Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council

Together we are changing the system for you and your family.

Who We Are

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is one of 56 Councils nationwide that are guided by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.

What We Do

We bring together community partners to address critical issues, provide leadership, training, and advocate for equitable policies, programs, and practices on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Get Involved

Apply to serve as a Governor-appointed Council member, join a committee or coalition, participate in advocacy events, and connect with us on social media. Together we can make a difference!

The DDC advocates for equitable policies, programs, and practices that benefit all people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Join the DDC and make a difference.

The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council has 27 Governor-appointed members who are people with developmental disabilities, family members of people with developmental disabilities, state agency representatives, and other community partners. If you are interested in joining the DDC, we encourage you to learn more.

Our Council meetings are open to the public.

We invite you to join our quarterly meetings. View the Full Meeting Schedule and past meeting information here.

Council Activities

The DDC brings together community partners to address critical issues, provides leadership and advocacy training, and advocates for equitable policies, programs, and practices. Learn more about the activities the Council leads.

Learn More

January 2025 Quarterly Council Meeting

• January 15th – 10 am to 11:30 am- In person Advocacy Days at United Churches in Olympia, WA

• January 16th – 9 am to 4 pm – Full Council meeting at the DoubleTree in Olympia, WA with Committees from 3 pm- 4 pm

• April 17th – 10 am - 1 pm - In person tour of Rainier School in Buckley, WA

The January 16th full Council meeting is hybrid. Join using the Zoom link below or in person at the DoubleTree in Olympia, WA located at:

415 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501

Learn More

Our Five-Year State Plan

The DDC is required to create a 5-Year State Plan to address the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Our State Plan helps guide our daily work, ensure we are addressing the most important priorities of the developmental disabilities community, and hold ourselves accountable to specific goals and objectives.

Public Policy

2025 DDC Legislative Priorities

October 25, 2024

Discover how the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is shaping a more inclusive future for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its 2025 Legislative Priorities focused on equitable access, workforce solutions, and the protection of civil rights.

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Council News

Walla Walla Community College Transition Fair, October 16th, 2024

October 11, 2024

Come join the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) in a discussion about supports and services young adults need to be independent. The DDC will host a breakout room discussion with fair participants to discuss important topics for students preparing to leave the education systems. Learn about groups focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities in Washington State, including the DDC, and share your ideas for what would be helpful as you transition from school to adult life.

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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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