Administration plans to award $4.5 million in grants to organizations supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in community settings.

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Council News

New Staff Announcement

November 13, 2023

The Developmental Disabilities Council is excited to introduce two new team members that came on November 1st!

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Council News

Dan Thompson Account - Closing Out First Round Applications

November 9, 2023

The Dan Thompson Account is closing out it's first round of applications. With input from the community through multiple listening sessions and online surveys, a new application for round two funding will be launching on Dec. 1, 2023.

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Public Policy

2024 DD Council Legislative Agenda

November 3, 2023

The legislative season is quickly approaching. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council has created our 2024 Legislative Agenda to guide our work and advocacy over the coming months. You can find it by clicking on the link below.

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Public Policy

CAC Call for Proposals

November 3, 2023

The Arc of Washington State through funding provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is soliciting proposals that will result in a contract forservices to provide technical assistance and strategic planning activities for the Community Advocacy Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (CAC). Please click on the link below for more information. Please click in the link below for information and how to apply.

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Council News

DEI report in Spanish

October 9, 2023

The Equity in Education Coalition, in collaboration with the Northwest Center was awarded a contract to develop a report on the barriers to accessing services for people from BIPOC, rural and other communities farthest from access. The report is now available in Spanish. Please select "Full Post" to access the full report.

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Dan Thompson Account Survey

October 3, 2023

Dan Thompson Memorial Account is seeking feedback. Please click the button below to learn more.

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Council News

The Council Is Recruiting for a Commerce 3 Specialist

August 25, 2023

The Council is seeking applicants for the new Commerce Specialist 3 position. Please click then button below for more information and to apply.

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Council News

Recruiting for Commerce Specialist 1: Administrative Assistant

August 21, 2023

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Council News

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report

July 25, 2023

The Equity in Education Coalition, in collaboration with the Northwest Center was awarded a contract to develop the Diversity, Equity and Education Report as requested by the legislature in 2022. Please click the "Full Post" button below to access the report.

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Council News

Public Health Work Force Expansion Request for Proposals

July 13, 2023

The Council received money from the Administration on Community Living (ACL) to expand the public health workforce. We are looking for creative and innovative proposals to expand and prepare for future health challenges that our community with developmental disabilities may face. Applications will include a Scope of Work detailing how the funds will be spent to support the costs of including wages and benefits for a range of public health professionals including but not limited to: Community health worker; program manager public health nurse communication and policy experts; case investigator; contact tracer; social support specialist; disease intervention specialist; epidemiologist; laboratory personnel; Information specialists; and other positions required to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. A link the application may be found by clicking the "Full Post" button below or on by accessing the Washington Electronic Business (WEBS) website.

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Council News

Open Doors for Multi-Cultural Families Self-Advocate Leadership Training (SALT)

May 25, 2023

Self-Advocacy Leadership Training by Open Doors for Multicultural Families

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DDC Public Policy Director Update!

May 17, 2023

Public Policy Director Update

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Council News

Spring Update Dan Thompson Memorial Trust

April 24, 2023

DSHS’ Developmental Disabilities Administration is excited to provide an update regarding projects funded by the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account. DDA has received over 100 recommended project proposals from the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. Of these, more than 50% are now fully executed contracts with the remainder being finalized in the coming months. Since our last update, we have fully executed an additional 18 contracts to a value of $11,386,181 bringing the total number of contracts in effect to 51 and awarded amount thus far to more than $18.5 million. Please click on Full Post for link and more information.

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Winter Update Dan Thompson Memorial Trust

November 1, 2022

On 11/1/22, the Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) sent 24 proposals to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) requesting funding from the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account.

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Council News

Seeking new council members to fill open positions

October 6, 2022

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is looking for new members to fill open positions. Learn more about who qualifies and how to apply.

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Council News

Seeking Administrative Support for SAIL

August 11, 2022

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is inviting non-profits, with a preference for or organizations run by and for people with developmental disabilities, to provide administrative support and technical assistance to Self-Advocates In Leadership (SAIL).

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Council News

New Dan Thompson Memorial Community Services Account Funding Recommendations

August 10, 2022

On July 19, 2022, the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council forwarded new recommended applications to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) for funding through the Dan Thompson Memorial Community Services Account.

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Council News

Public Comment for State Plan Changes

May 24, 2022

The DD Council is seeking public input on changes to our 2022-2026 State Plan. Please review the document below and submit responses on or before July 7, 2022 to brian.dahl@ddc.wa.gov

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Council News

Seeking New Council Members

December 9, 2021

The DDC is looking for new Governor-appointed members to serve on the Council.

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Public Policy

2022 Public Policy Legislative Priorities

December 1, 2021

2022 Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council Legislative agenda was approved by the DDC council in October 2021 and will guide our efforts during the upcoming legislative session.

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Council News

Funding application for the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account

September 6, 2021

We are very excited to announce the release of the funding application for the Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account! Here are some important details about the application.

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Council News

Collaborating for a Dementia-Friendly Washington

September 1, 2021

A two-day virtual conference promoting the growth of dementia-friendly communities in our state.

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Council News

DDC Community Grant Summaries

July 30, 2021

In response to the hardship that COVID-19 has placed on people’s ability to stay connected and engaged, the Washington State DD Council invested $25,000 to help increase the ability of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis

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Collaborating for a Dementia-Friendly Washington

September 8, 2020

A two-day virtual conference promoting the growth of dementia-friendly communities in our state.

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ADA 30th Anniversary Celebration

July 15, 2020

Join us in celebrating 30 years of progress for all!

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DDC COVID Community Grant Recipients

June 29, 2020

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Public Policy

Virtual Advocacy Day: DD Budget

June 10, 2020

Please join us for a virtual Advocacy Day, hosted by The Arc Washington State, Self Advocates in Leadership and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council.

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Public Policy

A Message from Our Executive Director: Racism is a Disability Issue

June 5, 2020

We should also remember that racism is a disability issue. Because of the intersectionality of race and disability, many black people with developmental disabilities experience discrimination based on each identity.

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Public Policy

#CutsCauseCrisis

June 4, 2020

Given the unprecedented budget shortfall, the Developmental Disabilities Council, along with 22 other organizations, sent a letter to Washington State budget writers asking them to consider six guiding principles as they face very difficult decisions.

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COVID-19 Community Grants

May 27, 2020

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Community Employment Alliance Virtual Conference

May 5, 2020

A purposeful gathering filled with updates, inspiration, and the motivation to work together!

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Public Policy

Good News: DOH Affirms Non-Discrimination Policy for Medical Treatment

April 29, 2020

The Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased that the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) heard our concerns about the possibility of healthcare discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Public Policy

Clearing Up Confusions About Healthcare Rationing

April 7, 2020

These minutes are from a call that happened with the Department of Health and disability advocates to clear up confusion about rationing health care for people with disabilities.

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Public Policy

DD Town Hall Recorded Sessions

April 7, 2020

The Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration are hosting virtual town hall meetings this week to talk about the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak on the developmental disabilities community, and what is being done to meet the needs of people across the state.

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Let’s Talk: Covid-19

April 6, 2020

Let’s Talk COVID-19 is one page guide for families, friends and care providers of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, recently published by Informing Families, a resource of the Washington State DD Council.

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Public Policy

“What in the World is Going On?” Plain Language Guide to COVID-19

April 6, 2020

Informing Families (a resource of the Washington State DD Council) recently released a plain talk guide to COVID-19.

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DD Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19

April 2, 2020

Please join the Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration for a virtual town hall to talk about the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak on the developmental disabilities community, and what is being done to meet the needs of people across the state.

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COVID-19 Resources for People with IDD, Families, and Care Providers

March 18, 2020

We’ve compiled a list of official and informal resources for news and information on COVID-19, Services, Education, Health Care, Financial Resources, Activities for School Age Children, Support for Families, and Social Outlets. This list is being updated daily.

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Public Policy

FDA Bans Electrical Stimulation Devices

March 5, 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally published a final rule to ban electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) used for self-injurious or aggressive behavior.

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Public Policy

National DD Awareness Month: What Kind of World Do You Dream of?

March 2, 2020

Celebrating National DD Awareness Month with Informing Families’ video, I Dream of a World, featuring the shared hopes and dreams for all people to live, love, learn, and belong.

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ABLE and DD Endowment Trust Seek New Board Members

February 7, 2020

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2020 AAPD & Coca Cola Summer Internship Program

January 9, 2020

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Public Policy

DDC Welcomes New Public Policy Director

January 6, 2020

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Family Caregiving Advisory Council Seeks Input

December 9, 2019

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Public Policy

Accepting Applications for Public Policy Director

November 20, 2019

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking a public policy director to conduct advocacy, capacity building, and systems change activities.

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Pierce and King Counties to Host Legislative Forums

November 15, 2019

Pierce and King Counties legislative forums are coming up. These are great opportunities for everyone to meet and hear from state elected officials.

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CDE Readiness Survey

November 15, 2019

DSHS is working to implement Consumer Directed Employers (CDEs) for Individual Providers (IPs) of in-home personal care and respite in Washington state.

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Public Policy

Opportunity for Input on DDA Service Gap

October 23, 2019

The November 18th meeting of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee (JLEC) on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues will include a discussion about the overwhelming number of DDA clients who are receiving no paid services.

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2019 A Chance to Parent Conference

September 23, 2019

“TASP: A Chance to Parent” Conference is coming to Seattle October 28-29 at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront.

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Disability Organizations Denounce Efforts to Exclude People with Disabilities from Their Communities

September 9, 2019

Disability Rights Washington and dozens of co-signing national and local organizations and legal partners submitted comments to the Attorney General’s Office. The letter sends a clear message to the Attorney General, the legislature, local governments, and the general public that people with mental health disabilities and their allies and advocates will not stand for discriminatory efforts to exclude them from our communities and that efforts to do so will be swiftly met with strong advocacy.

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Meet Our New Executive Director, Jeremy Norden-Paul

August 1, 2019

It’s a sunny day on the shores of Olympia’s Budd Inlet as Ivanova Smith talks policy, advocacy and life in the Pacific Northwest with Washington State DD Council’s new Executive Director, Jeremy Norden-Paul.

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Allies in Advocacy Leadership Forum

July 24, 2019

f you or someone you know is a youth or emerging leader, concerned with the rights of people with a disability, and involved in the self­-advocacy civil rights movement, Allies in Advocacy invites you to join a free all day leadership forum at the SeaTac Airport Conference Center on Tuesday, August 20th from 9 am to 4 pm.

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National Disability Voter Registration Week is July 15-19

July 15, 2019

Did you know that there are nearly 30 million people with disabilities eligible to vote when registered? This number does not even include “the ripple effect” of family, friends, and service professionals who will vote in-line with disability interests.

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Washington DDC Announces New Director

June 3, 2019

The Washington Developmental Disabilities Council is very pleased to announce that Jeremy Norden-Paul will be assuming the position of Executive Director for the Council, effective July 1, 2019.

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Family Caregiver Conference

May 24, 2019

This year’s family caregiver conference, Giving Care Taking Care, is coming up June 3, 2019 in Tukwila, WA. The conference is designed for family and community caregivers and offers practical, up-to-date resources and information to help you in your caregiving responsibilities.

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Financial Exploitation Explained: Learn the Signs, Protect Yourself, Get Help

May 20, 2019

A new video by Informing Families, in collaboration with People First of Thurston County, explains what to look for and how to respond if you or someone you know is being exploited financially.

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Need a Break: Take the DD Respite Survey

May 9, 2019

The Developmental Disabilities Respite Survey is an opportunity to tell us about your respite needs, as well as help you identify options you may not even know about.

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Northwest Access Fund to Host ABLE Workshop

May 9, 2019

The Northwest Access Fund is hosting a free workshop about ABLE accounts in Spokane on May 17th. ABLE accounts present an exciting opportunity for people with disabilities to save without the fear of losing state and federal benefits.

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Local Leadership Request for Proposals

April 15, 2019

The DD Council is now accepting submissions for Developmental Disabilities Local Leadership.

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People First Job Announcements

April 8, 2019

People First of Washington is hiring for two positions: Program Administrator and Office Administrator.

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DD Council Member Recruitment to Open Soon

April 5, 2019

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council will soon be accepting applications by individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to fill open positions on the Governor-appointed Council.

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CMS Decertifies a Section at Rainier School

March 11, 2019

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notified the state that it is decertifying one of three facilities at Rainier School residential habilitation center in Buckley.

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Recruiting New Executive Director

February 19, 2019

The WA State Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking an Executive Director with demonstrated interest, leadership and experience in directing advocacy and systemic change activities that impact and improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

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Rooted in Rights: Don’t Block the Box

February 19, 2019

Rooted in Rights is joining Transportation Choices Coalition to support legislation to allow traffic enforcement cameras.

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Family Caregiver Support Group for Memory Loss

January 23, 2019

Are you caring for someone with Down Syndrome who exhibits memory loss? The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to participate in a new support group

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Consumer Directed Employer Webinar

January 8, 2019

Do you provide or receive personal care from an Individual Provider, or know someone who does? Beginning the summer of 2020, a new entity called the Consumer Director Employer (CDE) will assume administrative functions of the Individual Provider workforce.

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CAC Proposals Q&A Meeting Update

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Council News

February 2024 Council Meeting

This Council meeting is being held for members to vote on the proposed budget.

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