The Bridge Forward Event resulted in important learning, idea sharing, and recommendations to make the WA service system better.
Ultimately, attendees of the event envisioned a service system for people with IDD and BH support needs that is
- Accessible: people get all of the services they need
- Quality: services help people live the lives they want
- Equitable: people who usually have a harder time getting services have extra support in place to get the services they need
- Responsive: services are created and delivered based on the needs of people who use them
- Sustainable: people who use IDD and BH services do not worry that they will lose their services or that they will go away
To continue to make the Bridge Forward Event impactful, several reports were developed to help people understand the issues that people with IDD and BH face and potential solutions to improve the IDD and BH support systems. Reports are helpful whether you attended the event. They can help you know what is important to advocate for or educate legislators and systems leaders about systems changes needed.
Final Report
Bridge Forward Event Report
Get the full picture of the needs of people with IDD and BH, along with Washington’s system challenges and solutions, in the Bridge Forward Event Report. It highlights what was learned, discussed, and recommended at the event.
Final Event ReportFinal Report Video Overview
You can watch or listen to an overview of the final report in a video that highlights the key findings and recommendations. The video is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, Tagalog, ASL, and with CART transcription for accessibility.
Video Overview of ReportFinal Report Presentation Slides
Follow along with the presentation by accessing the final report slides. A second version of the slides is also available with additional text that explains the challenges, ideas, and recommendations in more detail.
Final Report SlidesResearch Report on IDD and BH Support Needs
For a deeper understanding of the issues faced by people with IDD and BH support needs in Washington, read Enhancing Services for People with Co-Occurring Support Needs in Washington State. This research report from NLCDD shares both state and national information about needs, promising practices, and opportunities for improving IDD and BH supports.
Read the Research ReportBridge Forward Event Infographic
For an accessible overview of the challenges, ideas, and recommendations to improve the IDD and BH systems in Washington, view the Bridge Forward Event Infographic. It is designed to share key information in a clear and visual format.
